Category Archives: News

Dona Ganguly Makes History with First Indian Classical Dance Workshop at Cambridge

India, 16th June, 2025: The historic halls of Jesus College, University of Cambridge, resonated with the timeless rhythm of Indian Classical Dance today, as internationally acclaimed Odissi dancer Mrs. Dona Ganguly conducted the university’s first-ever workshop dedicated to this ancient art form.

Marking a significant milestone in the cultural history of Cambridge, the event brought together students, academics, and art enthusiasts for an immersive introduction to Odissi, one of India’s eight recognized classical dance styles. Participants were guided through the fundamental movements, expressions, and philosophies of the form, gaining insight into its spiritual roots and rich 2,000-year-old heritage.

The workshop drew a diverse audience, many of whom were experiencing Indian classical dance for the first time. Emphasizing inclusivity and cultural appreciation, the event welcomed individuals from all backgrounds, with no prior dance experience required.

On this occasion, Mrs. Dona Ganguly, Indian Classical Dancer, said, “To share the legacy of Odissi at the University of Cambridge is both an honour and a deeply emotional experience. This dance form is not just movement, it is meditation, devotion, and storytelling. I am heartened to see such enthusiastic participation and openness to Indian culture here. This exchange goes beyond performance, it builds bridges of understanding through art.”

The initiative reflects a growing global interest in Indian classical traditions and underscores Cambridge’s commitment to cultural diversity and global engagement. Organizers hope this will be the first of many such events, inspiring deeper exploration of Indian performing arts within academic spaces.

The workshop was met with overwhelming positivity, with attendees expressing admiration for both the beauty of the dance and the warmth of Ganguly’s teaching. Plans are already being discussed for future collaborations and expanded programming related to Indian cultural arts.

NPCI and IDRBT Sign MoU to Jointly Advance Payment Security and Cyber Resilience

Chandigarh, June 13, 2025: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives that aim to strengthen the cyber security and resiliency across India’s digital payment ecosystem.

As part of the agreement, the two organisations will jointly conduct targeted training programmes for tech and cyber professionals in the banking and digital payment services sector. These programmes will focus on key areas such as cyber security, resiliency and data privacy. The partnership will also lead to the development of an exclusive NPCI-certified payment security certification programme, aligned with emerging industry needs and regulatory expectations. In addition, IDRBT will also extend सचेत (IBCART 3.0), the threat intelligence services to NPCI and its ecosystem partners.

Mr. Dilip Asbe, MD and CEO, NPCI, said, “We are happy to partner with IDRBT to advance payment security and cyber resilience across the digital payment ecosystem in India. Strengthening cyber resilience is not just about technology, but also about people and preparedness. Our partnership with IDRBT will enable structured capacity building across the ecosystem through training, certifications and sharing threat intelligence. This collaboration reinforces NPCI’s commitment to proactive risk management and elevating security standards across digital payments.”

Dr. Deepak Kumar, Director, IDRBT, highlighted that IDRBT has been established for the adoption and absorption of technology in the banking and financial sector, as well as for nourishing the digital public infrastructure. In the context of the formal collaboration with NPCI, he said, “This will strengthen the broader payment ecosystem by promoting a culture of security awareness, capability-building, and proactive response. The subscription to सचेत (IBCART 3.0) will provide diverse, enriched, and contextualised threat intelligence feeds to organisations working with NPCI, further improving the robustness and resilience of the ecosystem.”

Hyderabad Gets India’s First Intelligent Blood Delivery Platform with Lytus BLOD

Hyderabad, India – 12 June 2025 – Lytus HealthTech, a subsidiary of Lytus Technologies (OTCMKTS: LYTHF), today announced the launch of Lytus BLOD (On-Demand Blood Logistics Platform) in Hyderabad. After a successful rollout in Chennai, where the platform delivered over 5,000 life-saving units and was honoured with the Red Cross Society’s Award for Excellence in Blood & Medical Logistics, the expansion to Hyderabad marks a critical step toward transforming India’s healthcare logistics with tech-driven precision.

Hyderabad, home to more than 100 licensed blood banks and a demand of over 275,000 blood units annually, struggles with a 10–15% discard rate due to cold-chain failures and transport delays. In emergencies, delivery times currently average 3 to 5 hours, compromising lives. Lytus BLOD addresses this by offering SLA-backed, 24×7 cold-chain delivery within 90 minutes, powered by centralised dispatch, real-time tracking, and algorithmic routing.

