Category Archives: News

Class 3 Student from Karnataka Shines at SIP Arithmetic Genius Contest 2024, Wins Performer Award

Bengaluru 22nd Jan 2025 : The Grand National Finals of the much-awaited SIP Arithmetic Genius Contest 2024 was held in Chennai, on Sunday, 19th January 2025. The 9th edition of this contest, conducted by SIP Academy India, witnessed participation from over 750,000 children across 1,500 schools in 23 states. The multi-tiered competition aims to strengthen the mathematical foundation of children in Classes 1 to 5 while nurturing a healthy competitive spirit.

The contest progresses through four rounds: School Round, City Round, State Round, and the Grand National Finals. Out of 2,33,000 students in Round 2 and 37,000 participants in the State Finals, 300 students have qualified for the National Finals, and they participated in the National Finals held in Chennai.

The winners from each class crowned at “Arithmetic Genius 2024”, with attractive prizes. Amogha Varsha R M, Class 3 student from Vidya Sanskar International Public School, Bharathnagar, won the Performer Award at Grand National Finals of SIP Arithmetic Genius Contest 2024 held in Chennai recently.

Mr. Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy India Pvt. Ltd., expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to offer young children an opportunity to build a solid foundation in mathematics and earn recognition at an early age. The overwhelming participation from students across the country is a testament to their enthusiasm and the growing importance of arithmetic skills in shaping their future.”

He also highlighted that SIP Academy India has trained over 1 million children across its 1,000+ centres in 350 cities across 24 states. The academy’s programs aim to equip children with essential life skills to help them face challenges with confidence.

Zuno General Insurance Brings Road Safety to Life Through Creative ‘Talking Zebra’ Campaign

Hyderabad, January 22, 2025: Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, a new-age digital insurer, has launched a unique road safety awareness initiative, ‘The Talking Zebra’ to educate motorists and pedestrians about the importance of following traffic rules in an engaging and memorable way.

This initiative, spanning from 16th Jan to 25th Janis part of Zuno General Insurance’s commitment to promoteresponsible driving habits for safer roads and aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) declaration of January as Road Safety Month.Through the Talking Zebra Campaign, Zuno aims to amplify the national focus on reducing road accidents and fostering a culture of responsible road usage.

The Talking Zebra campaign is an innovative one-of-a-kind initiative that features a witty and interactive Zebra that is brought to life at traffic signals. As part of the campaign, a promoter dressed as a zebra—the very embodiment of zebra crossings—will interact with people at busy traffic signals. in six major cities – Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The mascot will interact with drivers and pedestrians, using wit, and humor to make road safety a topic everyone wants to talk about and a real concern. The Talking Zebra will remind everyone to “Keep your cool, follow traffic rules” while promoting essential practices like respecting zebra crossings, stopping at red lights, and avoiding jaywalking.

Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance said, “Road safety is a critical and shared responsibility, and atZunowe are committed to launching initiatives that create lasting, positive change. The Talking Zebra campaign is our unique way of blending education with entertainment to encourage positive behavior on the streets, both for the driving community and pedestrians.We have also gone a step beyond awareness by using rewards to influence behavioural change with our telematics-based Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD), that incentivises good driving behaviour with discounts on the car insurance premium.By participating in PHYD, drivers will be encouraged to adopt safer practices, ultimately contributing to safer roads, fewer accidents, and reduced fatalities across India.”

Every year, India sees a high number of pedestrian accidents, often caused by reckless drivers who ignore traffic rules and zebra crossings. Kolkata too witnessed around 15% increase in accidents in the last five years, pedestrian safety remains a major concern due to factors such as heavy traffic, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement of safety measures like zebra crossings. The “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024,” by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights India’s slow progress in reducing road accident fatalities. Despite advances in other sectors, road traffic injuries remain a major public health issue, and most states are unlikely to meet the UN’s goal of halving traffic deaths by 2030. Comparing India to road safety leaders like Sweden, the report shows that while in 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident, by 2021 this figure had risen to 600%.

The Annual Report on Road Accidents in India available till (2022) recorded 4,61,312 crashes marginally low by 1% in the last five years, leading to 1,68,491 fatalities and 4,43,366 injuries. On an average, India experiences 53 crashes and 92 deaths per hour. According to global data, India witnesses the highest number of road accidents in the world.

