Category Archives: News

Strengthening Nutrition and Education: The Akshaya Patra Foundation Inaugurates New State-of-the-Art Kitchen in Support with Canara Bank

26th December, Bengaluru – In an aim to enhance educational outcomes through nutritional support, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, recognized as the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program and a distinguished partner of the PM POSHAN initiative, celebrated the inauguration of its 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra Village, Avalahalli Panchayat, Bidarahalli, Bangalore, supported by Canara Bank as the anchor patron donor, represents a significant extension of Akshaya Patra’s efforts to improve educational results by providing nutritional support to students. This new facility marks the organization’s sixth location in Bengaluru.

The event was inaugurated by chief guests, Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, and Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister, Government of Karnataka. Smt. Lathakumari IAS, CEO of Bengaluru Urban District Zilla Panchayat, graced the occasion. On-behalf of the foundation Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, and Shri Gunakara Rama Dasa, Regional President – Bengaluru Cluster, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation were present. The event saw Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank, as the anchor patron donor.

Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, the newly launched kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving nutritious meals to children and communities. This initiative reflects the spirit of service and development, bringing hope and nourishment to many and strengthening the future of Karnataka.”

Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Government of Karnataka and Canara Bank, whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the inauguration of our 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra, Bengaluru. This new facility is not just a kitchen; it’s promising enhanced educational outcomes through nutritional support to over 7,500 students. The strategic location and advanced capabilities of this kitchen enable us to extend our reach and efficacy, reflecting our dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering them through education.”

He also added, “Our heartfelt thanks to Canara Bank for their pivotal role as our anchor patron donor, and to the Government of Karnataka and The Government of India for their continuous partnership. Together, we are forging a future where no child’s educational opportunities are limited by their nutritional status.”

The kitchen, sprawling over 5,000 square feet, is strategically located to cater to over 7,500 students across 60 government and government-aided schools in the Bidarahalli and Cheemasandra areas. It aims to provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals within a strict 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to quality and efficiency. This effort not only aims to nourish young minds but also boosts local employment and procurement, & the facility is semi-solar powered, with future plans to incorporate more electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank said, “Our bank takes immense pride in supporting cultural and spiritual celebrations across the country, reflecting our commitment to community engagement. As we grow and prosper, we remain dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our nation, especially in Karnataka. It is a privilege to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, a remarkable initiative that serves and uplifts the community.”

Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “The transformative power of a daily meal cannot be overstated—it shapes futures, builds dreams, and nurtures the young beneficiaries. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s success is a testament to the strength of public-private partnerships, with unwavering support from the Government of India, state governments, and generous donors. As we march towards the milestone of our 100th kitchen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Together, we are creating a legacy of nourishment, hope, and empowerment.”

Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal offerings in Bengaluru are customized to appeal to the local palate, ensuring that they are not only nutritious but also palatable. The menu features a variety of dishes including vegetable pulav, bisibele bath, and moong dal payasam, catering to diverse tastes while promoting healthy eating habits among students. This initiative is further enhanced by The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s role as an implementing partner of the visionary ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ program by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, aimed at providing milk to schoolchildren, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered by nutritional deficits.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests toured the facility and served meals to children, visibly impressed by the foundation’s dedication to quality and community impact. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently serves over 1.8 lakh children across 1200+ schools in Bangalore and 4.4 lakh children across 3400+ schools in Karnataka.

This project is more than just a facility; it reflects The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It also underscores the organization’s drive towards promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices.

With the continuous support of the Government of Karnataka and the commitment of all stakeholders, The Akshaya Patra Foundation is set to continue its mission of ensuring that ‘No child is deprived of education because of hunger.’

Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics Partner to Revolutionize Cancer Care in India with Innovative Immunotherapy Sintilimab

Mumbai, India: December 26, 2024 – Mankind Pharma Limited and Innovent Biologics have announced a groundbreaking partnership to exclusively license and commercialize sintilimab, an advanced PD-1 immunotherapy, in the Indian market. This strategic collaboration aims to address the critical challenges in cancer treatment and improve patient access to innovative therapeutic options in the region.

Cancer has become a major health concern in India, with its burden projected to reach 29.8 million DALYs by 2025, according to The National Cancer Registry Programme1. In response to this pressing challenge, the partnership between Mankind Pharma and Innovent Biologics offers a pivotal solution, aiming to tackle the rising incidence of cancer and improve patient outcomes across the country.

Sintilimab, marketed as TYVYT® (sintilimab injection) in China, is a high-quality PD-1 immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody co-developed by Innovent and Eli Lilly. Its mechanism of blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway reactivates T-cells, enhancing the body’s natural ability to target and eliminate cancer cells[i]. The drug has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and favorable safety across multiple major cancer types with eight approved indications in China, including non-small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. TYVYT® (sintilimab injection), is one of the top therapy choices in immunotherapy, has already benefited millions of cancer patients since its launch in 2018. This versatile immunotherapy holds the potential to make a significant impact for oncology patients in India.

