Category Archives: News

The 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship to be Held in India in April 2025

New Delhi, India, March 26, 2025: The 2nd Asian Yogasana Sports Championship, originally scheduled for March 29-31, 2025, will now take place on April 25th – 27th 2025 in New Delhi. The revised dates accommodate requests from international teams for additional preparation time and ensure wider participation, while also being mindful of the holy month of Ramadan.

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Yogasana Bharat, the championship aims to further establish Yogasana as a global competitive sport while honouring its deep-rooted traditions.

The event will bring together top Yogasana athletes from across Asia, providing a platform to showcase their strength, flexibility, and precision. It is a step toward positioning Yogasana as a mainstream sport and advancing efforts for its inclusion in global multi-sport competitions.

Dr Sanjay Malpani, President of Asian Yogasana, highlighted the championship’s growing significance, “The shift in dates reflects our commitment to making the event truly inclusive and competitive. With greater participation, the championship will further strengthen Yogasana’s presence as a serious global sport. We look forward to welcoming athletes from across Asia to New Delhi for a world-class event.”

Dr Jaideep Arya, Secretary General, World Yogasana, stated, “This championship is a celebration of Yogasana’s transformation from an ancient practice to a globally recognized sport. The extended timeline ensures athletes are better prepared, leading to a more competitive and inspiring event. We remain dedicated to advancing Yogasana as a mainstream sporting discipline.”

Mr. Udit Sheth, President of Yogasana Bharat, expressed his vision: “India continues to lead the way in establishing Yogasana as a competitive sport. The revised dates are fantastic to allow all nationalities to participate at their best such that we have a world class event with complete participation.”

With Yogasana gaining global recognition, this championship is expected to attract significant attention from the international sporting community, reinforcing its place in competitive sports and paving the way for its inclusion in future multi-sport events.

SkillSchool Sets Ambitious Goal to Provide 1 Million Free Skilling Opportunities

Delhi NCR– 26 March, 2025 – SkillSchool, a leading education platform and a valued subsidiary of SNVA Edutech, has recently announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide 1 million free skilling over the next three years. This initiative will equip individuals all across India with essential career-oriented skills, ensuring greater employability and professional growth in an evolving job market.

SkillSchool is heading towards skill-development workshops in collaboration with the International Centre for Advanced Studies and Research (ICASR), directly aiming to empower and inspire professionals all over the world. It strives to provide individuals the finest skills they require to not just get stable employment but to cultivate desired and thriving careers as well. The registrations for these free courses have started. The interested learners who wish to upscale their skills can visit www.skillschool.co.in for further details.

Vivek K Singh, Chairman and CEO, SNVA Edutech – SkillSchool, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch: “We are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of education, professions are calling for exceptional skills, and SkillSchool is elevating to the challenge by transforming access to high-quality, career-oriented education. Our 1 Million Free Skilling Opportunities campaign is the obvious answer to this requirement, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location, can unlock their full potential. The SkillSchool family extends an invitation wholeheartedly to students and dedicated professionals from all over India to join this life-changing initiative and make their career rewarding and successful.”

In a recent strategic collaboration, SkillSchool and BCCM have partnered with La Pinoz Pizza, one of India’s fastest-growing pizza chains. The agreement, signed last week in Chandigarh, underscores SkillSchool’s dedication to bridging the gap between education and industry, equipping skilled professionals to support La Pinoz Pizza’s expansion plans.
SkillSchool commits to bridge the global skill gap by offering a wide range of industry-specific courses in technology, business, healthcare, and many more. This initiative is curated to upscale the learner with cutting-edge expertise, empowering them to excel in the digital era.

ECOFY Receives USD 12.5 Million Funding from IFU to Propel India’s Green Transition

New Delhi, 26th March 2025: Ecofy Finance Private Limited, India’s green-transition-focused NBFC, today announced it has secured a USD 12.5 million long-term loan facility from the Investment Fund for Developing Countries (IFU), a development finance institution owned by the Government of Denmark.

Ecofy aims to address the critical last-mile climate finance gap in India’s consumer, transportation and small business sectors. With ambitious targets, the NBFC plans to finance over 1 million electric vehicles and more than 1.5 GW of rooftop solar within the next 6-7 years.

