Category Archives: News

Kota Cares Initiative Flourishes as 10,000 Auto Rickshaw Drivers Join After 4,000 Hostel Owners Introduce Student-Focused Policies

National, March 05th, 2025: In a significant expansion of the pioneering ‘Kota Cares’ initiative, auto rickshaw unions of Kota representing over 10,000 drivers have united to introduce reforms to transportation services for students, further cementing the education hub’s transformation into a model city for student welfare. The announcement comes just weeks after 4,000 hostel owners came together under ‘Kota Cares’ to introduce multiple student-friendly measures, including the elimination of security deposits. Three Auto rickshaw unions presented their proposal to district administration with the help of Kota student’s welfare society.

These unions, representing over 10,000 drivers across the student capital, have committed to a standardized fare structure, behavioural training programs, and enhanced support systems designed specifically for the city’s 1.25 students. The initiative marks the first time in Kota’s history that comprehensive transportation guidelines have been collectively established and displayed on all auto rickshaws operating in the city.

“Transportation is the lifeline of our city and often the first experience students have when arriving in Kota,” said Additional District Collector Anil Singhal, who presided over the meeting where the unions presented their proposals. “When auto drivers charge fair rates and provide good service, it creates a positive impression of our entire city. This unprecedented collaboration demonstrates our commitment to extending the Kota Cares philosophy to every aspect of student life.”

The reforms include several first-of-its-kind measures:

Standardized Fare Structure

• Fixed maximum fare of Rs. 20 per kilometer across all auto rickshaws
• Minimum fare of Rs. 30 for journeys up to one kilometer
• Standardized waiting charges of Rs. 50 per hour
• No additional charges on examination days or for student luggage

Safety and Support Measures

• Mandatory gatekeeper and behavioral training for all auto drivers
• Special focus on women auto drivers providing safe transportation for female students
• Protocol for reporting suspicious activities or student distress situations
• Continuation of emergency medical transportation services

Transparency Initiatives

• Fare charts and student guidelines to be prominently displayed in all 10,000 auto rickshaws with the help of Kota student’s welfare society.
• Information displays at coaching institutes about transportation guidelines
• Clear protocols for passenger belongings and emergency assistance

“We were inspired by what the hostel associations achieved under Kota Cares,” said Bhupendra Saxena, President of Kota Auto Driver Union. “As the first point of contact for most students arriving in our city, we recognize our crucial role in shaping their Kota experience. These self-imposed guidelines reflect our commitment to treating these young aspirants like our own children.”

The auto unions’ representatives, including Deepak Tiwari, President of Hadoti Auto Rickshaw Hitkari Seva Samiti, and Mohammad Shakeel, President of Janseva Autorickshaw Union, collaborated on the proposal, demonstrating unprecedented unity across the transportation sector.

Deputy Superintendent of Traffic Police Ashok Kumar Meena praised the initiative, noting: “Auto rickshaws provide 24-hour service in our city, making them essential to student safety and mobility. This proactive approach by the unions will address multiple challenges at once, and the traffic police stand ready to support both students and drivers in implementing these changes.”

Danfoss Power Solutions Marks Milestone with Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Pune Campus

PUNE, 5th March 2025, India – Danfoss Power Solutions, a leading global supplier of mobile and industrial hydraulics as well as electric powertrain systems, today broke ground on a seven acres greenfield plant in Talegaon, Pune, marking a significant milestone in its expansion journey in India. This over INR 1,000 crores strategic investment will more than double Danfoss Power Solutions’ manufacturing footprint in India while helping the company meet its sustainability targets.

Danfoss Group has steadily expanded its manufacturing and research and development capabilities in India, playing a significant role in the country’s industrial growth. The Talegaon campus is Danfoss’ seventh manufacturing facility in India, highlighting the company’s continued local investments. Danfoss has additional manufacturing facilities in Chennai, Mumbai, Vadodara, Bengaluru, and two in Pune.