As part of its launch in Hyderabad, Lytus BLOD has already onboarded over 12 major blood banks across Hyderabad, spanning both private and charitable sectors. The platform is already tied up with more than 35 hospitals, with plans to expand to 50+ hospitals within the next 12 months. Built on AI and Agentic AI, BLOD ensures end-to-end visibility, real-time inventory forecasting, and proactive delivery management. “Every drop of blood has a purpose,” said Sai Guna Ranjan Puranam, COO of Lytus HealthTech. “With BLOD, we’re not just delivering units, we’re delivering hope, life, and time.”

Backed by Major Investment for India and Beyond

The Hyderabad launch is part of Lytus Technologies’ significant growth commitment to scale AI-driven healthcare solutions across India and international markets, including the U.S. and UAE.

“Healthcare is the ultimate frontier where human need meets technological potential,” said Dharmesh Pandya, Global CEO of Lytus Technologies. “In the high-stakes world of blood delivery, where every minute can tip the scale between life and loss, BLOD is more than a platform; it’s a mission. We are not only disrupting logistics; we are creating a new blueprint for responsive, intelligent, and compassionate healthcare infrastructure. We are building BLOD to be proudly made in India, for the world.”

QMS Medical Sets New Benchmark as First Healthcare Vendor on Government-Backed E-Grameen Platform

Mumbai, June 12, 2025: QMS Medical Allied Services Limited, a leading holistic healthcare management solutions company, has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first healthcare vendor to be listed on the E-Grameen portal — a government-supported digital initiative designed to boost rural commerce through Common Service Centres (CSCs).

This strategic collaboration enables QMS to directly supply physiotherapy and orthopedic aids, wellness essentials, and other vital healthcare products to underserved rural regions. With access to a robust CSC network of over 5.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), the company is now well-positioned to bridge the rural healthcare gap and enhance accessibility where it is needed most.

Through its partnership with CSC, QMS is strengthening its presence as a socially responsible, tech-enabled healthcare organisation, focused on empowering remote communities with affordable healthcare solutions. The initiative aligns with national priorities around healthcare inclusion and rural development.

Commenting on this development, Mahesh Makhija, Founder, Chairman & Managing Director, QMS Medical Allied Services Limited, said, “Our onboarding on the E-Grameen portal is a proud and purposeful step towards transforming rural healthcare in India. By leveraging the trusted network of CSCs and Village Level Entrepreneurs, QMS is ensuring that every corner of the country — no matter how remote — has access to essential medical and wellness products.”

This move not only allows QMS to scale its reach but also reinforces its commitment to advancing healthcare equity across India.

Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli Hosts Exclusive TK’s Oriental Grill Pop-Up to Mark First Anniversary

Hyderabad: 12th June, 2025: Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli is delighted to host an exclusive pop-up at TGs in collaboration with TK’s Oriental Grill, the celebrated Oriental cuisine restaurant at Hyatt Regency Delhi, to mark its first anniversary. For a limited time, Hyderabad’s food enthusiasts will have the chance to experience the classic flavours of TK’s Oriental Grill — steeped in tradition — brought to life at TG’s with a modern twist that reflects the evolution of Oriental cuisine over the years.

TK’s Oriental Grill — short for Teppanyaki Kitchen — is a 30-year-old restaurant, renowned for its dynamic, interactive dining experience, where chefs prepare exquisite four-course meals live in front of guests using the freshest market ingredients.

To mark its first anniversary, TG’s at Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli presents a unique culinary collaboration with the iconic TK’s Oriental Grill from Hyatt Regency Delhi, showcasing a thoughtfully curated menu that blends classic flavours with contemporary flair.

Guests can savour a delectable range of soups, appetisers, sushi, mains, and desserts—each course offering a signature creation from both TK’s and TG’s, including standout dishes like the Spicy Chicken Miso Soup, Norwegian Salmon Tuna Tartare, Banana Leaf Wrapped Tofu, and the indulgent 54% Wasabi & Jameson Affogato. This limited-edition celebration menu highlights the creative harmony of two distinctive culinary legacies brought together in one extraordinary dining experience.

At the forefront of this culinary showcase is Chef Robin Sharma from TK’s Oriental Grill, who brings over 17 years of experience. A master of Japanese, Thai and Korean delicacies, Chef Robin is celebrated for blending traditional techniques with modern presentation.

Mr. Piyush Sharma, Director of Food & Beverage, Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, added, “This collaboration represents our commitment to delivering innovative and memorable dining experiences. We are proud to host TK’s Oriental Grill at our hotel and offer our guests a taste of succulent Oriental delicacies.”