This will support decarbonisation of the transportation sector and power consumption of households and small businesses in India. The electric vehicles financed through Ecofy will reduce a range of harmful air pollutants caused by fossil fuel vehicles.

A part of the financing provided by IFU would be directed towards individuals and SMEs, who typically find traditional financing channels less accessible and therefore to a large extent are excluded from acting as green consumers.

Vivek Khandelwal, Treasury Head at Ecofy, said, “This investment is a pivotal moment for both, Ecofy and the green finance ecosystem in India. The long-term capital provided by IFU empowers us to scale our climate-focused lending solutions while breaking down barriers for underserved borrowers. By combining innovative financing models with a strong commitment to sustainability, we aim to enable access to electric vehicles and rooftop solar, and to drive systemic change toward a cleaner, more inclusive economy.”

Vibhor Singhal, Investment Manager at IFU, said “IFU is very pleased to support Ecofy in its pursuit to provide accessible climate finance to the masses. This investment aligns well with IFU’s strategy, as India is a core focus country and climate mitigation and access to finance are key impact priorities for IFU.”

The financing from IFU, structured as long-term debt capital, is part of the green strategic partnership between India and Denmark, which was established in 2020 when the prime ministers of both nations signed the agreement.

Honoring 95 Years: Sugatsune’s Journey in Revolutionizing Hardware Solutions

With a legacy spanning 95 years, Sugatsune has been a pioneer, consistently setting global benchmarks in the design and manufacturing of high-quality hardware solutions since its establishment in Japan in 1930. Drawing on its Japanese heritage, the company is renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality, durability, and innovation. With nearly a century of expertise, Sugatsune has established itself as a trusted name across diverse sectors, including residential, office, architectural, and industrial applications.

Sugatsune has built a legacy of excellence, offering hardware solutions known for their exceptional longevity, low maintenance, and superior performance. With decades of expertise, the brand provides a diverse range of products, including high-quality hinges, locks, handles, drawer slides, and motion systems. It is also a pioneer in unique sliding systems, advanced wardrobe and cabinet door hardware, lift-assist stays, sophisticated shelving systems, wardrobe solutions, and more.

Mr. Anil Rana, Managing Director of Sugatsune, says: “At Sugatsune, we remain committed to engineering innovative, high-quality hardware that seamlessly integrates into diverse applications. Our dedication to excellence ensures that we continue to exceed customer expectations by providing durable, precision-engineered solutions that stand the test of time.”

Sugatsune showcased its latest range of engineered hardware solutions at Indiawood 2025, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to explore innovative products designed for seamless functionality and modern aesthetics. Featured highlights included:

MFU-1200 Flush Sliding System – A seamless door system that blends effortlessly with adjacent walls, creating a sleek and modern finish. It has received prestigious awards like the iF Design Award and Interzum Award for its outstanding innovation and design excellence.

FD40 Slide Fold System – A versatile sliding and folding door solution, ideal for covering large spaces while occupying minimal space. Its parallel stacking design allows smooth and effortless operation, optimizing space flexibility.

HES1F-140 Fully Adjustable Slim Frame Concealed Hinge – A minimalist floor-to-ceiling frame with a fully adjustable concealed hinge. It ensures smooth operation and a streamlined modern look, perfect for contemporary interiors.

HES2S Surface Mount Concealed Hinge – A compact and sturdy hinge with a 125° opening angle. Its surface-mount design eliminates the need for a frame cutout, making it ideal for marble or stone frames where enhanced durability is required.

SPV-S40 Pivot Hinge – A spring-tensioned pivot hinge that enables automatic door closing with reliable performance. Its easy installation and smooth operation make it suitable for various door applications.

ALT-ST15 Pocket Door System – A soft-close pocket door system designed for smooth and quiet operation. It features five-speed precision closing and a space-saving retractable design, tested for 40,000 cycles to ensure long-term performance.

FD-80 Frameless Glass 80 Kg Sliding Door System – A frameless glass sliding door system that handles up to 80 kg. It features dual soft-closing for smooth and secure operation. Its trackless bottom design ensures easy cleaning and a sophisticated, modern appearance, making it ideal for office partitions, pantry areas, and residential spaces.