Under the agreement, Mankind Pharma will have exclusive rights to register, import, market, sell and distribute sintilimab in India. Innovent will oversee manufacturing and supply of the product, ensuring consistent availability and adherence to high-quality standards. Innovent will be eligible to receive upfront, regulatory and commercial milestone payments.

“Mankind Pharma is excited to partner exclusively with Innovent Biologics to launch sintilimab in India. This groundbreaking immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering new hope for patients battling a range of cancers. By bringing this innovative therapy to the Indian market, we are committed to improving patient outcomes and reinforcing our position as a leader in oncology. Mankind Pharma brings its extensive pharmaceutical expertise and expansive distribution network to this partnership, with a robust field force of 16,000+ personnel and over 13,000 stockists across India. This ecosystem will be crucial in ensuring widespread access to sintilimab across urban and rural markets. The partnership represents more than a commercial agreement – it’s a commitment to transforming oncological care in India, making innovative treatments available to a broader patient population,” shared Mr Atish Majumdar – Sr President – Sales & Marketing, Mankind Pharma Limited.

Dr. Samuel Zhang, Chief Business Officer of Innovent Biologics, stated: “Innovent is delighted to partner with Mankind Pharma to introduce our innovative PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab in India, providing new hope for patients battling various forms of cancer. Leveraging Mankind Pharma’s extensive network and deep expertise, we are confident that sintilimab will be rapidly accessible to patients across the country. Together, we are committed to advancing patient care in India by making cutting-edge treatments more accessible and affordable.”

Dial Back to Connect: Bridging the Emotional Gap

The very devices meant to simplify our lives often steal away the moments that matter the most. According to a new study ‘Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Relationships’, use of mobile phones creates growing emotional distances, especially between parents and children.

For many parents, smartphones have become an all-in-one tool—a source of work, news, entertainment, and a digital escape from stress. However, when parents spend hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching videos, the unintended consequence is a subtle disconnect from their children. Interestingly, children do notice where their parents’ attention drifts. For kids, excessive smartphone usage by parents isn’t just a habit—it’s a source of frustration and conflict.

Real Moments vs. Screen Time

Time spent staring at screens during family dinners, vacations, or casual outings robs everyone of shared experiences that build trust and bonding. The essence of connection comes from eye contact, conversations, and laughter—none of which can happen when a phone is in hand.

Interestingly, children believe their parents’ phones should be tools for connection, not distraction. They value simple features like calling, messaging, and capturing memories over endless entertainment apps or games.

Practical Tips for Parents: Reclaim Family Time

Breaking free from purposeless smartphone use doesn’t mean abandoning your device entirely—it’s about setting boundaries and rediscovering balance. Here are a few actionable tips:

1. Make spaces like the dining table, living room, or bedrooms “phone-free.” During meals or family gatherings, place phones in a basket or another room to encourage undivided attention.

2. Dedicate specific hours of the day for family activities without phones. Whether it’s playing a board game, cooking together, or sharing stories, these moments foster real connection.

3. Use tools like app timers, notification blockers, or screen-time limits to curb excessive phone use.

4. Replace mindless scrolling with intentional conversations. Ask your child about their day, dreams, or thoughts.

5. Use smartphones to strengthen relationships instead of straining them. Take photos, make calls, and celebrate moments, but don’t let the device distract you from living those experiences.

Rediscover the Joy of Being Present

The beauty of parenting lies in small moments. Smartphones can’t replicate these experiences, but they often steal them away.

By curbing excessive smartphone habits, parents can offer their children what they truly seek: their time, attention, and presence. The reward? Stronger bonds, fewer conflicts, and a family that feels connected not just digitally, but emotionally.

It’s time to put the phone down and look up. By being mindful of our smartphone habits, we can build stronger, more meaningful connections with the ones who matter most. After all, childhood doesn’t come with a rewind button—but it does come with moments worth cherishing.

TCL to Inspire Greatness at CES 2025 with its Latest Products and Innovations

India, December 2024 — TCL Electronics, a leading consumer electronics brand and the world’s top two TV brand, has announced its attendance at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 which takes place in January. TCL has participated in CES for 31 years, during which the brand has consistently showcased its latest innovative display technologies and a full range of smart home products to global visitors.

As a highlight of this year’s showcase, TCL will reveal its innovative QD-Mini LED technologies and products that deliver an unparalleled visual experience. The display innovations TCL is bringing to CES 2025 are sure to excite both professionals and home entertainment enthusiasts alike. They cover almost every form factor, from professional monitors to in-car displays, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, smart projectors, and RayNeo AR glasses. TCL will also display its award-winning NXTPAPER technology and officially unveil its revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 at CES 2025.

