Category Archives: News

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.

World Water Day: Cairn Oil and Gas Strengthens Commitment to Clean Water in Assam

Jorhat, March 25, 2025: Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental necessity, yet many communities still struggle with it. Marking World Water Day, Cairn Oil & Gas is working towards improving clean water accessibility in rural Assam. The company has installed seven tubewells in Pas Chamua village of Naginijan, ensuring clean drinking water for hundreds of people in the area. In addition, Cairn has equipped two important local public offices with Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifiers to ensure clean drinking water for nearly 500 individuals who visit these offices to avail public services such as government schemes and legal matters. This initiative is part of Cairn’s broader commitment to community well-being in the regions where it operates.

Pas Chamua village had long faced challenges with its primary water source, an open pond. This source, while providing water for the community, was highly prone to contamination, leading to several health issues. The installation of the tubewells has improved access to clean drinking water, safeguarding the community’s health and well-being, transforming their daily lives.

“Earlier, getting access to clean drinking water was difficult as the only source of drinking water was an open pond, but now that we have these tubewells, it has become easier for us to get clean drinking water,” shared Ritumoni Chetia, a resident of Pas Chamua village.

The Village Development Committee has also expressed appreciation for Cairn’s efforts. “Cairn team took the time and effort to truly understand our challenges. They provided effective solutions such as installation of tubewells. This is just one of the many initiatives Cairn has planned to improve our area,” said Tultul Saikia, President of the Village Development Committee.

Cairn’s initiative on World Water Day reinforces its unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and ensuring that basic necessities like safe water reach those who need them the most. Through sustainable, community-driven solutions, Cairn continues to create a lasting impact in the regions where it operates.

Run for Family Health, One Stride at a Time

Organized by TRUSTWELL Hospitals in association with AFPI and WONCA 2025

This past Sunday, March 23, 2025, our community came together for the inspiring 5K Walkathon, themed “Run for Family Health, One Stride at a Time.” The event, hosted by TRUSTWELL Hospitals in collaboration with AFPI and WONCA, witnessed an incredible turnout of families, fitness enthusiasts, and health advocates—all walking in support of physical activity and family well-being.

The walkathon was officially inaugurated by Dr. Janhanvi Nilekani, Rapid Rashmi, Vaibhav N Rao, and Maanvitha Magesh, adding to the excitement and energy of the day. The event began with a dynamic warm-up session led by local fitness experts, ensuring that participants of all ages and fitness levels were ready for the challenge.

The 5-kilometer route was designed to be accessible and inclusive, welcoming everyone from toddlers to seniors. Along the way, participants enjoyed live music performances by local bands, creating a festive atmosphere. Hydration stations and dedicated volunteers offered support, ensuring everyone stayed energized and motivated throughout the walk.

The theme, “Run for Family Health, One Stride at a Time,” underscored the core message of the event: promoting health through shared experiences and small, consistent steps. The event also highlighted the importance of preventive health measures in a fun and engaging way.

Many participants shared their enthusiasm, expressing their intention to incorporate regular walks and runs into their family routines. The walkathon successfully reminded us all that when it comes to health, every step counts—especially when taken together as a family.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, volunteers, and organizers for making this event a grand success. Let’s continue to prioritize family health, one stride at a time!

AI-Generated Malayalam Documentary ‘Dino Mukk’ Reaches 2.2 Million Views Milestone

India, Nationwide Press Note, March 24th, 2025 – A short video titled Dino Mukk has taken the internet by storm, surpassing 2.2 million organic views and counting. This groundbreaking AI-generated Malayalam fictional documentary (with English subtitle) reimagines a world where dinosaurs are farmed like livestock, blending stunning visuals with a satirical documentary tone. Set in Palakkad, Kerala’s agricultural capital, Dino Mukk fuses nostalgia with absurdity, leaving viewers both amused and amazed.

 The documentary was conceptualised by Storytellers Union, a collective founded by childhood friends with expertise in film, writing, and advertising. The group has previously collaborated with major OTT platforms like Netflix, and is now exploring AI as a revolutionary storytelling tool. The documentary was spearheaded by Director Gokul Pillai with an intensive two-month R&D process to develop a realistic AI-powered video generation workflow in in just 7–8 days, generating over 2,500 AI-crafted images seamlessly woven together with immersive documentary narration and Malayalam storytelling.

Dino Mukk is not just another viral meme or mashup—it is a pioneering effort in Indian filmmaking, showcasing AI’s potential in satirical, documentary-style fiction storytelling. This is the first time AI has been used in India for such a genre, pushing the boundaries of creative expression. Also it has received Global Recognition from AI studios from the US and UK in collaboration

‘Delulu Express’ by Zakir Khan Premieres Worldwide on Prime Video, March 27

MUMBAI—March 24, 2025—Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today announced the streaming premiere of Zakir Khan’s stand-up special, Delulu Express, launching on Thursday, March 27. Produced by OML, the latest from Zakir, one of the most celebrated and revered comedians in the country, Delulu Express is a highly entertaining set inspired by the many comedic experiences from his life.

Expanding his ever-growing global fan base, Zakir Khan continues to earn praise for his impeccable comic timing and relatable content in Comicstaan, Tathastu, and Mann Pasand. With Delulu Express, Zakir adds to his repertoire another stand-up special that brings his signature humor to quirky stories about work, life, and love—especially how he hilariously fails to find the perfect balance in any of them.

Delulu Express is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on March 27.

Diplomatic Leaders Gather for Consular Day 2025 Celebration in India

President Mr. K.L Ganju, o.c.v.c (cdr.), Consul General (Hy.) and Advisor to the Foreign Minister, Union of Comoros, President & Members of Board of Directors of Honorary Consular Corps Diplomatique-India celebrated Consular Day 2025 to acknowledge and bestow awards to NGO and Hon’ble Hony. Consuls, who have done excellent work in developing Consular Activities and bilateral relations.

The gathering witnessed the momentous felicitation of Vivek Burman (Dabur) Peace Prize jointly presented to Sankara Eye Hospital & Pratibha Uthaan Rashtriya Vikas Sanstha, New Delhi, Dr. Bhai Mohan Singh Trophy shared by Hon’ble Mr. Jagdip Singh, Hony. Consul General of South Korea in North India and Hon’ble Ms. Surbhi Sharma, Hony. Consul of Spain in Bangaluru and The Consul of the Year Trophy was presented to Hon’ble Mr. Vikram Viswanath, Hony. Consul of Peru in Bangaluru and Hon’ble Mr. Madhusudan Agrawal, Hony. Consul of Uganda in Mumbai.

The Chief Guest for the event was H.E. Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture was joined by H.E. Mr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha as Guest of Honour.