Category Archives: News

United Way Bengaluru Partners with Marvell to Drive Community Development in Bagepalli Taluk through ‘Rural Rising’ program

Bengaluru April 14, 2025: United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) collaborates with Marvell’s CSR support to implement ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural development program in the Bagepalli, Chikballapura district, Karnataka. The partnership is driven by a collective vision to uplift the communities with a commitment to enhancing education, health and sanitation, livelihood, and the environment.

The ‘Rural Rising’ program, now in its second year of implementation in Bagepalli has improved the quality of early child care and development services, supported school infrastructure, promoted drinking water, improved the health and sanitation standards and livelihood enhancement resources such as solar lights, and E-bikes to Public Health Centres (PHCs) to improve National Health Mission services.  Distinguished delegates and community leaders graced the occasion, including Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Country Head, Ms. Bharathi Kanuj, CSR Head, Mr. Ganesh Karnatakam, Finance Controller and Mr. Anshuman Ray, Head -Human Resources from Marvell India, Venkata Sudhakar Namala, Sr. Vice President, United Way Bengaluru, representatives of Gram Panchayats, and the local community.

Under the program, several key interventions have been implemented to ensure quality education- 3 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been constructed to create a safe and conducive environment for children (0-6 years), pregnant and lactating mothers, and adolescent girls. Additionally, a total of 17700 sanitary napkins have been distributed along with 8 incinerators installation in two years, toilet refurbishment has been undertaken at 6 government schools and 5 Water ROs of 50 LPH each have been installed in schools and 6 community RO units to ensure access to safe drinking water.

Further, recognizing the significance of clean energy, 428 solar streetlights are installed to promote sustainable energy practices across 3 Gram Panchayats. Rural Rising has also extended mobility support by providing 9 e-bikes to Public Health Centres (PHCs) and 1 basic life support ambulance vehicle to Taluka hospital, Bagepalli.

‘Our commitment to rural development is rooted in the belief that education, income stability, clean energy, and access to safe drinking water are the key pillars for transforming communities. Our partnership with United Way Bengaluru towards the ‘Rural Rising’ program is a testament to our commitment to driving sustainable change for rural communities and building a more self-sufficient future for the community’, said Navin Bishnoi, AVP and Country Manager, Marvell India .

‘A key feature of the Rural Rising flagship program lies in the ‘collaboration’. By working with local authorities and involving community members, the program ensures that local voices and needs are included in the development process. This approach helps identify key issues and priorities, creating an implementation plan that matches the community’s specific needs’ said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, of United Way Bengaluru.

Hack-O-Mania 25: A Groundbreaking 30-Hour Hackathon at NMIMS Chandigarh

Chandigarh, 8th April 2025 — The much-anticipated Hack-O-Mania 25, a dynamic 30-hour inter-university hackathon, successfully concluded on April 5, 2025, at the School ofTechnology Management and Engineering, NMIMS Chandigarh. The event brought together bright minds from top universities across India and provided a platform for undergraduate students to demonstrate their skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Full Stack Development.

 Focused on addressing real-world challenges through technology, Hack-O-Mania 25 featured four compelling problem statements:
1. Predictive Maintenance Systems for Smart Cities
2. AI-Powered Legal Document Analysis with Fraud Detection
3. AI-Based Traffic Optimization and Navigation
4. Personalized AI-Driven Learning and Assessment Systems

The event attracted participants from prestigious institutions such as Thapar University, UIET Panjab University, Punjab Engineering College (PEC), Chitkara University, Amity University, and Chandigarh University. The students worked relentlessly to develop innovative technological solutions, showcasing their problem-solving prowess and technical acumen.

 The distinguished panel of judges included Dr. Kundan Munjal, Chief Operating Officer of Zenmonk Tech Ltd., Mohali, alongside Mr. Harindar Singh and Mr. Harsh from Infosys.Projects were assessed on five core criteria: Innovation (25%), Technical Implementation (30%), Feasibility and Scalability (20%), Presentation and Communication (15%), and User Interface/User Experience Design (10%). The coveted first-place title was awarded to Team Hustlers Hive, with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a trophy, and certificates. The first and second runner-up teams were awarded a combined ₹13,000 and certificates for their exceptional contributions. Every participant received e-certificates in recognition of their efforts.

 dditionally, winners and runners-up were given internship opportunities, exclusive branded merchandise, and other exciting prizes, with Verka serving as the official Community Partner for the event.

 The success of Hack-O-Mania 25 underscores NMIMS Chandigarh commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the field of technology. The hackathon served as a powerful platform for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, creating a lasting impact on the participating students and setting a high benchmark for future student-led tech events.

