Category Archives: News

Zomato’s New Women’s Riding Center in Mumbai Aims to Improve Access and Opportunities for Female Riders

Mumbai, Thursday, March 10th, 2025:

• On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, I.A.S., Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), inaugurated Zomato’s first ‘Women’s Riding Center’ in Mumbai.
• These centers aim to enhance women’s mobility and access to livelihood opportunities.
• Zomato will facilitate these trainings through physical centers in various cities, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
• This initiative is part of Zomato’s livelihood program for women, aimed at breaking gender barriers and empowering them by providing the skills and opportunities necessary to succeed in the logistics sector. The goal is to facilitate training for 10,000 women for roles within Zomato-affiliated companies.

SocProS 2025 Concludes Successfully at IIT Roorkee, Paving the Path for AI-Driven Viksit Bharat

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – March 10, 2025: The Department of Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Saharanpur Campus, IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with Liverpool Hope University, UK, successfully organized the 13th International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2025) . Themed “Artificial Intelligence for Viksit Bharat,” the conference provided a platform for leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals to deliberate on advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Soft Computing, and Optimization.

The 13th International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2025) featured an esteemed lineup of distinguished plenary speakers, including Prof. Andries Engelbrecht from Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Prof. Christian Blum from the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Spain; Prof. RNDr. Vaclav Snasel, Rector of VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Prof. David L. Blunck from Oregon State University, USA; and Prof. Xin Yao from the School of Data Science, Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Additionally, the conference hosted renowned invited speakers such as Prof. Ritu Gupta from Curtin University, Australia; Prof. Ajit Kumar Verma from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway; and Prof. Ritu Shandilya from Mount Mercy University, USA, who shared their insights on AI applications and computational intelligence.

The conference featured 170 research presentations, with selected papers recommended for publication by Springer. Experts discussed various AI advancements, including how neural networks can continuously learn and improve without forgetting past knowledge. They explored search trajectory visualization in metaheuristics, which helps AI find the best possible solutions efficiently by visualizing its decision-making path. Trustworthy AI was another key topic, focusing on making AI systems more reliable and ethical. Discussions also covered AI-driven sports analytics, where AI is used to analyze player performance and strategy, and computational intelligence in software development, which helps create smarter, more efficient software. Additionally, researchers highlighted AI-enabled digital health systems that use AI to improve medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

The inaugural session featured Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST , as the Chief Guest, and Shri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Ayog, Uttarakhand , as the Guest of Honor, who delivered insightful addresses on the transformative potential of AI. Prof. AK Sharma, Dean of Faculty Affairs, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, extended their best wishes for the success of the conference. Prof. Pant said , “ At IIT Roorkee, we are dedicated to fostering innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing. SocProS 2025 has brought together global experts to explore AI’s transformative role across industries, reinforcing our commitment to technological progress and a self-reliant India. We look forward to expanding our research collaborations to drive impactful AI solutions.”

The event concluded with a prize distribution and valedictory function, where Shri DK Bansal, Director, Bansal Technocrat Pvt. Ltd., presented awards to outstanding researchers. The Best Paper Award was shared by Mohit Jagwani & Sivakumar Rajagopal from VIT Vellore and Vanshika Pundir, Palak Bhandari & Vidit Kumar from Graphic Era University. The Best Student paper was awarded to Chitra Jain, Aryan Kaushik, Abhishek Saini, Maitri Vashistha, Kamal Kumar Gola from COER University, Roorkee. Best Application Paper Award was given to Vedant Deshmukh, Yash Vaskar, Ujwala Bharambe, from University of Mumbai and Dr. Pushkar Ingle from Fortis Hospital. The Kusum Deep Best PhD Thesis Award was awarded to Jeena Thomas from IIIT Kottayam.

British Lingua Observes International Women’s Day: Advocates Education and Language as Pillars of Women’s Empowerment

New Delhi, 8th March 2025:On International Women’s Day 2025, British Lingua, a globally recognized institute for English communication skills, organized a seminar titled “Empowering Women Through Education and Language: A Path to Social Justice.” The event, led by Dr. Birbal Jha, a distinguished educationist and social reformer, Founder of British Lingua, served as a platform to highlight the vital role of women in society and the pressing need for gender equality through education and linguistic empowerment.