Underscoring its innovations in the AI field, TCL is bringing its latest AI advancements in new product categories as well as partnerships with world-renowned technology brands. Additionally, TCL will unveil the integration of its smart home ecosystem with intelligent solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and enrich the user experience, which includes air conditioners, built-in refrigerators, washing machines, smart locks, and mobile routers.

Leading up to Super Bowl LIX, TCL’s partnerships with renowned global partners, including its role as the Official TV Partner of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, will also be a major highlight of the exhibition. Through these partnerships, TCL is developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance viewer experiences and engage fans across a range of interactive on-site activities and online campaigns that aim to build global connections and inspire greatness in everyday life.

2nd Year Scaler School of Technology Students Build Advanced Gen AI Tool to Transform Tech Learning and Career Prep

Mumbai, December 26th, 2024: Three second-year students from Scaler School of Technology (SST), a fully residential UG Program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, have created “Scaler Companion,” an advanced generative AI tool, which is now integrated into Scaler’s upskilling and UG education offerings. This tool is modelled on Anshuman Singh, one of the most celebrated teachers at Scaler. Developed by students – Ayaan Khan, Abhinav Gupta, and Pritam Sharma, this AI companion suite provides learners with tailored interview preparation, real-time support, and effective study aids.

Ayaan, Abhinav, and Pritam—all 19—looked up to their mentor and Scaler co-founder, Anshuman Singh, who was widely recognised for his teaching expertise and extensive industry experience. They built Scaler Companion to replicate his impact on their learning journey, incorporating an AI avatar modelled on Anshuman to capture his knowledge and instructional style.

Motivated to create a tool to support Scaler’s upskilling participants and their batch mates at SST, the trio combined their technical skills to develop Scaler Companion. With Ayaan specialising in AI integration, Abhinav focusing on backend development, and Pritam handling frontend design, they crafted a solution that enhances learning and interview readiness for aspiring tech professionals.

The standout feature of Scaler Companion is its interview preparation module, offering company-specific mock interviews modelled after hiring practices at firms like Google and Meta. This feature integrates the AI avatar of Anshuman Singh, which uses his voice and persona to deliver a highly realistic and authentic simulation. This feature allows students and professionals to target their interview preparations for specific companies. While building Meta’s London office, Anshuman conducted over 500 hiring interviews across leading institutes like IITs and Nanyang Technological University. The same expertise has been thoughtfully incorporated into the AI, bringing unmatched credibility to Scaler Companion as an invaluable resource for learners.

In addition to its interview preparation capabilities, Scaler Companion supports students’ retention and review of course material by creating flashcard summaries. After each live session, the tool consolidates lecture transcripts, instructor notes, and related reading materials into concise, personalised flashcards, making it easier for learners to absorb critical concepts.

Additionally, Scaler Companion extends its utility by offering on-demand generative AI support to answer course-related questions, ensuring immediate assistance during learning. By addressing roughly 60% of questions independently, the tool reduces dependency on human aid, providing immediate, automated support and allowing for more uninterrupted learning. With regular updates on Scaler-related content, the tool ensures that students receive relevant answers in real-time.

This tool was developed using OpenAI and Claude models for AI capabilities, with backend functionalities powered by FastAPI, a Python framework. The students used advanced voice and speech technology to make the tool respond faster and more smoothly, incorporating PlayHT’s voice features and GROQ’s speech-to-text for an improved user experience.

Anshuman Singh, co-founder of InterviewBit & Scaler, said, “The successful development of the AI Study Companion by SST students Ayaan, Pritam and Abhinav has been an immense source of pride for Scaler. Their contributions have been a true testament to their entrepreneurial spirit. In a short span of time, they have performed at a level comparable to seasoned engineers, showcasing the transformative talent that our programs helped nurture. I feel truly honoured by the students’ decision to model the video avatar for the mock interview module after me. I am excited to see these innovative features already enhancing the learning experience. “

Looking ahead, the young developers plan to enhance Scaler Companion further, exploring features like real-time interactive feedback with synchronised lip movements to create an even more immersive interview experience. With a mock interview alignment rate of 95%, Scaler Companion offers highly realistic preparation opportunities for students. The tool has significantly reduced dependency on human support, with 98.6% of queries being addressed by the Companion, minimising the need for a human Teaching Assistant intervention. These advancements will empower learners at Scaler School of Technology and professionals in Scaler’s upskilling programs, supporting them at every stage of their educational and career development journey.

Earlier this year, Ayaan Khan gained significant attention for his hand gesture-based gaming technology, an innovative project that went viral, showcasing his ingenuity and problem-solving skills. His recent work on Scaler Companion, created with Abhinav Gupta and Pritam Sharma, demonstrates the practical skills students are developing at Scaler School of Technology.