Strength Meets Compassion: The Mystical Union of Hanuman and Krishna Through Devotion

By-Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar Ji, Shri Krishna Charit Manas (Bhagavat) Kathavachak and Spiritual Orator

Hanuman Jayanti is the birth day of Lord Hanuman, the symbol of strength, loyalty, and dedication. It occurs on the Chaitra Poornima, reminding us to introspect, to find the courage in righteousness, and tread the path of virtue. His devotion to Lord Ram reminds us of the authority of selfless service and blind faith. On this holy day, hearts look within, prayers ascend, and the spirit is brought back to remembering what it means to live for purpose and for devotion.

In the Shri Krishna Charit Manas, Jagadguru Shri Priyadarshi Ji Maharaj makes known Krishna’s message of surrender, selfless service, and deep devotion. The 5 Bhaavs (emotions/relations) through which we can connect with Shri Radha Krishna is also explained. One of the ways is ‘Daas Bhaav’. Hanuman ji is devoted to Shri Ram through this bhaav and foremost server Him as a servant. With every breath, Hanuman ji is unflinchingly devoted to Lord Ram. Through the Manas, Dr. Shri Krishna Kinkar ji Maharaj preaches about all these 5 ‘Bhaavs’ and urges us to for a connection through any one of them.

Both point us in the direction of the same light: to serve with humility, to love without attachment, and to act without ego. Krishna through the Gita; Hanuman through his actions. Their existence is a lesson, reminding us that the path to the divine is cut through humility, valour, and the stillness of the soul.

From Rehab to Spotlight: Himanshu Dulani Unveils India Dance Tour Post-ACL Surgery

Celebrated Indian dancer, choreographer and social media personality, Himanshu Dulani, proudly announces his highly anticipated five-city dance workshop tour titled ‘BEYOND’. signifying a powerful return to the stage following ACL surgery . This tour, encompassing Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, embodies Dulani’s unwavering resilience and dedication to his art, presenting a unique opportunity for dancers across India to engage with his experiences and passion

The tour transcends the conventional dance workshop, representing a profound journey of self-discovery and the triumph over physical limitations encountered during his recovery . The tour will feature exclusive classes, each showcasing fresh choreography every weekend in a different city. With hints of additional cities on social media, Dulani envisions his tour as the genesis of a larger movement, underscoring his steadfast commitment to inspiring others through the transformative power of dance.

Himanshu Dulani states, “More than a dance showcase and a series of workshops. ‘BEYOND’ is an emotional journey of resilience and healing, and pushing past physical and mental limits. With ‘BEYOND,’ I’m not just performing again — I’m rewriting what a comeback looks like. It is a celebration of perseverance, artistry, and the power of dance to overcome challenges.”

Participants will delve into Dulani’s original choreography and unique style. The tour will initially visit five key cities, with the potential for expansion contingent on audience demand and engagement, promising a dynamic and interactive experience for all attendees.

Dulani’s BEYOND India Tour not only marks a resurgence with renewed passion but also complements a successful 2024, highlighted by workshops in both India and the U.S., a standout performance at YouTube Fanfest India, and a significant Instagram presence fuelled by widely resonating choreography. His mission extends beyond performance to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a vibrant dance community, embodying passion, reinvention, and perseverance.

Born on December 9, 1994, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Himanshu Dulani has risen as an influential figure, recognized for his electrifying hip-hop style and emotive choreography that inspires a new generation of dancers. Dulani’s journey began with viral YouTube videos, amassing over 1.5 million subscribers with iconic routines like Jazzy B’s ‘Dil Luteya’ . He has had the honor of choreographing for superstar Diljit Dosanjh and created his first music video for Zaeden’s track ‘5 AM’ . His choreography, set to popular tracks like ‘Tere Liye’, ‘Pee Loon’ and ‘Main Tera Boyfriend’, has resonated with a wide audience on Instagram . Achieving international recognition in 2016, he contributed to dance crew 13.13’s fourth-place finish at the World Hip-Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas.

Geoquest Launch Marks New Identity and Vision for Formerly Terre Armee

New Delhi, 11th April 2025: Terre Armée, a global leader in soil-structure interaction, geotechnical engineering, has announced its rebranding to Geoquest. This strategic name change reflects the company’s evolution, diversification, and commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions across its global operations.

 Over the past decades, the company has expanded its expertise beyond its traditional Reinforced Earth® solutions, integrating geosynthetics, advanced construction materials and geohazards solutions into its portfolio. The transition to Geoquest signifies a unified global identity across continents, reinforcing the company’s mission to expand, diversify, and innovate in the field of geotechnical, geohazards and hydraulic engineering.