In his address, Dr. Birbal Jha, emphasized women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of societal progress, stating:
“8th March is not just a day of celebration but a moment of reflection and commitment to gender equality. Women are the backbone of society, and their empowerment defines the progress of a nation. A woman is not only the foundation of a family but also the architect of society. Empowering her means empowering the world.”

Education: The Key to Empowerment
The seminar focused on education as the primary driver of women’s empowerment. Dr. Jha reiterated that education is the catalyst for breaking barriers and enabling women to reach their full potential.

“An educated girl does not just uplift herself but raises entire generations. When you educate a girl, you educate a society. When you empower a woman, you empower a civilization,” emphasized Dr Birbal Jha, an English litterateur of international repute for literary skills and English skills training in India.

Women: The Pillars of Progress
Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in shaping civilizations, economies, and social structures. Their contributions to family, society, and professional fields are unparalleled. Yet, despite their significance, women worldwide continue to face discrimination and inequality.

“Women’s empowerment is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right. A nation’s true progress is measured by the dignity and opportunities it provides to its women. A society that uplifts its women is a society that thrives.”, added Dr Birbal Jha, known as the Youngest Living Legend of Mithila.

Breaking Stereotypes and Creating Opportunities
Dr Birbal Jha held that for centuries, societal norms have restricted women’s ambitions. However, history has proven that when given equal opportunities, women excel in every field—be it politics, business, science, or the arts.

“A girl’s dreams should not be confined by outdated traditions. Give her wings, not shackles,” remarked Dr. Birbal Jha, a globally recognized litterateur and author.
Dr Jha further added, “To create a truly inclusive and progressive society, we must collectively remove barriers hindering women’s growth. This includes addressing workplace discrimination, wage gaps, and the lack of leadership opportunities. Women are not meant to be confined—they are meant to shine.”

Respect for Women: A Foundation for Progress
Highlighting the importance of respect for women, Dr. Jha stated, “A society that does not respect its women is destined to struggle. Women must be treated with dignity, and their voices must be heard in every sphere of life. Respect for women is not just a virtue; it is the foundation of a just and progressive world.“

“Ensuring women’s respect and equal participation in society is not the responsibility of one individual alone. It is a collective duty—one that falls on governments, organizations, and individuals alike,” Dr Birbal averred.

Dr. Jha firmly believes that women have consistently demonstrated intelligence, resilience, and leadership skills in driving meaningful change. Their unique perspectives bring balance and harmony to leadership roles.

“Every woman is a leader—whether at home, in the workplace, or in society. It is time to recognize, respect, and celebrate their contributions. The world needs more women in leadership, decision-making, and positions of influence,” concluded Dr. Birbal Jha, a social advocate and crusader.

The seminar reaffirmed that education and language proficiency are critical tools in bridging the gender gap and fostering a more equitable society. British Lingua remains committed to empowering women through education and language skills, ensuring they can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.

Mission DDLJ: Girnar Foundation Spreads Love and Happiness with Heartwarming Campaign

Gurugram, 8th March 2025 – Girnar Foundation, the CSR arm of CarDekho Group, launched ‘Mission DDLJ’ (Donate & Deliver Love & Joy) to spread kindness and strengthen community bonds in Jaipur and Gurugram. Throughout February, the initiative impacted over 1,000 children and senior citizens through thoughtfully curated programs designed to create meaningful change.

Girnar Foundation organized a series of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and spreading joy within the community. The ‘Gift a Smile’ initiative was launched to fulfill the aspirations of school children by addressing their essential needs. Wish boxes were placed at Bambala Government School (Jaipur) and Dream Girl NGO (Gurugram), allowing students to submit handwritten requests for learning aids and recreational items such as geometry sets and upskilling board games. These wishes were fulfilled with an aim to bring happiness and motivation to the young children.

