Category Archives: News

JK Tyre celebrates India’s Automotive Emergence with the Landmark 20th Edition of the Indian Car of the Year

Jan 13, 2025, New Delhi, India

The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) awards, proudly presented by JK Tyre ever since its inception, was held at the beautifully curated Levitas Lounge in New Delhi. Recognized as the most prestigious accolade in the Indian automotive industry, these awards celebrate a remarkable legacy of innovation and excellence. The event was graced by prominent industry leaders, renowned journalists, and members of the automotive fraternity. This year’s occasion was particularly significant as it marked the 20th anniversary of ICOTY.

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Dr. Raghupati Singhania, CMD, JK Tyre & Industries and jury members presented Indian Car of the Year [ICOTY] 2025 award to Mahindra & Mahindra team

Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries, along with ICOTY Chairman Dhruv Behl, IMOTY Chairman Kartik Ware, and esteemed jury members, presented the awards to the winners.

The title of 20th Indian Car of the Year 2025 was bestowed upon the Mahindra Thar Roxx. The vehicle’s innovative features, well-thought-out design and segment-best technology thoroughly impressed the jury. The Aprilia RS 457 was unanimously adjudged the 18th Indian Motorcycle of the Year 2025, proving its breathtaking performance and superior all-round ability were clear deciding factors in its victory.

On the momentous occasion, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, said, “The ICOTY and IMOTY Awards stand as a testament to the remarkable achievements in India’s dynamic automotive landscape. These esteemed accolades celebrate excellence and innovation, reflecting the industry’s unwavering commitment to progress. Over the years, the Indian automotive sector has demonstrated remarkable strides, solidifying its position as a global leader. At JK Tyre, we are proud to contribute to this legacy and recognize the dedication and ingenuity that drive this industry forward.”

To cater to the growing popularity, acceptance, and availability of a wide range of premium cars from various manufacturers in the Indian market, the ICOTY jury introduced the ‘Premium Car Award’ in 2019. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recognized as the worthy winner of the title in 2025. Considering the evolving automotive landscape and Government’s increased focused towards electric vehicles, the ‘Green Car Award’ was introduced in 2021, aimed at acknowledging manufacturers’ contributions to the future of mobility. The MG Windsor proudly received the Green Car Award for 2025.

The cars and motorcycles nominated for this year’s edition of the ICOTY and IMOTY awards were put through a thorough evaluation process. 28 jury members from across leading automobile publications with over 400 years of working experience evaluated the contenders across four categories. The judging process entailed an in-depth evaluation of each vehicle’s attributes, considering factors such as price, fuel efficiency, design, comfort, safety, performance, practicality, technological innovation, value for money, and adaptability to Indian driving conditions to determine the winners.

Mr. Dhruv Behl, Chairman, ICOTY, said, “The 20th edition of ICOTY is certainly a memorable one. ICOTY, the Green Car Award by ICOTY and the Premium Car Award by ICOTY are, far and away, the most coveted awards in the Indian automotive industry. Over the past two decades, ICOTY has set itself apart as being the most credible and respected awards in the industry. The 21-member ICOTY jury has a cumulative experience of 408 years, and it’s an absolute honour for me to be Chairman of such an illustrious jury. I’d like to congratulate all the winners for bringing cutting edge technology and design to our roads in their respective segments.”

Mr. Kartik Ware, Chairman, IMOTY, said, “The 18th edition of IMOTY saw competition as tough as it’s ever been. The finalists were some of the best machines India has ever seen, their capabilities ranging across the wide spectrum bookended by performance and innovation, and everything in between that a motorcycle must possess. However, there can only be one winner, and the Aprilia RS 457 is a deserving one for the special feelings it brings to Indian riders. A big thanks to my fellow jury members for making my first time out as IMOTY chairman as smooth as possible. And an equally big thanks to JK Tyre for supporting IMOTY since its inception. One more fantastic motorcycle joins the ranks of IMOTY winners!”

On winning the ICOTY 2025 award, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO – Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd. said, “We would like to thank the esteemed ICOTY 2025 jury for honoring the Mahindra Thar ROXX with this coveted award. This recognition reaffirms the global benchmarks of design, engineering, and manufacturing excellence we have pursued. The Thar ROXX represents a passion for charting new adventures—an ethos that resonates with enthusiasts everywhere. We remain deeply grateful to our customers, whose love and trust continue to fuel our commitment to deliver unforgettable driving experiences.”

On winning the IMOTY 2025 award, Diego Graffi, MD and CEO, Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited said, “In a year graced by exceptional motorcycles, the Aprilia RS457 has emerged as a true standout. The IMOTY 2025 jury has bestowed upon the Aprilia RS457 the title of ‘Indian Motorcycle of the Year,’ a resounding affirmation of its unwavering commitment to speed, agility, and Italian design. We are immensely proud to witness the Aprilia RS457 receive this well-deserved accolade. This recognition serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and passion exhibited by our team in crafting a motorcycle that truly embodies the spirit of Aprilia – speed, agility, and Italian design.”