Ketan Mankikar, Head & VP Marketing &Communications, Zuno General Insurance said, “The Talking Zebra is more than just a campaign; it’s a conversation starter, it’s a movement to inspire everyone to follow traffic rules and make roads safer. By using wit and humor, we aim to make safety more relatable, memorable, and ultimately, impactful. With a sense of humour and originality, “The Talking Zebra” hopes to leave an impression on drivers that will lead to behavioural change.As a brand that stands for being easy, breezy, and surely, we are excited to bring this concept to life and see how it sparks a positive change on the roads.”

The campaign addresses pedestrian safety issues by introducing innovative and creative concepts that apply to both drivers and walkers.

To maximise the campaign’s reach and impact, Zuno General Insurance has partnered with popular radio channel Red FM, allowing ‘The Talking Zebra’s’ voice to amplify the message across airwaves. Zuno General Insurance has also taken the campaign to the public encouraging them to join the movement on social media with hashtags #TalkingZebra, #RespectTheStripes, and #StayCoolFollowRules.

Budget Expectations Quotes by Experts

Mr. Kapal Suresh Pansari, Managing Director, RP Tech

“The upcoming Union Budget is an important moment for the technology sector, and we are eager to see measures that support India’s digital-first ambitions. Incentives for Make in India initiatives and investments in infrastructure could significantly enhance the ICT supply chain. Additionally, policies fostering innovation and skill development will be key to strengthening India’s position as a global technology leader. We are optimistic about the budget paving the way for sustainable growth and new opportunities in the sector.”

Sarvjeet Singh Virk, Co-founder & MD, Jumpp outlining

Introducing specialised regulatory sandboxes for AI-powered financial products, vernacular fintech solutions, and localised innovations for regional financial institutions would be a transformative step forward. Additionally, further development of AI infrastructure through dedicated funds for AI Centers of Excellence in tier-2 cities and multilingual financial literacy platforms will be pivotal.

Inclusivity in financial services needs to become a stronger focus. I see the value in incentivising vernacular financial interfaces, voice-based banking, and regional language chatbots, which could help replicate the success of UPI in areas like insurance and investments.

I also believe that increased allocation for UPI infrastructure in rural areas, specialised fintech training programs, and targeted incentives for rural fintech adoption must remain priorities. Additionally, expanding Smart City projects to include digital payment corridors and fintech hubs in smaller cities will go a long way in strengthening regional ecosystems.”

Hardik Adhiya, Chief Operating Officer, Onix Group

” Capacity building in domestic manufacturing and renewable energy generation will build the energy transition pathway for the country to achieve the target to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. In line with that vision, the renewable energy sector expects the Union Budget 2025-26 to announce some proposals and targeted measures to reduce import dependence in sourcing equipment while strengthening the storage, transmission and distribution network. The budget needs to reflect policy continuity in terms of the PLI scheme to build domestic manufacturing capacity of solar panels, modules and PV cells, which is pivotal in attaining self-reliance and competitiveness. In addition, the budget should announce incentives for banks and financial institutions to boost lending to the renewable energy sector. Moreover, we expect the budget to propose measures to incentivize renewable energy adoption in mobility as well as energy consumption and offer fiscal support to develop renewable energy infrastructure development and catalyze renewable energy projects, building a sustainable future.”

Ramadass Selvaraj, Chief Operating Officer at Pathfinder Global

‘We are looking forward to the Union Budget 2025, as it presents an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the growth of the quick commerce sector and empower small retailers, including Kirana stores. The retail landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and we anticipate the introduction of regulatory actions that will support the integration of advanced technology, particularly for small businesses. With the rise of digital-first platforms, it’s more critical than ever to ensure small businesses are equipped with the right tools to stay competitive. We expect the government to focus on policies that enhance the adoption of AI, streamline operations, and create more efficient supply chains for these retailers.

We believe the Union Budget will pave the way for small retailers to embrace these transformative technologies, enabling them to elevate customer experiences, optimize their operations, and remain relevant in this fast-evolving market. As the retail sector shifts towards a hybrid model that blends digital and physical experiences, the industry must empower retailers to leverage technology and adapt to this new era of retail. We are confident that these changes will level the playing field and foster sustainable growth across the sector.’

Quest Global Secures Great Place to Work Honor in India for the Fourth Year Running

Bengaluru, 21st January 2025 —Quest Global, one of the world’s leading engineering services firms, has been Certified as a Great Place To Work® in India for the fourth consecutive year. This prestigious Certification reflects Quest Global’s commitment to the overall well-being of its people and fostering a culture of high trust and high-performance.