We also shared a meal together through our ‘Love in a Meal’ program, serving warmth on a plate and fostering a sense of togetherness by providing freshly prepared, nutritious meals to hundreds of children and senior citizens at Prem Niketan Ashram (Jaipur) and Dream Girl NGO (Gurugram). This initiative contributed to nourishment and also created moments of warmth and connection, reinforcing the joy of sharing a meal as a community. The campaign concluded with ‘Shaam-e-Khaas’, a heartfelt musical evening and dinner at Prem Niketan Ashram, offering senior citizens a warm and memorable experience filled with music, laughter, and a shared sense of community.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Pihu Jain, Head of Girnar Foundation, commented, “Mission DDLJ is our heartfelt effort to spread love, warmth, and a sense of belonging. Our goal was to bring moments of joy to those who need it most, and February, the month of love, was the perfect time to do so. At Girnar Foundation, we strive to build a more inclusive society by driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. Small acts—whether fulfilling a child’s wish or sharing a warm meal—can create impact, strengthening the bonds within our communities.”

The Foundation aims uplifting communities—especially children, women, and marginalized groups—by equipping them with the resources to build a brighter future. Through meaningful initiatives and innovative approaches, Girnar Foundation continues to strive to create lasting social impact.

How 5% Weight Loss Can Transform 30s Fertility in Overweight Women

By-Dr. Zareena A Khalid, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology- Aster Medcity-Kochi

Times are changing. Women marrying as early as their 20s is no longer the norm. They are steadfast, work, earn, and achieve. Bearing children can stay on the back burner, but it’s crucial to understand the basic reproductive issues they may face. For women planning a pregnancy later in life, knowledge is power.

Preparing for Pregnancy in mid-30’s : What Check-Ups Are Essential?

A 34-year-old woman planning her first pregnancy should begin with a comprehensive health check-up. This includes assessing blood pressure, diabetes risk, and thyroid function. Crucially, reproductive health needs evaluation. This involves checking for regular menstrual cycles. If irregularities exist, hormone tests and ultrasounds can detect conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, and fibroids. Given her age, an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is advisable. It provides insight into her ovarian reserve, particularly if she plans to delay pregnancy further.

Common Reproductive Health Challenges Women Face Today

Infertility is a prominent reproductive health concern, defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying. With couples marrying later, often between 30 and 35, the timeline for seeking fertility advice has shortened to six months. Even couples marrying in their mid-20s frequently delay childbearing, which can be problematic in conditions like endometriosis. Recurrent miscarriages are another growing concern.

Lifestyle’s Impact on Fertility: The PCOS Example

Lifestyle significantly affects reproductive health, notably in PCOS. This condition is often linked to excess weight and inactivity. The modern lifestyle, with its reliance on processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary work habits, exacerbates this. The good news? Losing just 5% of body weight can regulate periods and improve fertility in women with PCOS.

Recognizing Early Signs of Reproductive Issues

The most apparent sign of a reproductive problem is the inability to conceive after a year of trying (or six months for older couples). Other indicators include irregular periods, symptoms of PCOS, and endometriosis. Male factor infertility, indicated by low or poor-quality sperm, should also be considered.

Reproductive Health Check-Ups: When Are They Necessary?

Routine reproductive health check-ups aren’t typically needed. However, if conception doesn’t occur within a year (or six months for older couples), a thorough evaluation is essential.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Reproductive Health

A healthy diet plays a key role in maintaining reproductive health. Focus on reducing carbohydrates and fats, avoiding junk food, and incorporating plenty of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Exercise is equally important, and it’s safe to continue most forms of exercise even while trying to conceive.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Stress, partners living apart due to work, and obesity are major contributors to infertility. PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, obesity, stress, and declining ovarian reserve due to age also play significant roles. Rarer causes include uterine and ovarian tumors, and fallopian tube blockages. Male factor infertility, along with unhealthy food habits and lifestyles, further complicates the issue.

Natural Ways to Enhance Fertility

Improving fertility naturally involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stress reduction, and regular sexual intercourse. Pre-pregnancy intake of folic acid is also recommended.

Advances in Infertility Treatments: The Rise of IVF and Egg Freezing

Medical advancements, particularly in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), have transformed infertility treatment. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) addresses male factor infertility, even in cases of very low sperm counts. Egg and sperm preservation are now common. Egg freezing allows women to postpone pregnancy due to age or lack of a partner, and it’s also crucial for cancer patients undergoing treatments that may affect fertility. Similarly, sperm preservation is available for men facing cancer treatments. These advancements offer hope and flexibility for individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges.