 A name that reflects expertise and vision
The new name, Geoquest, embodies the company’s core strengths. The prefix ‘Geo’ highlights its expertise in geotechnical engineering, geosynthetics and geohazards, while the suffix ‘quest’ represents its relentless pursuit of excellence by providing innovative solutions to build and maintain long term infrastructure assets. As the company embarks on a new strategic plan focused on expanding its offerings and market reach, adopting a name that aligns with its global vision is a natural step forward.

 Commitment to excellence remains unchanged
Despite the name change, the company remains deeply committed to its legacy of expertise, innovation, and excellence. Its dedication to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking solutions remains unchanged, with the proven Terre Armée® solutions continuing to be a cornerstone of the Retain, Cross, Protect, and Strengthen segmentation portfolio.

 Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Somnath Biswas, Managing Director of Geoquest India, said, “The decision to adopt the name of Geoquest is a significant milestone in our company’s journey. As we continue to expand our expertise and diversify our solutions, it is essential that our identity reflects our forward-thinking approach and global ambitions. This change represents more than just a new name—it underscores our commitment to innovation, excellence, and sustainable solutions. While we embrace this evolution, our core values, technical expertise, and dedication to delivering high-performance solutions remain unwavering. Geoquest is a name that signifies both where we are today and the ambitious path we are charting for the future.”

From Pills to Peace: Physicians Prescribe Transcendental Meditation for Healing

New Delhi, 11th April 2025: Transcendental Meditation (TM), once known primarily as a personal well-being practice, is now emerging as a clinically supported tool in modern medicine. Doctors and hospitals are increasingly recommending TM to complement conventional treatments, citing its powerful impact on physical, mental, and emotional health.

 Medical research has significantly bolstered TM’s credibility in the healthcare community. The American Heart Association reported in 2017 that TM lowers high blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A major NIH study found TM reduced PTSD symptoms by over 50%, surpassing many traditional therapies. A groundbreaking five-year study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that those practicing TM had 55.4% lower hospitalization rates compared to non-practitioners.

 Scientific journals continue to validate TM’s holistic benefits. TM has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone by 30 to 40% (NeuroReport), reduce sleep disturbances by 50% (Journal of Sleep Research), cut medication use by 23% (Health Affairs), and enhance immune response by up to 50% (Psychosomatic Medicine).

 Aditi Shrivastava, Senior Transcendental Meditation Teacher, stated, “We are at the cusp of a healthcare revolution, where inner calm and scientific healing converge. TM does not replace medical treatment, but it supercharges it, allowing the body to heal from within while managing stress effectively.”

 Dr. Amit Arora, Chief Medical Officer at Maharishi Ayurveda, said, “I highly recommend Transcendental Meditation to all my patients to maintain their health and for speedy recovery from their chronic and complicated diseases. I feel that TM is the most powerful invisible medicine.”

 With this growing body of evidence, TM is being adopted across healthcare and corporate ecosystems. Hospitals such as Maharishi Ayurveda Hospital have incorporated TM into patient care protocols, while organisations across India are using it to improve employee well-being, mental clarity, and resilience. As India and the world move toward integrative healthcare, TM is offering a safe, evidence-based, and deeply effective approach to healing, redefining how we care for the mind and body in today’s high-stress world.

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AI Drives Productivity Surge and Service Upgrade at Bank of America

April 9, 2025

MUMBAI – Bank of America uses innovative technology to meet and anticipate the needs of its clients and 213,000 employees. For many years, this commitment has carried through in its approach to AI and machine learning. The technology is embedded today across the company’s business lines and areas including global technology, operations, and training.

“AI is having a transformative effect on employee efficiency and operational excellence,” said Aditya Bhasin, Chief Technology & Information Officer at Bank of America. “Our use of AI at scale and around the world enables us to further enhance our capabilities, improve employee productivity and client service, and drive business growth.”

Seven years ago, in 2018, Bank of America launched Erica®, the first widely adopted AI-driven virtual financial assistant, within its mobile app. Since then, clients have interacted with Erica more than 2.5 billion times, with 20 million clients now actively using the virtual assistant.

Bank of America’s approach to AI includes human oversight, transparency, and accountability for all outcomes. In addition to recently shared examples of how AI benefits clients and employees, our employees’ use of AI continues to expand in areas such as:

· Erica for Employees – Building upon Erica’s success, in 2020, Bank of America launched Erica for Employees, an AI-driven internal virtual assistant which was rapidly adopted during the pandemic by employees seeking technology support in areas such as mobile device password reset, device activation, and many others. In 2023, the functionality was expanded to assist with additional topics such as where to review health benefits, locate payroll and tax forms, and more.

