Category Archives: News

GNIT Conducts ATAL FDP on Quantum Computing and Nanotechnology, Empowering Faculty with Advanced Knowledge

Kolkata, February 21, 2025: Guru Nanak Institute of Technology (GNIT) organised the AICTE-sponsored six-day Offline ATAL Faculty Development Program (FDP) titled “Quantum Computing and Nanotechnology: Synergy and Future Prospects”. With 60 participants from premier institutes across India, the FDP was coordinated by Dr. Sunipa Roy, Dean Research & Development, GNIT, and co-coordinated by Dr. Ipsita Saha, Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering. The program commenced with an inaugural session featuring Prof. (Dr.) Swarup Kumar Mitra, Principal, GNIT, and Dr. Adhish Kumar Chakraborty, Registrar, GNIT, who emphasised the significance of quantum computing and nanotechnology. The Chief Guest, Dr. Arpan Pal, Chief Scientist, TCS Research & Innovation Services, highlighted the transformative potential of quantum computing in the tech landscape.

The six-day FDP featured engaging discussions led by eminent speakers from top academic institutions and industry leaders. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including quantum machine learning, quantum devices, nanotechnology, and security implications of quantum technology, quantum algorithms, and their applications. Experts also shed light on brain-computer interfacing, quantum tunneling-based nanosensors, and quantum teleportation. Hands-on training sessions allowed participants to work with advanced tools such as IBM Quantum Qiskit, modeling nanoscale device physics, and quantum computing simulations. An industry visit to IISER, Kalyani, further enriched the learning experience, providing participants with firsthand exposure to cutting-edge R&D labs.

The FDP received an overwhelming response, with participants appreciating the diverse range of topics covered and the opportunity to interact with experts in the field. Many highlighted the significance of such initiatives in nurturing research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, stated, “At JIS Group, we are committed to nurturing innovation and academic excellence. This FDP successfully bridged the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, equipping participants with the expertise required to navigate the future of technology.”

“India is No Longer a Poor Country,” Says Google DeepMind’s Dr. Manish Gupta at Ideas of India 2025

Mumbai, 21 February 2025: “India is not a poor country anymore, and we must take bold steps in developing our foundational AI models.” Dr. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, who leads AI research teams across India and Japan, shared his perspective at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 on the crucial role of AI in transforming India and its power in solving global challenges.

Speaking on the topic ‘Transforming India with AI: Why We Need More Data’, Dr. Manish Gupta, said, “Some assume that building foundational AI models requires hundreds of millions of dollars, but we must have the courage to take on challenges that have never been attempted before. AI is an old discipline, almost as old as computing itself. The reason ChatGPT and similar models took off is the innovation of transformer architecture, which has been key to foundational AI models.”

Adding to the conversation, Dr. Manish Gupta, said, “AI is accelerating progress on a range of critical problems, from drug discovery and plastic pollution to structural biology. Innovations like AlphaFold are helping us solve complex scientific challenges faster than ever before.”

Sharing his views on AI’s role in language and culture, Dr. Gupta added, “We are focused on building the best multimodal representation for 100+ Indic languages, ensuring AI development is inclusive and supports India’s linguistic diversity. Multicultural AI models will shape the future of technology. Our mission is to build AI responsibly for humanity. The world is excited about AI, but we must ensure it benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. AI expertise should be widespread and accessible to all.”

Talking about AI’s future capabilities, ethics and emotional understanding, he commented, “AI is biased because it is built by humans, and we carry our biases into these systems. The reality is that AI still struggles to understand emotions like love. Companies like Google are working on AI principles to mitigate bias and ensure responsible AI development. AI can become a better version of human beings, like AI can help artists explore new genres, but when it comes to competition, humans will always win. AI can hallucinate, but human creativity and intuition will always have the upper hand.”

The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.

United Way Worldwide President and CEO, Angela F. Williams, unveils ‘Rainwater Percolation Well’ model at Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 21 February 2025: In a significant step towards sustainable water management in Bengaluru, Ms. Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, unveiled an innovative ‘Rainwater Percolation Wells’ model at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park (IGMF) in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) under its flagship program ‘One Billion Drops’ aims to enhance public awareness about sustainable rainwater conservation and inspire community participation in recharging the city’s natural aquifers.