Chef Yogender Pal, Executive Chef, Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, said, “Chef Robin’s expertise and the legacy of TK’s Oriental Grill together create a rare and dynamic culinary showcase. This pop-up brings a taste of Delhi’s finest Oriental kitchen to Hyderabad, in both spirit and flavour.”

“At TK’s, every dish is more than just a recipe — it’s a performance that brings together technique, authenticity, and guest connection. With this pop-up, we aim to bring that spirit to Hyderabad and craft moments that guests will savour, remember, and talk about long after the meal is over,” shared Chef Robin Sharma.

The ambience will reflect TK’s signature aesthetic — earthy tones, glowing grills, and contemporary Oriental design — making this pop-up not just a meal, but a complete sensory celebration.

Genpact Research Uncovers AI’s Untapped Potential in Insurance

New Delhi– June 12, 2025 – Genpact, an advanced technology services and solutions company, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), today released a new report, Harness the winds of change: How to scale AI and build trust in insurance.

With 69% of insurance companies having deployed AI but only 36% of US customers seeing an improved digital experience, the report underscores how the insurance industry still needs to scale AI to meet evolving customer expectations and accelerate growth. It also provides a strategic blueprint for overcoming adoption barriers to unlock AI’s transformative potential.

“We conducted this study to shed light on the untapped potential of AI in the insurance sector,” said Adil Ilyas, Global Business Leader, Insurance, Genpact. “While many insurers have made strides in adopting AI, significant opportunities remain to scale its impact. By aligning AI strategies with customer expectations and operational goals, insurers can drive innovation, build trust, and create a more resilient future for their businesses.”

The research draws on surveys of global senior insurance executives and US customers, highlighting AI’s impact, challenges, and opportunities in the insurance sector.

Key findings

Wide adoption, limited impact on customers:
While 69% of respondents report that their companies are using AI, only 36% of US consumers feel their digital experiences have improved in the last two years, revealing an opportunity to align internal effort with external outcomes. Trust in the accuracy of AI-driven insurance quotes remains low, with 59% of consumers preferring live agents over AI, especially during crises.

Most respondents have yet to see AI’s full potential:
62% of respondents believe competitive advantage will come from greater efficiency in high-volume tasks, while only 30% expect it from high-complexity tasks, and just 8% from using AI for growth or monetization. This suggests that AI capabilities are being underused.

Tech isn’t the biggest AI hurdle:
Scaling AI faces challenges beyond technology. At 49%, and unlike past technology waves, governance and oversight are proving to be more significant challenges for insurers. Data privacy at 62% and regulatory differences across jurisdictions at 42% are concerns that exacerbate the problem, creating a landscape where a one-size-fits-all strategy simply doesn’t work. Proofs of concept may succeed in one area but fail elsewhere, requiring insurers to rethink their approaches.

AI fluency gap in the workforce
Despite growing investment in training and partnerships, only 2% of insurance executives report that nearly all their team members are proficient in AI. In fact, 69% say that either very few team members are familiar with AI concepts or, at best, have some basic understanding of AI. This talent shortfall significantly limits the industry’s ability to scale AI effectively.

 “The report highlights an industry poised for transformation, where scaling AI effectively can redefine customer experiences and build lasting trust,” said Yasir Andrabi, Agentic AI Leader, Insurance, Genpact. “With decades of experience designing and managing end-to-end processes and collaborating with insurers around the world, Genpact is uniquely positioned to help carriers navigate their AI journeys. We are driving transformative outcomes and positioning our clients for long-term success in a competitive industry.”

A strategic blueprint to scale AI

To support this transformation, the report proposes a six-point strategic blueprint for insurers to successfully scale AI: strengthening data foundations, building partnerships, empowering people, designing for scale, balancing governance and risk, and prioritizing business outcomes.

Leveraging its proven methodologies and commitment to advanced technology innovation, Genpact empowers insurers to implement these strategies effectively, enabling them to redefine customer experiences and build lasting trust in an evolving industry.

Discover more

Explore the state of AI adoption in insurance and practical guidance to overcome barriers, fuel innovation, and enhance customer value.

Methodology

The study surveyed 200 senior insurance executives worldwide and 1,000 US insurance customers, providing dual perspectives on AI’s impact. It also included in-depth interviews with 16 C-level executives, offering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.