Situated on a 44 acres plot of land, the Talegaon campus will enable Danfoss to:

• Enhance production capacity for existing Danfoss Power Solutions product lines, such as pumps, motors, cylinders, and valves.
• Introduce new product lines to meet growing customer demand.
• Drive sustainability initiatives, contributing to Danfoss’ commitment to decarbonize global operations by 2030.
• Establish an ADC to drive collaborative engineering with local customers, enabling faster research and development cycles.

“Our new state-of-the-art facility in Pune will enable us to better support local customers by enhancing our production capabilities and delivering sustainable solutions,” said Daniel Winter, President, Danfoss Power Solutions. “India is poised for tremendous industrial growth, and our investment will increase Danfoss’ capacity to support such growth. This new facility represents our commitment to India and to providing localized, high-quality solutions that help our customers succeed in a rapidly evolving market.”

As part of Danfoss’ long-term investment strategy in India, the Talegaon facility will strengthen Danfoss’ ability to develop and manufacture in India for India and global markets, positioning the company as a trusted partner to the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The strategic location of this campus ensures faster response times, improved supply chain efficiencies, and enhanced service for customers.

“India is a key growth market for Danfoss, and our investment in Talegaon reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s evolving manufacturing ecosystem,” said Torben Christensen, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Global Services, Danfoss. “This facility will not only expand our production footprint but also reinforce our focus on sustainability and innovation.”

As Danfoss India continues to scale its operations, it remains dedicated to delivering sustainable, customer-centric solutions that drive value for industries and communities. This expansion further strengthens Danfoss’ role as a key enabler in India’s manufacturing and technological transformation, solidifying its position as a trusted global partner in innovation and sustainability.

AI, Supply Chain Risks, and Regulatory Pressures Lead the Cybersecurity Agenda in 2025

Bangalore, 5 March 2025 – 2025 is a critical year for the cybersecurity industry, marked by a rise in AI-powered threats, AI skills shortages, and an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. With major breaches and new regulations like the NIS2 Directive and the EU Artificial Intelligence Act reshaping the industry, organizations must be proactive in adapting to emerging challenges.

 ISACA, a global professional association championing the digital trust workforce, has identified five key trends that will dominate cybersecurity in 2025:
1. AI-Powered Threats: Attackers will leverage AI to craft highly sophisticated cyber threats, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish malicious activity from legitimate behavior. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, will be vulnerable to AI-driven cyberattacks.
2. Tight Job Market: ISACA’s recent State of Cybersecurity survey report found that cybersecurity hiring has slowed. This makes it even more imperative that cyber-related professionals take ownership of their career and pursue professional development opportunities that align with their goals – whether it be increasing their knowledge, gaining skills in areas such as AI or pursuing a new credential—like the new Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (CCOA).
3. Increased Regulatory Requirements: As regulations like the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) take effect, organizations will face greater compliance pressures, especially in industries such as finance. The evolving regulatory environment will require companies stay informed, be agile, and not succumb to a checklist mentality.
4. Complex Geopolitical Landscape—As adversaries leverage AI and misinformation, supply chain security concerns persist, and nation state attacks continue to rise, cybersecurity professionals are increasingly under pressure to deal with these external factors while facing internal constraints – notably increased regulatory requirements and fewer resources.
5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The reliance on third-party vendors amplifies risk. Organizations must increase the resilience of supply chains and align with partners who adhere to strong security practices to minimize the likelihood of cascading cyber incidents.

 “2025 will bring both significant challenges and transformative opportunities for cybersecurity professionals,” says Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA Chief Global Strategy Officer. “Organizations must embrace agility, make sound investments both in cybersecurity talent and solutions, and leverage emerging technologies towards innovating.”

  To help cybersecurity professionals navigate the shifting landscape, ISACA offers expert insights in the latest ISACA Now blog posts from Niel Harper and Megan Hall, covering AI’s impact on cybersecurity and strategies for strengthening digital defenses. Additionally, the association offers AI training and globally recognized information security credentials, including the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and CCOA.