At IGMF Park, 12 wells have been established, each capable of conserving 1,28,100 liters of water annually. These wells are built underground, and the newly installed physical model at the park visually demonstrates how they function. This model helps communities understand the process, encouraging them to adopt similar rainwater harvesting solutions in their private spaces to conserve water and recharge borewells.

United Way Bengaluru has been a leader in urban water conservation, constructing nearly 8,000 percolation wells since 2020 across public parks, government institutions, and campuses in Bengaluru, with an additional 2,000 wells in the pipeline. These 8,000 wells have the potential to significantly contribute to the city’s water sustainability efforts, conserving 10.24 million liters of water annually. A similar first-of-its-kind prototype was installed at Lalbagh in 2022, which has since drawn thousands of visitors, generating widespread public awareness about rainwater percolation wells. The success of that initiative paved the way for more such models to be introduced across the city, with the latest one at IGMF Park reinforcing the importance of rainwater conservation.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. M. Jagadesh, Joint Director of Horticulture (Parks and Gardens), Lalbagh said “The Horticulture Department, Karnataka has been working with United Way Bengaluru for several years on various environmental initiatives, from water conservation to greening urban spaces. This rainwater percolation well prototype is a great step toward public awareness and sustainable water management. We look forward to continuing this partnership to drive many more environmental initiatives in the future.

“Water conservation is a critical challenge not just for Bengaluru, but for cities worldwide facing the impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization. United Way believes in local solutions with global impact, and Bengaluru’s ‘One Billion Drops’ initiative exemplifies how Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can drive meaningful change. By bringing together the government, corporates, and communities to adopt sustainable water conservation practices like rainwater percolation wells, we are not only addressing immediate water challenges but also building a resilient future for generations to come. United Way Bengaluru’s leadership in fostering these collaborations is truly commendable, and I hope to see similar initiatives replicated in other cities worldwide.” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO, of United Way Worldwide.

“Rooted in a community-focused approach, the ‘One Billion Drops‘ campaign is not just a solution; it’s a movement. A scalable, replicable model that brings together communities and stakeholders for rainwater conservation and sustainability. I am grateful to Angela for joining us to unveil the prototype

PVR INOX Brings Oscars 2025 to Cinemas in 22 Cities with a Special Film Festival of Winning Films

National, 21 February 2025: As the world counts down to the 97th Academy Awards, PVR INOX is set to bring an unparalleled cinematic experience to Indian audiences with the much-anticipated Oscars Film Festival 2025. This grand festival is a tribute to the finest films of the year, offering movie lovers the exclusive opportunity to watch Oscar-nominated and award-winning films on the big screen.

Spanning three thrilling weeks, the festival will take place across 54 cinemas in 22 cities in India.

Festival Timeline:

Week 1 (Feb 21 – Feb 27): Exclusive screenings of this year’s Oscar-nominated films.
Week 2 (Feb 28 – Mar 6): A deeper dive into the most celebrated nominees, leading up to the grand Oscars night.
Week 3 (Mar 7 – Mar 13): Special screenings of the Oscar-winning films, bringing the best of the best back to the big screen.

 Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Ltd., shared his enthusiasm, stating: “At PVR INOX, we take immense pride in bringing world-class cinema to Indian audiences, and the Oscars Film Festival 2025 is a testament to our passion for storytelling. Year after year, the Academy Awards set the benchmark for excellence in filmmaking, and this festival allows audiences to experience that brilliance firsthand. We look forward to yet another successful edition of the festival and invite movie lovers to relive the best of global cinema on the big screen, while also showcasing critically acclaimed films from around the world.”