University of Leeds invites applications for MSc in Air Quality Solutions with Data Science

June 12, 2025: The University of Leeds offers a Master of Science (MSc) programme in Air Quality Solutions with Data Science. This MSc programme takes a hands-on ‘systems approach’ to tackling critical issues in air quality, exploring solutions for both the UK and internationally. Teaching fuses expert teaching of theory with data science training and practicals on air quality topics, including emissions, monitoring, modelling, pollution exposure, indoor air quality, health impacts, sustainability, policy and economic appraisal. All alongside training to become a confident data scientist and analyst.

The program includes the use of conventional and research-led pollution-monitoring techniques and novel data analysis tools, culminating in a substantial independent research project in the final semester. Students will engage in hands-on learning, applying and designing interventions using state-of-the-art data science and modelling tools. The course leverages world-class research from five distinguished schools: the Institute for Transport Studies, the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, and the School of Chemistry. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a student to gain cutting-edge knowledge and data science skills, equipping them for a successful career in this industry.

Practical elements of the programme include fieldwork activities in modules, such as visits to air quality monitoring sites and the chance to join and actively contribute to initiatives such as the Air Quality Living Lab, experiencing transport systems in action and meeting transport professionals who are actively working in the field. Students are offered a guaranteed industry experience through the Global Industry Programme to gain consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation during their studies and have an opportunity to apply for paid industrial placements during the course.

The advanced ‘solutions’ focussed knowledge and data science skills gained during the Master’s program will prepare the students for diverse career paths in consultancy, public sector and regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, or further academic research. The course has been designed through a close working relationship with industry, including several environmental and engineering consultancies who visit the students each year to promote their businesses, projects and graduate schemes. Plus, the University of Leeds is in the UK’s top 5 most targeted universities by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

LPU Launches India’s First Globally Aligned Child and Elderly Care Programs – A Game-Changer in Allied Health Sciences

New Delhi, 12th June, 2025: In a bold and visionary move, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has launched India’s most future-forward healthcare programs; B.Sc. and Diploma courses in Child and Elderly Care; marking a significant milestone in Allied Health Sciences education. As the world faces an unprecedented surge in demand for skilled caregivers, LPU’s pioneering initiative opens up exceptional global career pathways for students. These programs are more than just academic offerings; they are life-changing opportunities to become part of one of the fastest-growing professions across countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and the US. With limited seats and soaring interest, missing this wave now could mean missing out on a future-proof career in global healthcare.

This strategic expansion reinforces LPU’s leadership in Allied Health Sciences, where the university already offers a strong portfolio including B.Sc. Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physiotherapy, and Respiratory Therapy. The newly launched programs, available as a 2-year Diploma and a 3-year B.Sc. degree, are tailored to address critical workforce shortages in child and elderly care; two of the most rapidly growing healthcare domains worldwide.

“Caregiving is no longer seen as auxiliary—it is a frontline profession requiring both empathy and evidence-based knowledge,” said Dr. Monica Gulati, Registrar of LPU and Senior Dean, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences. “At LPU, we have developed these programs with strong global relevance, integrating simulation-based clinical training, psychological preparedness, and interdisciplinary healthcare learning.”

These programs equip students with hands-on competencies in caregiving, health and wellness management, psychosocial support, and safety protocols for vulnerable age groups such as infants, children, and the elderly. The curriculum is aligned with international caregiving standards, ensuring that graduates are ready for direct placement in countries where the demand for professional caregivers is surging due to aging populations and evolving family structures.

From Geriatric Care Assistants and Home Care Coordinators to careers in Palliative Care, Elderly Wellness Coaching, and even entrepreneurial roles like running day care centres or senior living homes; students are positioned to enter high-impact, high-respect professions. Opportunities also exist in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, private care agencies, and global caregiving networks.

Delivered under LPU’s transformative EduRevolution framework, these programs emphasize experiential learning, cross-disciplinary integration, and outcome-based training. Students learn in state-of-the-art simulation labs and receive structured clinical exposure from day one, thanks to LPU’s collaborations with leading hospitals and diagnostic centres.

Moreover, students gain access to national and international conferences, workshops, and guest lectures by top professionals and global researchers in healthcare, giving them a holistic view of modern caregiving and its evolving role in global public health.

“These programs are not just a course of study; they are a gateway to global careers, dignified service, and long-term job security,” said Dr. Gulati. “This is the moment to invest in a career path where human connection meets healthcare innovation.”