Inspecting Dams: How Satellites and Drones Help Avoid Catastrophes

A dam’s surface might appear calm and unyielding. But looks can be deceiving.

That’s why governments around the world require dams to be inspected periodically. It’s a complex process that looks for tiny shifts in the earth around the dam, the appearance of hairline cracks or other evidence that the structure is under stress.

Many of the world’s 70,000 dams, however, are located in remote areas that make regular inspections difficult.

That’s why, increasingly, the data for dam inspections is being captured from the sky, where drones and satellites keep a watchful eye.

“Drones and satellites have revolutionized dam inspection by providing access to previously unreachable areas and offering new, more affordable ways to monitor the entire structure,” said Raul Colcher, IEEE Life Senior Member.

Emerging Threats to Dams

While rare, dams do occasionally fail. The International Commission on Large Dams, which tracks the largest dams in the world, said that about 300 of the 36,000 dams in its database have ever failed. These incidents have caused major loss of life and property damage. The commission points out that though the failure rate has historically stood at around 1%, the rate has dropped dramatically in recent years.

“Generally speaking, the main causes are natural — like erosion, extreme weather or seismic activity, and human factors —bad projects, execution errors, inadequate maintenance and aging,” Colcher said.

Some experts see climate change as emerging threats to dams, because it increases the likelihood of massive rain events.

“Climate change is resulting in increased water behind dams, which in turn results in increased pressure on the structure,” said IEEE Senior Member Paul Kostek. “This highlights the need for increased inspections and the use of technology to expand the reach of inspectors.”

Emergence of SAR
In recent years, the most valuable satellite-based inspection tool has emerged: SAR, or synthetic aperture radar. This tool uses microwave pulses to map the ground, collecting the reflection of those pulses as they are bounced back from Earth. One advantage of SAR technology is that it can peer through clouds as it creates highly detailed three-dimensional models of objects on Earth.

Over the years, a number of SAR satellites have been launched, and these satellites take continuous measurements of the planet. One constellation of SAR satellites passes over the same location on Earth once every 12 days. That continuous measurement has led to another capability, known as InSAR or Inferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, which compares two SAR images to detect tiny changes, as small as one millimeter, in a dam’s surface, from space.

SAR systems can also be mounted on drones, Kostek said, allowing for other perspectives.

“Using unmanned aerial vehicles or satellites allows inspections to be done without travel and when needed, prioritizing those dams that need a visit,” Kostek said.

WeSchool Set to Host ACBSP Region 10 Conference 2025, Advancing Business Education

Hyderabad, 5th March, 2025– Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, (PGDM), WeSchool, proudly hosted the ACBSP Region 10 Conference 2025, a premier global platform fostering thought leadership, academic excellence, and industry collaboration. Centered around the theme “Bridges Across Borders: Collaborative Strategies for Academic and Professional Success”, the conference facilitated insightful and enriching discussions on the future of business education, cross-border partnerships, and the transformative role of research and innovation. The conference was jointly organised by WeSchool, Mumbai & Bengaluru campuses, under the aegis of their governing trust – SP Mandali, a renowned educational trust.

 With over 300 registrations of individual authors comprising academicians research scholars and students, the two-day conference brought together participants from several South Asian countries and showcased around 150 research papers and entrepreneurial ideas under ‘Best of Region’ and ‘Student Showcase’, and business pitches under ‘School of Thought’. This significant engagement reinforced WeSchool’s commitment to a research-driven academic culture and global knowledge exchange.

 The Region 10 winners of these competitions will be eligible an at the ACBSP Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, competing against participants from 11 ACBSP regions worldwide.

 Dr. Venugopal Reddy, IAS Officer, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra an esteemed Chief Guest for the valedictory function, lauded the impact of ACBSP, expressing gratitude to WeSchool for organizing such a meaningful program: “My heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Uday Salunkhe for hosting this outstanding event that highlights the benefits of participating with ACBSP. It’s truly a great opportunity for educational institutions.”

 Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Chair-Elect, ACBSP Region 10 & Group Director, WeSchool, emphasized the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence: “The theme of this conference is highly relevant in today’s evolving world. At Prin. L.N Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (PGDM), our brand identity as ‘WeSchool’ reflects our core belief in interdependence, co- creation, and togetherness. Over the past 22 years, we have grown rapidly, working with multiple global partners to shape future-ready leaders. ACBSP plays a crucial role in raising academic standards and empowering students with the skills needed for success. Our journey has been fueled by collective belief and collaboration, and we remain committed to fostering innovation, excellence, and inclusive growth.”

 Mr. Jeffrey Alderman, President & CEO, ACBSP, USA, highlighted the significance of collaboration: “It is a privilege to be in India, where the spirit of limitless possibilities thrives. Indians have always embraced me as part of their family, and that is the ‘We’ of WeSchool, which has organized this wonderful event. At ACBSP, we believe true progress comes from collaboration, and this summit—Bridges Across Borders: Collaborative Strategies for Academic and Professional Success—embodies that vision. More than a gathering, it is a bridge connecting institutions and thought leaders with a shared mission: empowering students, driving innovation, and shaping a future without borders. Opportunities like this are rare. When institutions unite with a common purpose, we don’t just exchange ideas—we build pathways for success, fostering a global community dedicated to lifelong learning and transformation.”

 Dr. Uttara Sok, Chair of ACBSP Region 10 & Vice President for Internal Quality Assurance and Internal Audit (IQA-IA), CamEd Business School, Cambodia, commended WeSchool’s commitment to collaboration: “WeSchool truly embodies the spirit of ‘We’— fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth. With a strong commitment, we return to India in 2025, this time to Mumbai—a vibrant cultural hub and a fitting location for this gathering. As technology, particularly AI, rapidly transforms education, the need for collaboration has never been greater. This evolution enhances learning, drives knowledge exchange, and unlocks new opportunities, contributing to collective growth. This event serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration, recognizing talent and contributions while fostering excellence through competitions and more. Together, we shape the future of education in an interconnected world.”

 Advocate Shri S. K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali, Pune (the governing trust of WeSchool), & Chairman – College Development Committee, WeSchool, Mumbai, emphasized the importance of adapting to change: “Change is the rule of nature. While practices from the 1970s may still hold relevance, they must evolve to suit today’s environment. Adapting to change comes with challenges, and conferences like this play a crucial role in driving that transformation. Business, trade, and academics must keep pace with industry needs, global practices, and emerging disruptions. Professors must equip students to lead in this dynamic landscape, balancing ethical values with innovation. With insights from industry stalwarts, the ACBSP conference at WeSchool provides the knowledge and strategies to navigate change and shape the future.”

Teach For India Announces Last Chance to Apply for 2025 Fellowship

Bengaluru, March 5th, 2025: Teach For India, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing educational equity, has announced the final deadline for its 2025 Fellowship. Aspiring fellows have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of children and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. The final deadline to apply is March 9, 2025.

The Teach For India Fellowship is a two-year, full-time, paid program that brings together individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Fellows are selected from more than 500 universities, colleges, and over 300 companies across the country. The Fellowship application process is very rigid, and receives applications from India’s brilliant and most promising individuals.

Once selected, fellows will teach full-time in affordable private schools or English-medium government schools, where they will focus on guiding students through the challenges of India’s inequities. The program also provides fellows with invaluable leadership training, focusing on emotional intelligence skills such as empathy, active listening, and relationship-building, which contribute to both personal and professional growth.

To date, over 670 fellow have joined the 2024 Cohort, united by a common goal: to build a more compassionate and equitable India through education. The fact that differentiates the Teach For India Fellowship is the unique opportunity to significantly reshape the education landscape and drive meaningful change.