GH-J130 (Gravity Hinge) – An innovative hinge designed for shower and office cubicles, offering a smooth soft-closing mechanism. It self-closes from 0 to 70 degrees and self-opens from 70 to 90 degrees for seamless functionality.

Miles4Meals 2025: IIIT-Bangalore’s Charity Run to Support Underprivileged Kids

Bangalore, March 26, 2025: Miles4Meals 2025, organized by IIIT-Bangalore in partnership with Akshaya Patra Foundation, is back with its 10K & 5K marathon on April 6, 2025, at the IIIT-Bangalore Campus. This isn’t just a race, it’s a pledge to fight classroom hunger.

With every stride, participants will contribute to providing nutritious mid-day meals for underprivileged children, ensuring they receive the nourishment they need to learn and thrive. Last year, the event successfully funded meals for 5,500 children, thanks to the incredible support of 200+ runners, 50+ volunteers, and 3 generous sponsors. This year, the organizers aim to expand their impact with even greater participation.

To recognize outstanding performances, Miles4Meals 2025 offers a prize pool of ₹1,50,000, making the event even more rewarding for participants. Last year, 95-year-old Mr. N.S. Dattatreya participated in the marathon, proving that age is no barrier when it comes to making a difference. From students to seniors, everyone is welcome to run for a purpose.

Participants will also enjoy an RFID-timed bib race for precise performance tracking. All the participants completing the race will be awarded medals and receive a lifetime certificate to commemorate their achievement. To keep the energy high, there will be Zumba sessions, while refreshments will be available to keep everyone energized. Medical support will also be on hand to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. Adding to the excitement, the event will feature an exhibition arena, packed with fun games, food and merchandise stalls offering a dynamic and engaging experience for participants and visitors alike.

Veteran musician Sri Ushakanth passes away

Hyderabad, 26th March 2025: Sri Ushakanth, a legendary musician and iconic figure in Hyderabad’s cultural landscape, passed away today at 12:40 pm. A multifaceted talent, he excelled as a lyricist, singer, composer, and music director.

Musical Legacy

Sri Ushakanth’s impressive repertoire includes:

– Musical ballets: Sri Datta Gadha, Kalyana Ramam, Geetha Govindam, Aandal Kalyanam, and Sapta Chala Sankeerthanam

– TTD projects: Palikedidi Bhagavatamata

– Acclaimed musical album: Chilaka Palukulu (Telugu Nursery Rhymes)

Awards and Recognition

Sri Ushakanth received numerous prestigious awards, including:

– Ghantasala Award (2003)

– National Awards for SIVA Ganga (Musical Ballet) and CHALO-DELHI (Children’s Film)

Sri Ushakanth is survived by:

– Son Dr. Sreekanth, a senior consultant at Apollo Hospitals and singer-composer;

– Daughter-in-law Dr. Suseela, a doctor and dancer;

– Son-in-law Mr. Sunder Lakshman, Vice President of Mahathi’s Music Academy;

– Daughter Smt. Radhika Lakshman, an accomplished singer;

– Granddaughter Ms. Rohini, IT consultant, dancer, and singer and

– Grandson Sreenigam, a budding doctor and singer.

The final rites of Sri Ushakanth will be performed at Mahaprasthanam, Jubilee Hills, on Wednesday, March 26, morning.

Bill Gates Commends Indian Health-Tech Startup Sunfox, Gaining International Recognition

25th March 2025, India – At the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) headquarters, Sunfox Technologies was showcased as one of the five breakthrough healthcare technologies selected for its potential to transform global health. The event, which brought together some of India’s most impactful medical innovations, was further marked by the presence of renowned philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

Spandan, a pioneering technology in cardiac monitoring, stood out for its ability to make hospital-grade cardiac care accessible and affordable. In a one-on-one conversation with Bill Gates, Spandan’s impact on reducing cardiac mortality worldwide was acknowledged and praised.

Reflecting on the experience, Rajat Jain, Founder of Sunfox Technologies, stated, “Being at ICMR HQ among India’s most promising healthcare innovations was an incredible honor. Hearing Bill Gates recognize Sunfox Technologies’s potential to change the world was both humbling and energizing. It reinforced our mission to make high-quality cardiac monitoring accessible to millions.”