The carefully curated lineup includes some of the most talked-about films of the season, each carrying its own unique cinematic significance. Dune: Part Two, the epic sci-fi sequel, promises breathtaking visuals and a gripping continuation of Frank Herbert’s legendary saga. Wicked, the long-awaited adaptation of the Broadway sensation, brings a spellbinding musical journey to life. Inside Out 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Pixar’s emotional masterpiece, takes audiences on another heartfelt adventure into the complexities of the human mind. The Brutalist delivers a compelling narrative on art, ambition, and survival, while Emilia Pérez presents a strikingly unconventional blend of crime and musical drama, pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

This festival is a must-attend for every movie lover. It offers the rare chance to experience Oscar-worthy storytelling on the big screen, relive the most critically acclaimed and fan-favourite films of the year, and immerse in the thrill of the Oscars season alongside fellow enthusiasts. Audiences can also enjoy state-of-the-art projection and sound, ensuring that each film is presented in the highest quality, just as its creators envisioned.

XTB achieves securities license in Chile

“XTB, a global company that provides individual investors instant access to financial markets worldwide, has received a securities agent license in Chile. This is a significant milestone for the company as it expands its presence in Latin America.

The license awarded by the Chilean Commission for the Financial Market (CMF) strengthens XTB’s presence in a dynamic region that offers multiple market opportunities for brokerage firms. Thanks to the new license, XTB will now be able to offer investments in international stocks, ETFs, and derivatives.

As we consider the retail brokerage market beyond Europe, we recognize the immense potential in Latin America. Chile stands out as a key player in XTB’s global growth vision, and I eagerly anticipate welcoming many new clients who will be onboarded under our new license. This development will be crucial in enhancing our competitive position in the region – comments Omar Arnaout, CEO of XTB.

The company is now advancing its operational and technological developments to start onboarding the first Chilean clients in the first half of the year. Thanks to XTB’s intuitive app, local investors will have access to simple and efficient investing tools to make their money work for them.

XTB’s expansion in Latin America will continue in 2025 as the company is already advanced in the process of obtaining the necessary licenses in Brazil.”

Graduation 2025: Students, Families Gather for Memorable Congregational Ceremony

Kolkata, 21th February 2025: J.D. Birla Institute affiliated to Jadavppur University hosted its 10th Graduation Congregational Ceremony, 2025 of batch 2021-2024 (UG) and 2022-2024 (PG) on 8th February 2025. The Institute awarded degrees to over 400 students from various disciplines at the ceremony. The batches saw a success rate of over 94%. Among the degrees conferred were M.Sc, M.Com, B.Sc, B.Com & BBA.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest, Prof. Souvik Bhattacharyya, former Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani (all 5 campuses) and Jadavpur University and currently Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Amity University (Noida and Kolkata) and to the Board of Heritage Institute of Technology along with Prof. Bhaskar Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University, Prof. Amitava Datta, Pro Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University and Mrs. Sumangala Birla, President, Governing Body, JDBI.

JD Birla Institute honoured top achievers from each discipline with university gold medals and Sushila Devi Memorial gold medals, recognizing their outstanding academic prowess and contributions

March for Social Justice Advocates Linguistic Empowerment in Delhi

New Delhi, 20th February 2025

On World Social Justice Day, the streets of East Delhi resonated with powerful messages of equality as the March for Social Justice took place. Organized by British Lingua, a globally recognized institute for English communication, the event promoted fairness, equal opportunities, and linguistic empowerment.

Led by Dr. Birbal Jha, an eminent English litterateur and social reformer, the march highlighted his longstanding commitment to public movements such as the Namaste March (2020) for traditional Indian greetings, Atal March (2024) honoring Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and the Youth March (2025) commemorating Swami Vivekananda. His pioneering initiative, English for All (1993), has long advocated for accessible English education to uplift marginalized communities.