Central Government Officials Empowered Through Rashtriya Karmayogi Seva-Bhav Training by MSDE

Mumbai, March 5, 2025 – In a significant step towards strengthening governance through capacity building, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) successfully conducted a training session today under the Rashtriya Karmayogi Seva-Bhav Program of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). This initiative is part of the government’s broader Mission Karmayogi framework, which aims to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of public service by instilling a deep sense of service, accountability, and collaboration among government officials.

During the session, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “Skilling is not just about individuals – it’s about empowering institutions, strengthening governance, and ensuring that every decision we take aligns with the larger goal of national development. This session reaffirmed our commitment to proactive leadership and transforming governance into a purpose-driven, people-first mission. I extend my gratitude to our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his vision of Mission Karmayogi, which is modernizing civil services and equipping officials with the right mindset and skills to drive India towards Viksit Bharat @2047.”

The National Karmayogi Seva-Bhav Program is designed as a large-scale intervention that focuses on shaping mindsets rather than merely imparting skills. The objective is to reinforce the spirit of Seva-Bhav among government employees, ensuring that their everyday responsibilities are aligned with the larger goal of citizen welfare. Under Phase – I of this initiative, Shri Pritam Dutta, Director, MSDE, was trained as a Master Trainer by CBC. The training session held today at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, was conducted under his leadership for nominated officers across the Ministry.

Through a structured and interactive format, the session engaged participants in reflective discussions, experience-sharing, and problem-solving exercises. The training was structured into four modules, each lasting 1.5 hours, and emphasized a collaborative approach to governance. By focusing on the real-world challenges faced by officials, the program encouraged participants to develop solutions that enhance public service delivery, improve inter-departmental coordination, and strengthen citizen engagement.

With today’s successful session, the Ministry has set the stage for continued engagement under this initiative. As the program unfolds in the coming months, it is expected to bring about a meaningful shift in the way government officials perceive their roles and responsibilities, ultimately leading to more effective, transparent, and accountable governance.

Aster Medcity Offers Free Treatment for Lymphatic Filariasis at Dedicated Health Camp

Kochi, 05-03-2025: As part of World Lymphedema Day, Aster Medcity’s Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery is organizing Lymphatic Filariasis treatment camp from this month 5th to 12th. The camp offers a 50% discount on doctor consultations, and a 30% discount on Lymphedema related procedures.

Arnesh Ghose Brings the Rich Tradition of Bengali Folk Music and Stories to Mumbai

Indiawide Release, 05 March 2025: To uphold the folk music roots of India, Arnesh Ghose, a multi-disciplinary artist, in collaboration with Mythopia, one of India’s leading organisations and authorities on Indian and world mythology, is bringing a memorable evening of Bengali folk music Baul to Mumbai. Celebrating the vivid colours of spring and the spirit of Holi, an evening filled with Bengali folk songs, and storytelling is awaiting on March 9th, 2025, at Mukti Manch in Versova.

India is a mosaic of cultures, and there have been many cultural legacies that remain underrepresented in the mainstream. Baul music is one of those untapped musical legacies that has inspired many who hailed from West Bengal, including the works of Rabindranath Tagore. The Baul songs are listed under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Through the Bombay Baul Project, Ghose is attempting to introduce folk music hailing from Bengal to a metropolitan, young audience, helping them to stay connected with India’s cultural heritage. Arnesh, a writer and storyteller, has also been a trained Hindustani Classical singer, along with receiving training in Rabindrasangeet. From an early age, due to his visits to Shantiniketan, where he first absorbed the melodies, writings, and teachings, Arnesh has taken interest in its philosophy and music. Through the Bombay Baul Project, he wants Bengal’s folk experience to be celebrated by a wider audience. He aims to spread the message embedded in the music’s philosophy that different faiths and philosophies often convey the same truths.

Baul culture, with its roots in history dating back several thousand years, is a harmonious confluence of various philosophies and progressive spiritual movements. These wandering minstrels, often called bauls, spread the message of the philosophy that is a vibrant mix of Sufism, Vaishnav, Buddhist, and Tantric traditions.