Two Students of Ashoka University Awarded Prestigious Inlaks Scholarships for 2025

New Delhi, June 12, 2025 – Ashoka University is proud to announce that two students from its current Ashoka Scholars Programme (ASP) 2025 cohort have been awarded the highly competitive Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship. The Inlaks Scholarships are among India’s most prestigious awards which support exceptional young Indian graduates in pursuing postgraduate studies at leading institutions across the UK, Europe, and the United States. The scholarship enables recipients to study a wide array of subjects and empowers them to advance their academic and professional aspirations on a global stage.

This year, seven students across India received the Inlaks Scholarship, with two awardees from Ashoka University—a noteworthy achievement for the institution. In the 2025 selection cycle, eleven students from Ashoka, including alumni, were shortlisted for the first-round interviews. Of these, two secured the scholarship. Ashoka University is the only institution in India with more than two finalists, highlighting its continued commitment to academic excellence.

Speaking on the achievement, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, Ashoka University, said, “I was one of the first Inlaks Scholars so I am really elated that students of Ashoka are getting the same scholarship. This recognition reflects the spirit of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility that we strive to instill in our students. The Inlaks Scholarship is a testament to their hard work and to Ashoka University’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and changemakers. Over the years, Ashoka University has steadily emerged as a strong academic ecosystem for students aspiring to pursue global careers and graduate education. This achievement builds on the University’s growing record of international recognition and prestigious scholarships.”

“At Ashoka University, the journey from graduation and beyond is not just a destination but a transformative experience that prepares students to become leaders and change-makers of tomorrow and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The recent success of our students winning the Inlaks Scholarship is a testament to their hard work and the broad, rigorous academic environment we foster. It’s gratifying to see our scholars gain recognition on national and international platforms, reflecting the quality and depth of education Ashoka provides.” added Priyanka Chandhok, Vice President, Career Development Office and Office of Post-Graduate Studies, Ashoka University.

Two students from Ashoka University were also awarded the prestigious Inlaks Scholarship last year, a testament to their academic caliber and Ashoka’s commitment to providing the resources and mentorship to help students thrive and create meaningful impact in their fields. Notably, both Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, and Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, along with several faculty members, are former Inlaks scholars.

What the “Tutor in Your Pocket” Could Mean for Global Learners

The ability of large language models to quickly answer questions or explain complex concepts via a smartphone app, for example, has led some to refer to them as “a tutor in your pocket.”

That capability is running into another phenomenon: the widespread availability of inexpensive AI around the world. Together, these two technologies could transform global education, offering tailored learning experiences to students in remote and underserved regions and providing unprecedented access to quality educational resources.

“Education in underserved and remote regions has long been plagued by resource scarcity, whether it’s a shortage of qualified teachers, limited access to high-quality learning materials or a lack of personalized instruction,” said IEEE Member Saptarshi Ghosh. “While the internet has opened doors, it still falls short in addressing the unique needs of individual students. AI changes that.”

AI’s Potential to Fill a Persistent Gap

AI-powered learning systems are already available. Language apps that have incorporated generative AI can now offer interactive conversational practice that mimics real life.

Extending that capability to under-resourced schools, however, is still in its infancy. Pilot projects to address this challenge have shown promise.

One project detailed in IEEE Transactions on Education showed that an AI-powered tutor had an accuracy rate of about 88%. Another experiment found that students were often able to spot the mistakes large language models made when tutoring math. However, the researchers observed that students who already knew how to solve the problems correctly were much better at identifying those errors. This led them to urge caution about relying too heavily on generative AI as a teaching tool.

More Than the Transfer of Facts

The idea that generative AI and large language models could serve as a “tutor-in-your-pocket” does have some weaknesses. A big one: education is more than the transfer of facts. A student that masters a new mathematics technique by using generative AI doesn’t really learn how to apply it in the real world.

“Education consists of three key dimensions: value shaping, ability training and knowledge transfer,” said IEEE Graduate Student Member Siyuan Sun. “While AI can significantly improve fairness in knowledge delivery, it is insufficient in fostering values and abilities, which are more crucial for holistic education.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts hoped widespread internet connectivity and the availability of online learning would help students stay on track. In many parts of the world, though, the absence of in-person learning has been blamed for declining test scores. One question is whether a reliance on artificial intelligence would replicate that scenario.

“That’s the great challenge. If we compare this to generative artificial intelligence in education, there are some parallels, but also key differences,” said IEEE Member Gabriel Gomes de Oliveira. “The similarities include over-reliance on technology and declining critical thinking skills; the differences lie in artificial intelligence being a supplement, not a replacement, and the personalization of learning alongside teacher integration.”