Women’s Day Quote from Xebia’s India Head, Glory Nelson

By-Glory Nelson, India Head, Xebia

“True inclusion goes beyond hiring women. It is about ensuring they thrive at every career stage. At Xebia, we’re building workplaces where women don’t just join but lead, innovate, and shape the future of technology.

Our commitment is to break the barriers to growth, from opening leadership pathways to supporting returning professionals, especially mothers, with flexibility and opportunity. Through initiatives like ‘Empowered Xebians,’ we elevate women’s voices and equip them to succeed—whether they’re starting out, advancing, or restarting.

This isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about results: empowered women drive stronger teams, bolder ideas, and faster growth. As leaders, we’re here to clear the path, amplify talent, and ensure every woman has the tools to lead with confidence. Xebia isn’t just opening doors. We are empowering women to redefine what’s beyond them.”

Women’s Day Scholarship by Simandhar Education Aims to Support the Next Generation of Female Leaders

March 8, 2025: In an effort to promote greater gender diversity in the finance and accounting sectors, Simandhar Education has announced the Women’s Day Scholarship Program. Open to women across India, this initiative provides financial assistance for globally recognized certifications such as CPA, CMA, CIA, and EA.

The scholarship program, running from March 6 to March 31, 2025, offers a ₹30,000 reduction on the CPA (2-year plan) and ₹15,000 off on CMA, EA, and CIA programs. Candidates must register and achieve a minimum score of 70% on an online scholarship test to qualify. The test assesses accounting knowledge, finance aptitude, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning.

Poonam Jain, Co-Founder of Simandhar Education, added: “Having worked in the finance sector, I understand the challenges women face in advancing their careers. Education and certifications play a crucial role in overcoming these barriers. This scholarship program is a step toward providing women with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in leadership roles.”

“Women make up a significant portion of the workforce in finance and accounting, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Financial barriers often stand in the way of pursuing advanced certifications, limiting career growth,” said Shruti, Vice President of Simandhar Education, echoing the experiences of many women in the industry. “With this scholarship program, we aim to bridge that gap by making high-value professional credentials more accessible. By supporting women in obtaining these certifications, we hope to empower more of them to advance in their careers and step into leadership positions.”

This marks the first time Simandhar Education has introduced a dedicated scholarship initiative for women. The organization aims to support aspiring finance professionals and looks forward to the impact this program will have in fostering a more inclusive industry.

Finance Education for Women Sees Major Shift as 40% of Female Enrollees Are Now Working Professionals, Says Zell Education

A study conducted by Zell Education highlights a significant rise in women pursuing professional finance courses, with Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) emerging as the most preferred programs. The study reveals a 5% year-on-year increase in women’s enrollment, signaling a growing shift toward gender inclusivity in finance education.

According to the findings, women now account for 35% of total finance course enrollments, compared to 65% male participation. While enrollment has remained consistent throughout the year, the report underscores a rising interest in structured finance education, particularly in Investment Banking. Additionally, 40% of female enrollees are working professionals, while 60% are fresh graduates, indicating that both new and experienced professionals see value in upskilling within finance.

The study also highlights a geographical shift in women’s participation, with most enrollments still coming from metro cities. However, there has been a noticeable rise in sign-ups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, pointing toward increasing accessibility and awareness of finance careers in smaller towns.

Speaking on the report, Pratham Barot, CEO & Co- Founder, Zell Education said, “The steady rise in women’s enrollment in CFA and CMA programs is an encouraging trend. It not only reflects their growing interest in finance careers but also signals a shift toward a more diverse financial workforce. We anticipate even greater participation from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in the coming years, particularly in short-term certification programs that allow professionals to enhance their skills while working.”

With finance emerging as a high-potential career path, Zell Education’s study predicts continued growth in female enrollments, particularly in Investment Banking, Financial Planning, and Fintech. As organizations emphasize gender diversity in leadership roles, professional finance education is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce.

Celebrate World Kidney Day 2025: NephroPlus Rolls Out Free Health Screenings Across India

NephroPlus, Asia’s Largest Dialysis Care Network has commenced a large-scale kidney screening campaign across 20+ cities in India and select international locations on the occasion of World Kidney Day on March 13th, 2025. The campaign, under the theme, ‘Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early and Protect Kidney Health’, aims to raise awareness about preventing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Free screening camps will take place from March 6th to March 8th, 2025, between 9 AM and 6 PM in various cities in India including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Haldwani, Ranchi, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry, Dehradun, Nagpur, Vadodara, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Patna, Lucknow, Darbhanga, Motihari, Sasaram, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Mahbubnagar, Hisar, Panchkula and in select clinics in Nepal, Philippines and Uzbekistan.