Their hymns celebrate the spirit of being a human, divine longing, and the quest for enlightenment, centred on the search for moner manush (inner man). Their music, accompanied by ektara (a one-stringed instrument) and khomok (hand drum), reveres gods merely as a path to enlightenment and not an end itself.

Simplifying Health Insurance Claims: Your Complete Guide to the Process

Navigating the health insurance claims process doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience while getting the support you need. Here’s a detailed, actionable guide to help you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of your health insurance policy. This article will give insights into pre-purchase and post-purchase stages, supported by the latest updates from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Setting the Foundation for a Smooth Claims Process

1. Know Your Policy Inside Out: Before purchasing a health insurance policy, familiarise yourself with coverage details, waiting periods for specific illnesses or pre-existing conditions (PEDs), and cost-related limits like room rent caps.
2. Additionally, review the IRDAI’s updated Customer Information Sheet (CIS) which provides a simplified, easy-to-read overview of these terms.
3. Check Claim Settlement Ratios and Co-Payment Details: Always review the claim settlement ratio of the insurer to assess their track record in settling claims. Understand co-payment clauses, where a portion of the claim amount needs to be paid by the policyholder, to avoid surprises during claims.
4. Look for No-Claim Bonus (NCB) Options: Opt for policies that offer a No-Claim Bonus, which rewards you with increased coverage for every claim-free year. This can be a valuable benefit when you don’t file a claim.
5. Room Rent Limits: Choose policies with higher or no room rent limits to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for room upgrades during hospital stays. Understanding these limits at the pre-purchase stage helps prevent unexpected costs.

  Ensuring a Smooth Claims Experience

1. Opt for Network Hospitals for Cashless Claims: Choosing a network hospital significantly eases the claims process by enabling cashless treatment, where the insurer directly settles bills with the hospital. For emergency hospitalisations, notify the insurer or Third-Party Administrator (TPA) within 24 hours. For planned admissions, inform them at least two to three days in advance.
2. Keep the Documentation Ready: Accurate and complete documentation is crucial for a successful claim. Ensure you collect and organise:
   Doctor’s prescriptions
   Lab test reports
   Detailed hospital bills and discharge summaries For accident-related claims, precise documentation becomes even more critical to prevent delays or rejections.
3. Leverage Relationship Manager Support: Many insurers and brokers provide dedicated relationship managers who can assist with the claims process, including documentation and claim filing. Seek their guidance for faster and smoother resolutions.
4. Be Transparent with Information: Always make full and honest disclosures when purchasing a policy and during claims. Concealing pre-existing conditions, family medical history, or past surgeries can lead to claim rejections. For example, a claim involving a condition linked to undisclosed health issues may fall under the pre-existing waiting period clause and be denied.
5. Room Rent Compliance: Avoid choosing rooms beyond your policy’s room rent limits. Opting for higher-priced rooms can result in additional expenses for doctor fees and medicines. Always confirm your room eligibility with your insurer or broker.
6. Get Cost Estimates and Advice for Planned Treatment: Before undergoing planned treatments, get cost estimates from multiple hospitals and consult your insurer or broker to select one that aligns with your policy coverage. This helps minimise out-of-pocket expenses and avoids disputes with insurers over charges deemed unreasonable.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Hospitalisation: Ensure outpatient care is not wrongly converted into in-patient hospitalisation. For genuine cases, gather supporting proof like diagnostic reports and doctor’s certificates to validate your claim.
8. Stay Updated with Digital Tools and Technological Advancements: Embrace the digital features offered by insurers, such as mobile apps for claim filing and status tracking. These tools provide a faster and more transparent claims experience.
9. Seek Assistance When in Doubt: If you face challenges during the claims process, contact your insurer’s helpline or customer service. Unresolved issues can be escalated to the insurance ombudsman for resolution.