Commencing from British Lingua and concluding at Laxmi Nagar Metro Station, the procession saw hundreds of youths and social activists carrying placards with impactful messages on social and linguistic justice. Among the notable quotes displayed were:
???? “Social justice is not just about rights; it is about giving people the tools—like English—to claim those rights.” — Dr. Birbal Jha
???? “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
???? “English education must not be a privilege for a few, but a bridge to equality for all.” — Dr. Birbal Jha
???? “The chains of caste and class can only be broken when education, especially in English, reaches the last person in society.” — Jyotirao Phule
???? “To rise in modern India, mastering English is no longer a choice; it is a necessity for social mobility and justice.” — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
???? “English is not just a language; it is a passport to social justice and economic mobility.” — Dr. Birbal Jha
???? “No social reform is complete unless every child in India has access to quality English education.” — Dr. Birbal Jha

Speaking at the event, Dr. Jha emphasized, “For India to achieve true social justice, English must be accessible to all, not just the privileged. Education is the key to social mobility, and English is the tool that opens doors to global opportunities.”

The march underscored the transformative power of English education in bridging social gaps and fostering equal opportunities. It sent a strong message to policymakers, educators, and citizens to prioritize linguistic inclusivity for a more equitable society, leaving a lasting impact on future efforts toward social justice in India.

Mansimran Sandhu Drops ‘WYD,’ a Playful Anthem Ready to Set the Vibe

National, 20 February 2025: Following the release of his latest single, ‘Milde Milde’, Rising music sensation and Punjabi singer Mansimran Sandhu is back with a track that’s impossible to ignore – ‘WYD’. The song is a playful, swagger-filled anthem that perfectly captures the rush of youthful attraction. ‘WYD’ features hard-hitting, infectious production by renowned producer Hiten, and blends contemporary Punjabi vibes with urban pop fusion, making it both fresh and timeless.

Written and sung by Mansimran himself, the song captures the thrill of attraction between two people who know exactly what they want. The track is a playful yet passionate conversation between a man and a woman who challenge each other in a game of charm and confidence. The dynamic lyrics and smooth vocals bring out the thrill of the chase, making ‘WYD’ the perfect soundtrack for anyone caught up in the excitement of flirtation.

Talking about the song, Mansimran Sandhu shares, “WYD is that perfect mix of fun and fire. It’s about someone who keeps you on your toes, and you can’t help but be drawn in. Writing this track was effortless because it’s real—it’s that vibe you feel when the chemistry is just right. Hiten’s production brought the track to life with the perfect energy. I hope that the listeners relate with the track, feel that rush of attraction, and enjoy every beat.”

Mansimran has already made his mark with viral songs like ‘Milde Milde’, and ‘Paani Vargiyan Akhaan’. ‘WYD’ follows in that same musical tradition, with its beautiful melody and tasteful composition.

Pushpa Impossible: Life in Danger as Pushpa Gets Caught in Intense Hostage Drama on Sony SAB

Mumbai, February 20, 2025: Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible continues to captivate audiences with the inspiring journey of Pushpa (Karuna Pandey), a resilient and fearless woman who tackles life’s challenges with unwavering determination. In the recent episodes viewers were treated to lighthearted moments as Valentine’s Day confusion unfolded at the tea stall. Pushpa couldn’t control her laugh when Jugal (Anshul Trivedi) revealed that both he and Dilip (Jayesh More) had independently planned to take her out for a movie. However, the cheerful mood takes a dramatic turn when Dilip receives a call from an officer, warning him that Santosh (Amit Srikant Singh) has escaped and may be heading towards the chawl.

In the upcoming episodes, chaos erupts as Santosh sneaks into the chawl to attack Dilip but his presence is soon detected by the police. Amid the chaos, he drops his gun and manages to flee. Later, at a reunion at Nanavati School, Santosh returns with a sinister plan. Disguised as an inspection officer, he seizes the opportunity to take Pushpa hostage in the presence of Swara (Vrihi Kodvara) and Munni (Hansika Jangid). What follows is a tense showdown, as Pushpa, Dilip, Jugal, and the police join forces in an attempt to stop him and bring him to justice.

Will Santosh finally be captured, or will his thirst for revenge lead to yet another shocking twist? With tensions running high, the drama is at its peak—stay tuned to find out!