In the 2025 evaluation, Quest Global received an impressive 77% Trust Index™ overall score. This reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering an exceptional culture, where the credibility of management, respect for people, workplace fairness, pride, and camaraderie are not just metrics but lived experiences.

Great Place To Work Certification™ is the gold standard that organizations around the globe aspire to accomplish. This recognition is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to creating an environment that goes beyond work tasks – one where employees thrive, feel respected, and actively contribute to the company’s success.

“Achieving the Great Place To Work Certification for the fourth consecutive is a source of enormous pride for us. It is an endorsement of our consistent efforts to create a healthy and inclusive work environment. The satisfaction of our employees is at the very core of our operations and their personal and professional growth remains our utmost priority. Our vision is to establish Quest Global as the organization of choice for talent and this certification reinforces our belief that we are on the right path.” said Reshmi Stephen, Global Head – HR Business Partnership, Quest Global.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. In India, the institute partners with more than 1,800 organizations across 20+ industries annually to help them build a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture designed to deliver sustained business results. The institute’s research shows great workplaces are characterized by outstanding leadership, consistent employee experience, and sustainable financial performance. These organizations can deliver the same experience to all their employees irrespective of their role, gender, tenure, or level.

Why Vasai is Becoming a Retailer’s Hotspot for Expansion and Investment

– By Mr. Jash Panchamia, Management, Suraksha Smart City

 In recent years Vasai has made its mark on MMRs real estate map. With government support and a growing need, the city has undergone a dynamic resurrection and emerged as a thriving hub for retail investments and urban development. Once considered a distant suburb, Vasai is now referred to as the gateway to Mumbai. Being at the forefront of change, the emergence of a new Vasai is driven by a burgeoning retail sector that is reshaping its identity. The arrival of flagship stores, entertainment venues, and a plethora of dining options has turned Vasai into a vibrant epicentre of social and economic activity, drawing businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

The retail business space has proven to be a catalyst creating more than just shopping destinations. It has managed to create a social and cultural hub that enriches community life. The carefully curated blend of retail, dining, and leisure options is attracting a diverse demographic while boosting the local economy. This retail-driven developments have also elevated Vasai’s real estate appeal, making it a choice of interest for homebuyers and investors seeking value and higher returns on investment.

Vasai’s growing appeal comes with the added benefit of its strategic location on Mumbai’s suburban railway network, with dual connectivity to the central and western railway lines. Vasai Road station serves as a vital link for daily commuters, ensuring seamless access to Mumbai and its key business districts. The area’s connectivity is set to receive a significant boost with a wave of upcoming infrastructure projects, including the Virar-Alibaug Corridor, Bhayander-Vasai Sea Link, and Metro Line 13, which will link Mira-Bhayander and Vasai, reducing travel time across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These developments, coupled with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train and the Vasai-Diva-Panvel Railway Line Extension, will transform Vasai into an accessibility powerhouse.

Infrastructure development does not end there. The upcoming Vadhavan Port project aims to establish Vasai as a logistics and maritime hub, while the Surya Regional Water Supply Scheme addresses critical water needs. Additionally, proximity to Thane, where 34 mega infrastructure projects are in progress, is set to foster economic growth through retail developments and job creation, further backing real estate growth in the region. The retail markets taking shape in Vasai makes it an appealing residential and commercial destination, with budget-friendly real estate developments available for everyone.

In Vasai East’s evolving urban landscape, retail developments are characterised through the creation of pedestrian-friendly pathways and easy access to public transportation, like the suburban rail system, reshaping the region into a well-rounded urban environment. These developments are closely tied to the real estate market, as the presence of bustling retail hubs drives demand for both residential and commercial properties. The emergence of mixed-use projects incorporate retail, residential, and office spaces has ensured that communities that offer convenience, quality of life, and a sense of belonging come into being.

The coming together of retail and real estate in Vasai highlights a shared growth trajectory. Retail districts also act as urban magnets, encouraging population growth and increasing housing demand. This, in turn, augments further retail expansion, launching a cycle of growth with benefits to every stakeholder. The addition of quality social infrastructure—schools, hospitals, shopping and recreational spaces— has further enhanced Vasai’s reputation as the land that offers a high standard of living.