Today, over 90% of employees use Erica for Employees, with the virtual assistant having reduced calls into the IT service desk by more than 50%. The capabilities will expand this year to offer enhanced search and assistance across a broader set of topics – including answers to employee questions about Bank of America products and services – with plans to leverage both AI and generative AI (GenAI).

· ask MERRILL® and ask Private Banking® – Leveraging the technology behind Erica, these tools help Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank teams efficiently curate information to deliver superior client experiences. When needed, the chat functionality can also connect teams with experts at the bank for help with more complex requests. In 2024, there were more than 23 million interactions with ask MERRILL and ask Private Banking, an increase of 1 million over 2023, helping employees more proactively connect with clients about timely and relevant opportunities.

· Capturing client feedback – This internally-developed GenAI capability is used by Bank of America call centers to summarize call recordings, which helps increase efficiency and ensure the company remains in tune with clients’ needs and improves their experiences. Previously, teammates would manually generate these summaries. Future enhancements this year will extend to other communication channels.

· The Academy – Bank of America’s onboarding, education, and professional development organization uses AI to provide interactive coaching through conversation simulators that enable teammates to practice different types of client interactions and increase proficiency through real-time feedback. Employees completed over 1 million simulations last year, with many noting that practicing client conversations helps them deliver better and more consistent service.

Additional AI deployments underway helping to increase employee productivity and improve client service include:

· Coding assistance – Bank of America software developers are using a GenAI-based tool to assist with code writing and optimization, through which they have experienced efficiency gains of over 20%.

· Preparing for client meetings – Developing materials in preparation for meetings with current and prospective business clients can take several hours per meeting. AI helps automate and standardize the creation of drafts of materials for meetings with Bank of America Business Banking and Global Commercial Banking clients, with the opportunity for employees to reallocate tens of thousands of hours per year to client engagement and growth.

· Contact center optimization – A modernized desktop tool leveraging AI proactively provides guided assistance to customer service specialists in Bank of America contact centers, enabling them to deliver a more personalized client experience, increase client satisfaction, and reduce call handling times.

· Research summaries – An internally-developed GenAI platform enables the Global Markets sales and trading team to search, summarize, and synthesize our industry-leading research and market commentary more quickly and efficiently.

AI Patent Portfolio
Bank of America holds nearly 7,400 granted patents and pending patent applications, the most U.S. granted patents of any financial services company. More than 1,200 of these patents are AI and machine learning focused – representing 17% of the patent portfolio – and more than half have already been granted.

Other technology categories in which new patents were granted last year include information security, online and mobile banking, payments, data analytics, and augmented and virtual reality. This is thanks to the company’s more than 7,800 talented inventors in 14 countries and 42 U.S. states, and a culture that empowers teammates to explore and develop innovative solutions for individuals and businesses globally.

Bank of America spends $13 billion annually on technology, of which approximately $4 billion will be directed to new technology initiatives in 2025.

Boosting Real Estate Trust: HYDRA Commissioner Rolls Out Free Legal and Loan Clarity Platform

Hyderabad, April 11, 2025 — A.V. Ranganath, Commissioner of HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency), today launched HRCSIndia.com, a free online platform that offers verified, unbiased legal and loan information on real estate properties. The launch event took place at LB Nagar in the city.

Developed by HRCS India, a Hyderabad-based, RERA-certified organization with 21 years of industry experience, the platform aims to empower property buyers, sellers, and stakeholders with accurate and transparent information at no cost.

“HRCSIndia.com is a first-of-its-kind initiative, created to address the widespread confusion and fear among buyers following recent demolitions. Many people are unsure whether a property lies within Full Tank Level (FTL) or lake buffer zones. Our platform is designed to bridge this information gap and help people make informed decisions,” said Mr. Harshavardhan Reddy, Founder and CEO of HRCS India.

Commissioner’s Remarks

Addressing a gathering of over 150 attendees, Mr. A.V. Ranganath emphasized that it is unfair to blame HYDRA for the slowdown in Hyderabad’s real estate sector.

“HYDRA is not responsible for the stagnation in the market. Many unsold flats existed even before HYDRA was formed. Our role is to protect public assets and ensure transparency,” he said.

He appreciated HRCS India for volunteering to provide legal clarity and loan transparency free of cost, comparing their efforts to marriage matchmaking — helping buyers find the right property match safely.

“Real estate is a lifetime investment and a dream for many. That dream should not be shattered due to a lack of knowledge. Transparency and awareness are essential,” he added.