This initiative focuses on early identification and prevention of CKD, particularly for individuals at risk due to factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and unhealthy lifestyle choices like tobacco use. In addition to the screenings, NephroPlus will conduct a comprehensive research study utilizing data gathered during the three-day event. The study will analyze key aspects such as the prevalence of elevated creatinine levels, the effects of diabetes and hypertension, regional health patterns, gender-related kidney insights, and the impact of smoking on kidney health. These findings will contribute to a groundbreaking global white paper on CKD prevention, offering critical insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers worldwide.

“We believe early detection is the key to reducing the rapidly growing future burden of kidney disease,” stated Vikram Vuppala, CEO and Founder of NephroPlus. “Prevention is the only feasible path forward. Through this campaign, we aim to equip individuals with vital health information and foster a proactive approach to kidney care. Our research findings will provide essential data to drive national and international efforts in raising CKD awareness and focusing on its prevention.”

By highlighting the importance of early detection, NephroPlus aims to drive policy changes and encourage regular kidney health evaluations. The research findings from this initiative will contribute to the first global white paper on CKD prevention, equipping healthcare professionals and policymakers with critical data to shape future public health strategies.

Krisumi Corporation Unveils Exclusive Culinary Experience with Legendary Chef Yoshinori Mizutani at Gurugram Clubhouse

New Delhi, March 07 2025: Krisumi Corporation, a trailblazer in luxury real estate, is proud to announce a landmark moment in its journey of delivering world-class living experiences. The company’s flagship development, Waterfall Residences, has officially received its Occupancy Certificate (OC), marking a new chapter of excellence. Adding to the celebrations, the iconic 36,000 sq. ft. ‘The Clubhouse’ will now host globally acclaimed Japanese Chef Yoshinori Mizutani, renowned for his mastery in crafting authentic culinary experiences that transcend boundaries.

Chef Mizutani, a recipient of the prestigious “Excellent Chef de Cuisine” award from the Japanese government, brings a legacy of culinary excellence honed across luxury destinations in Beijing, Cairo, Singapore, Mauritius, Indonesia, and India. Known for his artistry and unwavering dedication to Japanese traditions, Chef Mizutani will introduce an exquisite fine-dining experience, redefining luxury lifestyle offerings at The Clubhouse, Waterfall Residences.

“This is a proud moment for Krisumi as we realize our vision of blending Japanese precision with global expertise and Indian warmth,” said Mr. Ashok Kapur, Chairman, Krisumi Corporation and Krishna Group. “The OC for Waterfall Residences is a testament to our commitment to quality and timely delivery. With Chef Mizutani leading our culinary initiatives, The Clubhouse at Waterfall Residences becomes a destination for discerning individuals who seek extraordinary experiences.”

Spanning an expansive 36,000 square feet, The Clubhouse at Waterfall Residences is a sanctuary of sophistication, designed to offer an unmatched lifestyle. Highlights include a Business Center, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a Mini Theater, and dedicated spaces for Yoga, Zumba, and HIIT, seamlessly blending leisure and luxury.

Mr. Akash Khurana, President & CEO, Krisumi Corporation, stated, “The Clubhouse embodies our vision of delivering experiences that are second to none. The addition of Chef Mizutani further elevates our offerings, making Krisumi City a global destination for refined living.”

Waterfall Residences, the first phase of the ambitious Krisumi City, comprises 433 meticulously designed apartments that integrate Japanese aesthetics with modern functionality. With the OC in hand, residents can now experience Krisumi’s unique promise of a lifestyle that combines architectural elegance with exceptional service.

Mr. Yuji Kato, Director & Co-CEO, Krisumi Corporation, added, “The OC is more than a milestone—it’s a commitment fulfilled. By welcoming Chef Mizutani, we are not just building homes but creating a holistic ecosystem that reflects the Japanese ethos of quality and craftsmanship.”