Looking forward, Vasai is set a benchmark by creating a sustainable and economically vibrant city based on integrating retail into its urban framework. Its strategic focus on infrastructure, retail, and housing positions Vasai as a model for blending tradition with modernity, showcasing how cities can leverage retail to boost urban appeal and quality of life.

A Joyous Birthday Turns Deadly: Aditya Faces Danger in Ishq Jabariya

When love, faith, and destiny collide, extraordinary tales are written. Sun Neo’s beloved show Ishq Jabariya takes a thrilling turn as Gulki, played by Siddhi Sharma, and Aditya, portrayed by the talented Lakshay Khurana, face a rollercoaster of emotions in their journey of love and resilience. Known for its gripping narrative and unforgettable moments, the show now serves up an episode filled with joy, hope, and unexpected heartbreak.

Gulki has faced countless hardships and dramatic twists in her journey. Finally, she feels that brighter days are ahead, and it’s time to celebrate. Aditya’s birthday brings the perfect opportunity to spread happiness and create joyful memories. But just as Gulki begins to hope for peace, an unexpected tragedy strikes.

Aditya gets bitten by a snake, leaving everyone in shock and despair. With Aditya’s life hanging by a thread, the celebration turns into a desperate race against time. Gulki is determined to save him, but will her courage and faith be enough?

Will Gulki succeed in protecting Aditya, or is this the tragic end of their story? And if Aditya’s fate takes a dark turn, how will this change the course of the tale?

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo at 7:30 PM, is an engaging love story centred around Gulki, a determined young woman with big aspirations. The show boasts a stellar cast, including Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in key roles, bringing depth and emotion to this captivating narrative.

Confluence 2025 at IIIT-Bangalore: Bridging Nature, Technology, and Design through Creative Patterns

Bangalore, January 21, 2025: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, Confluence 2025, on January 18. The event attracted over 400 attendees and served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, fostering innovation, and celebrating creativity.

This year’s theme, Cadence of Creations – Exploring the Beauty of Patterns in Nature, Technology, and Design, highlighted the interconnectedness of disciplines and the power of collaboration. The event was generously sponsored by Canara Bank, UpGrad, Whatfix, and ICICI Bank.

The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including:
Advit Sahdev (Marketing Strategist)
Dejeshwini N (Illustrator)
Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan (Educator)
Prof. Rajendra Bera (Aeronautical Engineer and Author)
Nandita Jayaraj (Science Communicator & Journalist)
Suman John (Social Entrepreneur)
Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur)

“IIIT-B has always been a hub for innovation and a melting pot of ideas. Confluence 2025 reflects our commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and meaningful discussions. This year’s theme, Cadence of Creations, highlights the interconnectedness of patterns in nature, technology, and design. Events like Confluence which are completely student driven, ignite curiosity, broaden horizons, and prepare our students to lead with creativity and purpose. The success of this second edition reflects the power of shared ideas and collective growth.” said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

Event Highlights

The day opened with Advit Sahdev, who connected marketing strategies with historical contexts, emphasizing the significance of timing in decision-making. Dejeshwini N followed with a captivating session, showcasing patterns in art, colors, and creativity, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for artistic expression.Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan delivered a powerful session on the influence of social media algorithms and biases in generative AI. He underscored the importance of critical thinking and diverse representation among influencers, urging participants to reflect on their digital consumption habits. Prof. Rajendra Bera took the audience on a journey through the world of physics, discussing patterns in natural phenomena and their applications in building advanced AI systems. His session prompted thoughtful engagement from students.

In the afternoon session, Nandita Jayaraj shared her experiences as a science communicator, celebrating the contributions of women in science and inspiring young women to embrace their scientific potential.

Suman John highlighted the importance of disability inclusion, offering practical insights on fostering inclusivity in daily life and creating a society that values diversity.

The event concluded with an inspiring talk by Ankur Warikoo, who shared real-world experiences on navigating life’s challenges, overcoming failures, and finding clarity amidst uncertainty. His address encouraged attendees to embrace courage, believe in their entrepreneurial potential, and steer their careers toward success.

Confluence 2025 established itself as a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions, innovative ideas, and meaningful connections. IIIT-B continues to champion the exchange of knowledge and the celebration of creativity through such transformative initiatives.