Karuna Pandey, who essays the role of Pushpa says, “One of the main things we wanted to focus on here was children’s safety, which is such an important issue. While filming, I couldn’t help but think back about the iconic films of the ’90s, where hostage situations were often the heart of the drama. Those films had this intense, almost gripping quality, and it felt nostalgic to bring that kind of energy into our scene. What I love about this episode is the way it balances emotions so seamlessly. It pulls you in with its relatable, heartwarming moments, and then surprises you with the intensity of what’s to come. That balance is what truly makes Pushpa Impossible stand out!”

IIHMR University Hosts Global Dialogue on AI Solutions for Future Health Preparedness

Mumbai, 20th February 2025: IIHMR University, Jaipur, organized the Global Health Management Research Conference on February 14-15, 2025. The conference focused on Transformative Solutions for Managing Global Health and brought experts from various domains under one roof to engage in thought-provoking discussions. The conference focused on leveraging AI-driven solutions to enhance preparedness for the future, ensuring resilience and innovation in health management amid evolving challenges such as COVID-19 and emerging threats like HMPV viruses.

Welcoming the dignitaries and delegates, Dr. P.R. Sodani, President of IIHMR University, shared, “Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, offering immense opportunities for innovation, employment, and economic growth. The post-COVID era has accelerated technology-driven healthcare solutions, making digital transformation an essential priority. Recognizing this shift, IIHMR University has established a dedicated School of Digital Health, offering specialized programs such as an MBA in Healthcare Analytics, equipping future leaders with data-driven decision-making skills.” Dr. Sodani shared that the conference is structured around four critical tracks: Transformative Solutions for Sustainable Public Health Management, cutting-edge Methods for Sustainable Pharmaceutical Management, Innovative Initiatives for Sustainable CSR and ESG Management, and Universal Digital Health and Analytics. Dr. P.R. Sodani shared that at the conference, thirteen organizations interested in promoting global health management research agenda signed an MOU with IIHMR University Jaipur. A panel discussion by globally renowned academicians explored the Future of Health Management Education, including industry-centric curriculum enhancement, technological advancements, and promoting research for program management and policy planning.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Subodh Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, talked about the Anthropocene era – a time when human activity was reshaping our planet more than natural forces. From climate-induced health crises to the rapid integration of AI in healthcare, we must act responsibly to ensure a sustainable future. He added that technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, but will AI serve humanity or dictate its course? We must regulate AI before it regulates us”.

Maj Gen (Prof) Atul Kotwal, Executive Director, National Health Systems Resource Centre, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Government of India, said, “As we discuss the transformational changes required in our healthcare system, it is crucial to acknowledge our progress and challenges. Strengthening primary healthcare, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure, and ensuring resilient health systems remain key priorities. Technology plays a vital role, but true transformation goes beyond digital solutions: it requires policy reforms, community engagement, and sustainable implementation. Let us continue to work towards a future where equitable healthcare is a reality for all.”

Dr. S.D. Gupta, Distinguished Professor at IIHMR University, Jaipur, shared, “What we require now is high-quality healthcare that is accessible and available at affordable price. For this, we already have the global mission of universal health coverage. And then there is another mission, which is the Sustainable Development Goals. One of the transformative solutions that has been enforced is Ayushman Bharat, and the result is that the out-of-pocket expenses have gone down tremendously and significantly. Another important aspect is human resource development. Building their capacity, skilling them, and reskilling them are important.

In the valedictory session, Dr. Sudhir Bhandari, Pro-Chancellor of Jaipur National University, Jaipur, and Professor Emeritus, SMS Medical College & Attached Group of Hospitals, Jaipur, shared, “Healthcare is no longer limited to hospitals and clinics. Digital health, AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and global collaborations redefine healthcare delivery. Embrace an interdisciplinary approach, which is the need of the hour. Sustainability is the future of healthcare and must be inclusive at all levels. Every innovation and policy we create should address disparities, ensuring no one is left behind”.

Dr Himadri Sinha, the conference’s organising secretary, presented the conference report and shared that the deliberations were held in four tracks where more than 50 speakers and research scholars made their presentations. The conference concluded on a high note with an award ceremony, during which eight presenters were awarded certificates and mementoes for best paper and poster presentation. In the end, the cultural performance was organised for all the delegates.