Bill Gates, impressed by the innovation, emphasized the broader impact of India’s healthcare advancements, stating: “At Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), I saw how India’s homegrown innovations are saving lives. Fetal monitoring systems are helping mothers and newborns, real-time TB detection is catching cases sooner, and streamlined delivery systems are bringing medicine to remote communities faster. These breakthroughs aren’t just changing health outcomes in India—they have the power to change the world.”

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and Sunfox Technologies is poised to address this challenge by placing life-saving technology into the hands of millions. With its innovative approach to affordable, real-time cardiac monitoring, Sunfox Technologies has the power to significantly reduce cardiac-related fatalities and improve healthcare accessibility worldwide.

NMIMS Chandigarh Holds National Moot Court Competition, Fostering Legal Excellence

Chandigarh, March 25, 2025 – NMIMS Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, successfully hosted the prestigious National Moot Court Competition on March 22-23, 2025. The two-day event saw participation from 28 teams across the country, with each team consisting of three members—two speakers and one researcher—providing a platform for aspiring legal professionals to demonstrate their advocacy skills and legal acumen.

The competition commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony, featuring a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. Dr. Rashmi Khurana Nagpal, Director of NMIMS Chandigarh, welcomed esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal and Guest of Honor Dr. Balram K. Gupta. In her address, Dr. Nagpal reflected on her personal journey as a law student, underscoring the value of early exposure to mooting. She also shared an inspiring anecdote about eminent lawyer Raj Bihari Ghosh, highlighting the role of quick thinking and legal acumen in advocacy.

Dr. Balram K. Gupta, a stalwart in legal education, shared insights from his tenure at Panjab University, where he pioneered the concept of a Moot Society. He emphasized the significance of mooting as a training ground for budding lawyers and recounted anecdotes about legal luminaries like Nani Palkhiwala and Tej Bahadur Sapru, encouraging students to pursue excellence.

Chief Guest Jagmohan Bansal addressed the gathering, elaborating on the three pillars of legal practice—client acquisition, thorough preparation, and courtroom performance. Drawing from personal experiences and select film excerpts, he illustrated key lessons in legal strategy and ethics. He emphasized the ABC rule—Availability, Behavior, and Competence—as essential qualities for a successful legal career.

The competition saw intense rounds of arguments, with the preliminary and quarterfinals held on March 22, where experienced advocates judged the proceedings. The semi-finals and finals took place on March 23, with teams presenting compelling arguments before a distinguished panel, including senior advocates and sitting judges.

The moot proposition was centered around Aryan, a 17-year-old minor who, despite being underage, was tried as an adult for a criminal offense. Aryan, aged 17 years and 305 days, was considered a child in conflict with the law under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. A Special Leave Petition (SLP) was filed in the Supreme Court under Article 136, highlighting the exceptional nature of the case and the grave miscarriage of justice in trying Aryan as an adult. The moot proposition sparked intense debates surrounding the legal principles of juvenile justice, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors in conflict with the law according to the established framework of the Juvenile Justice Act.

The closing ceremony was graced by legal luminaries, including Advocate Ankur Mittal (Additional Advocate General, Haryana), Hon’ble Justice Raj Shekhar Attri (Retd. Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court), Hon’ble Justice Mahabir Singh Sandhu (Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court), and Shri Pawanjit Singh (President, District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, U.T. Chandigarh). The dignitaries emphasized the importance of mooting as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical legal experience.

Hon’ble Justice Raj Shekhar Attri lauded the competition, calling it a replica of real court proceedings that enhances students’ legal acumen. He appreciated the moot proposition’s focus on juvenile justice and cited recent case laws, including the Pune car crash case, to emphasize the evolving legal landscape regarding juvenile offenders. He reiterated that “bail is the norm, and its denial is an exception.”

Hon’ble Justice Mahabir Singh Sandhu advised students to balance legal tradition with innovation and not to rely solely on artificial intelligence, urging them to develop original legal arguments. He emphasized the growing importance of mediation in India and encouraged practical learning over theoretical study.

Dr. Balram K. Gupta compared the competition to Wimbledon, emphasizing that moots serve as a laboratory for future lawyers. He shared valuable litigation tips, highlighting the importance of client relationships, courtroom demeanor, and ethical practice.