MIT-WPU Athletes Excel at National Level, Achieve Top Three Rankings in U-19 Table Tennis

Mumbai, January 21, 2025: MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) is proud to announce a historic achievement as our students, Ms. Taneesha Kotecha, Ms. Pritha Vertikar, and Ms. Sayali Wani, claimed the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 positions, respectively, in the Under-19 category for Table Tennis at the prestigious Youth National Championship held in Vadodara from January 3rd to 11th, 2025.

Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination, these athletes showcased their prowess on the national stage, securing multiple accolades. Ms. Taneesha Kotecha clinched the Gold medal in U-19 Doubles, a Silver medal in Teams, and a Bronze medal in U-19 Singles. Ms. Pritha Vertikar earned two Silver medals in U-19 Doubles and Teams, while Ms. Sayali Wani also secured Gold in U-19 Doubles and a Silver in Teams.

Shri Rahul V. Karad, Executive President of MIT World Peace University, said “This milestone is a moment of immense pride for MIT-WPU. Our students’ accomplishments in Table Tennis reflect not only their talent and hard work but also the comprehensive support system at MIT-WPU. We are committed to providing an environment that nurtures academic excellence alongside excellence in sports. These extraordinary young athletes inspire us all, and I congratulate them on this phenomenal achievement.”

This remarkable achievement stands as a shining example of the athletes’ relentless dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence. It also underscores the pivotal role of Mr. Rohit Bagawade, whose mentorship and unwavering support have been instrumental in unlocking the potential of these gifted players. The triumph of our athletes reflects MIT-WPU’s steadfast commitment to fostering talent in sports alongside academic excellence. With state-of-the-art sports facilities and a holistic approach to education, the university remains dedicated to cultivating future champions who inspire the nation.

Ramayan Cultural Centre celebrates the First Anniversary of the Ram Mandir Inauguration in Ayodhya

Nagpur, 21 January 2025: As the world celebrates the first anniversary of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the Ramayan Cultural Centre, an initiative by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, is poised to pay tribute to Lord Ram’s values and ideals, emerging as a beacon of cultural preservation and education.

The Ramayan Cultural Centre, spearheaded by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, has brought the timeless teachings of the Ramayan to life through immersive exhibitions, interactive installations, and educational workshops. The Centre has also become an integral part of regional development and India’s new tourist destination, attracting tourists and scholars from around the globe.

By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional storytelling, the Centre provides a unique space for visitors, especially the youth, to connect with the ancient text in a modern and meaningful way. The Centre is an extraordinary place of cultural and spiritual significance, focusing on showcasing the Ramayan through art and storytelling. The centre features the “Ramayan Darshanam Hall,” which contains over 120 detailed oil paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayan, bringing the epic to life for visitors.

With its focus on cultural education and empowerment, the Ramayan Cultural Centre plays a crucial role in securing the legacy of the Ram Mandir, ensuring that future generations will continue to draw inspiration from the timeless teachings of the Ramayan. In the coming year, the Ramayan Cultural Centre is set to continue flourishing, standing as a beacon of India’s commitment to preserving its heritage, fostering unity, and inspiring future generations.

The Ramayan Cultural Centre, located in the Koradi Temple complex near Nagpur, was inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu in 2023, which not only aims to bring India’s rich cultural heritage to life but also aims to boost tourism and other development factors in the region. The Ramayan Cultural Centre is the brain child of Shri Banwarilalji Purohit, Vice President & Trustee of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan.

Amethyst Hosts ‘Photography Strictly Prohibited’ Exhibition, Featuring the Legacy of Navroze Contractor

The exhibition is curated from over 20,000 photographs shot in about 6 decades. The images aim to share Navroze Contractor’s unseen work with the public. More importantly hopes to present a glimpse of him from the way he looked at the world, and through that, a chance to discover the person that Navroze Contractor was.

‘Photography Strictly Prohibited’ is a retrospective curated by his friends to pay a tribute to Navroze Contractor, his life and his work.

For Navroze, photography, like many of his other passions, was a tool to enrich his life and the way he looked at the world. Along with the photo-exhibition, which was curated from 20,000 photographs, there is a book being published, also called ‘Photography Strictly Prohibited’, which is a collection of some of his photographs, interviews about his work, excerpts from his own writings and a few articles by people who knew him or worked with him for a long time. It is an attempt to present a person who was much more than the sum of his photographs, writings, cinematography, or his absolute love for riding motorcycles.

The exhibition is curated by Anuj Ambala, Himanshu Panchal and Sanjiv Shah and the book has been published by Navjivan Trust.