HYDRA was established through an executive order to protect public assets — including roads, drains, water bodies, parks, and other infrastructure — under the jurisdiction of GHMC and the Telangana state government. It is the first body of its kind in India and has full legal powers.

The commissioner further stated that HYDRA plans to sign an MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to use satellite and remote sensing technology to identify lake encroachments and demarcate Full Tank Levels (FTLs). This will help prevent disputes and protect natural water bodies.

Legal Awareness and FTL Concerns

“Thanks to HYDRA’s efforts, more people today are aware of what FTL means. It is not a new concept; it is mentioned in several laws such as the Telangana WALTA Act (2002), the Environment Protection Act (1986), the Irrigation Act, and the Building Rules — all of which prohibit construction in FTL and buffer zones,” Ranganath clarified.

He acknowledged that real estate earned a bad reputation due to land grabbers, fly-by-night operators, and a lack of transparency. “This must change,” he urged, emphasizing the need to protect people from exploitation.

HRCS India’s Mission

“If you’re confused about where to buy property in Hyderabad, or worried whether a plot falls within an FTL or buffer zone, we understand your concern. That’s why we created HRCSIndia.com — a completely free, transparent platform to guide you,” said Mr. Harshavardhan Reddy.

He reiterated that HRCS India does not promote or sell any property, but solely aims to educate and empower stakeholders. “This is a no-cost, unbiased, information-first platform meant to help people make safer real estate decisions, especially in the wake of HYDRA demolitions,” he added.

ViewSonic Brings Smart Learning to India with Future School Rollout at Shraddha’s Academy

Chennai, 11, April 2025: ViewSonic Corp., a global leader in visual and EdTech solutions, proudly recognises Shraddha’s Children Academy, Chennai as the first certified “Future School” in India under its global flagship program. This certification honours the school’s exemplary use of ViewSonic’s integrated EdTech ecosystem. With this recognition, Shraddha’s Children Academy becomes a benchmark institution for technology-enabled education in the country, demonstrating how digital tools can drive engagement, innovation, and future-readiness in classrooms. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising this certification was signed today at the school.

The Future School Program represents a major milestone in ViewSonic’s commitment to transforming the education landscape in India. The initiative is designed to acknowledge the schools that have seamlessly integrated advanced EdTech solutions into their classrooms, thereby delivering personalized and future-ready learning experiences for students.

“India’s education landscape is evolving rapidly, and we want to ensure that schools are not just adapting but leading in EdTech adoption,” said Mr. Muneer Ahmad, Vice President, ViewSonic India. “Through the Future School Program, we are delivering an all-encompassing solution that simplifies technology integration for educators while fostering an engaging and future-ready learning environment for students. Our goal is to simplify technology for educators, enhance teaching efficiency, and create engaging, student-centered learning experiences.”

“At Shraddha, learners are at the center of everything we do. Our partnership with ViewSonic will help us create more interactive, engaging, and inclusive classrooms, empowering students to learn better and dream bigger.” Mr Naveen Velagapalli – Managing trustee, Shraddha’s Children Academy

Chennai’s Shraddha’s Children Academy Leads the Way

Shraddha’s Children Academy has integrated 45 ViewSonic Interactive Flat Panels across its classrooms, enabling dynamic, collaborative, and visually enriched lessons. Teachers are actively using myViewBoard, a digital whiteboarding and content creation tool, to deliver customised learning experiences and boost student participation. This proactive adoption and effective use of ViewSonic’s technology ecosystem made the school a natural fit for the Future School certification.

The ViewSonic Future School Program is anchored in a seamless, all-in-one ecosystem, which includes:

● ViewBoard: These touch-enabled displays make lessons more engaging and interactive, encouraging active student participation.

● myViewBoard Software: A digital platform for creating, sharing, and collaborating on lessons, enabling teachers to deliver personalized content in both physical and remote settings.

● ClassSwift: A tool that provides real-time insights into student engagement, allowing teachers to adapt lessons for better learning outcomes.

● Manager Advanced: A management software that simplifies IT operations by enabling remote monitoring and updates of all connected devices.

● Professional Development Program: Extensive training and certification for teachers to ensure they can maximize the potential of ViewSonic’s tools.

By offering an integrated suite of solutions, ViewSonic removes the complexity of adopting multiple vendors, allowing educators to focus on what matters most—teaching and learning.

Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Learning

The Future School Program is rooted in ViewSonic’s belief that technology should serve as an enabler, not a barrier. To this end, the company offers comprehensive onboarding and technical support to every participating school. From teacher training to backend integration, ViewSonic ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for institutions undergoing digital transformation.