The final round witnessed an exhilarating face-off between top teams. Symbiosis Law School, Pune secured the first prize, while Army Institute of Law, Mohali was the runner-up. The Best Researcher Award was presented to Panjab University for their outstanding research skills. The judges commended the participants’ research, drafting, and argumentative skills, affirming that the future of the legal profession is in capable hands.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, the national anthem, and a group photograph, marking the end of a competitive and intellectually stimulating event. NMIMS Chandigarh’s successful hosting of the National Moot Court Competition reaffirms its commitment to fostering legal excellence and practical advocacy training for future legal professionals.

BC Jindal Group’s JIRE Awarded 300 MW Solar-BESS Order by NHPC

Mumbai, March 25, 2025: BC Jindal Group, India’s leading conglomerate with over Rs. 18,000 crore turnover, has announced that its renewable energy arm, Jindal India Renewable Energy (JIRE) has received the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for 300 MW solar plus storage project from state-owned, NHPC. The project is part of NHPC’s 1200 MW inter-state transmission system-connected solar power projects tender with 600 MW/1200 MW energy storage systems.

JIRE has bagged 300 MW of solar power capacity from NHPC at a tariff of Rs 3.09/kWh. As per the stated terms, the company will be executing a solar project on a build-own-operate basis. In addition, the green-field project will have to be completed within 24 months from signing of the power purchase agreement (PPA). Initially, JIRE had won 180 MW capacity of the Solar-BESS project from NHPC. As per the “Greenshoe Option” of the tender, the company was awarded an additional capacity of 120 MW, taking JIRE’s total project capacity to 300 MW.

Mr. Amit Kumar Mittal, CEO, Jindal India Renewable Energy, said, “Securing the LoA for 300 MW capacity after competitive bidding is testimony to JIRE’s ability and expertise to deliver substantial projects in the evolving renewable energy space. This project win is in line with BC Jindal group’s goal of supporting the nation’s target of installing 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.”

NHPC will enter into an agreement with JIRE for a period of 25 years. The Navratna Company will purchase solar power from JIRE and sell it to state utilities and others. As part of the contract, JIRE will have to deploy an ESS of at least 0.5 MW/ 1MWh capacity for 1 MW contracted capacity.

The BC Jindal Group had recently floated its dedicated entity, JIRE, to hold the renewable venture of the group. This company will oversee the renewable power generation, solar cells and module manufacturing businesses.

In 2025-2026, JIRE is looking to strategically expand its capacity portfolio by acquiring key operational assets within the country and across geographies. The company has sets sight on augmenting its presence and is actively pursuing aggressive acquisitions of operational assets both domestically and abroad. These acquisitions are anticipated to be finalised in 1-2 years and will be funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt.

Jindal India Renewable Energy operates under the BC Jindal Group, founded in 1952 by Shri B.C. Jindal. Originally a steel pipe and fittings manufacturer, the group has grown into one of India’s leading conglomerates with a significant presence in the power sector. JIRE’s initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to energy diversification. With a focus on environmental well-being at the core of its inception, BC Jindal Group’s commitment extends beyond compliance to a genuine dedication to preserving the environment for future generations.

Noida International University Holds Educators Meet and Felicitation Event in Durgapur

Durgapur, 25 March 2025: Noida International University has organized an impactful Educators Meet & Felicitation Ceremony at Hotel Citi Residency, Durgapur, with over 80 educators and academic professionals.

The event aims to strengthen collaboration between institutions and educators with a brief discussion about the evolving landscape of education and educators’ pivotal role in shaping young minds.

The chief guest Mr. Akash Sharma Director of Admission & Outreach, at Noida International University said that the landscape of education is evolving with time and it is the time when educators need to explore new approaches that include critical thinking and creativity in learning. With the advancements in technology, educators need to work on problem-solving skills with a holistic approach that encompasses the well-being of society.

The felicitation ceremony recognized the contributions of educators in driving academic excellence and student success. Attendees engaged in discussions on educational best practices, career guidance, and emerging trends in higher education. This gathering served as a valuable platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and strengthening collaborations between educators and institutions. Distinguished guests Ankur Sharma, Senior Manager and Tarun Pratap Singh, Manager at Noida International University also shared their insights on advancing student engagement and institutional partnerships.