On winning the Premium Car Award 2025 by ICOTY, Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “The Long Wheelbase E-Class remains the most desirable luxury sedan for the discerning Indian luxury car customer. Highly advanced and personal than ever before, the Long Wheelbase E-Class is an unmatched combination of luxury, sheer comfort, ground-breaking technology, digital intelligence and superior driving dynamics; making it the unanimous choice as India’s most admired luxury sedan. The coveted ICOTY Premium Car of the Year, is a firm testament to the Long Wheelbase E-Class’ unparalleled luxury stature in the luxury car market. I dedicate this honour to the entire Mercedes-Benz India team, who made multiple ‘India specific’ enhancements to the car, making it highly suitable for the Indian conditions, exceeding even the most demanding customer requirements. The ICOTY Premium Car of the Year honour for the Long Wheelbase E-Class, salutes the innovation, pioneering spirit and brand legacy, that customers associate Mercedes-Benz with, inspiring us to create superior customer experience.”

On winning the Green Car Award 2025 by ICOTY, Rajeev Chaba, CEO Emeritus, JSW MG Motor India said, “The MG Windsor is the right product at the right time with the right pricing and packaging. It is certainly a disruptor in the segment, redefining consumer perceptions about EVs. The strong sales momentum since its launch, highlights the evolving preference of consumers. The MG Windsor ticks all the boxes of their consideration sets, especially the value for money it delivers. The MG Windsor is all the more special to us because it has been successful in debunking myths around higher acquisition cost of EVs through path breaking initiatives such as Battery-As-A-Service and lifetime battery warranty. The interplay of all these factors has helped MG Windsor to emerge as the Green Car of the Year at the coveted ICOTY 2025. I would like to thank all our customers for their unwavering support, the esteemed jury at ICOTY and everyone at JSW MG Motor India who have worked relentlessly to make this achievement possible.”

Pongal Fete gets All its Rustic Charm at Dr. MGR-Janaki College for Women

Jan 13, 2025  Chennai, India

Excitement and mirth was around as students of Dr. MGR-Janaki College for Women in traditional attire celebrated Pongal in the institution’s campus today (11 Jan). It was amazing to watch bustling activities happen in a village setting recreated specially for the occasion.

Over 4000 students wearing traditional Half Sari / Silk Sari added perfect color to the celebrations. Kummiyattam, Garagattam, Oyilaatam, Kaavadiyaattam, Silambaattam and Bommalaattam folk dances performed by students made onlookers tap their feet to the beat.

There were shops entirely set up and managed by students. They played vendors and sold Bangles & Balloons, Sugarcane Juice, Butter Milk, Tender Coconuts and Cotton Candy and more. Scenes of Mehendi Artists, Parrot fortune-telling, porridge vending, Bhajji and Sundal stalls brought alive the beauty of village sandhai.

Students’ harmonic chorus of ‘Pongalo… Pongal’ ripped the air when the Pongal came to a boil, the main dish offered to god as thanksgiving for good crop and harvest. With this the festivity came to a close.

“In this fast-changing world, it is important for us to preserve our tradition and values. Celebrations like this will help younger generation realize the richness of our culture and pass on it to the next generation. Towards this effect, our college is regularly organizing culturally rich events,” said Dr. Kumar Rajendran, Chairman, Dr. MGR-Janaki College for Women.

Avery Dennison Unveils Premium Labels to Elevate Packaging for Luxury Brands in India

Jan 13, 2025  Mumbai, India

Avery Dennison South Asia a global leader in materials science and packaging solutions, has announced the launch of its Premium Labels range. This new offering includes a portfolio of textured substrates for premium labeling, specifically designed to elevate consumer experiences through unique surface textures and patterns.

Avery Dennison – Premium Label Launch

In a marketplace where first impressions matter more than ever, premium packaging has become an indispensable element of brand identity. For luxury brands, labels are more than functional—they are statements of craftsmanship and quality. The Premium Labels range is tailored for key industries including food & beverages, and luxury beauty segments. These labels aim to redefine packaging by enhancing shelf appeal, driving brand differentiation, and catering to the aspirational demands of consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials. The launch is in collaboration with three print converters – Letra Graphix, Pragati Pack India and Janus Inernational.

Unique features of Premium Labels:

Enhanced shelf appeal: Designed to capture consumer attention through and elegant packaging.

Sustainability focus: Labels are developed with a commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting circularity.

Aspirational packaging: Meets the demands of the growing middle-class consumer base seeking special and personalized experiences.

Speaking on the launch, Saurabh Aggarwal VP & GM South Asia said, “Innovation lies at the core of Avery Dennison’s philosophy. As part of our motto, ‘Making Possible’ we believe in the powerful connection between intellect and imagination, science and technology, and the physical and digital. The launch of our Premium Labels range is a step forward in addressing this philosophy and represents our dedication to redefining what’s possible in the world of labeling. By combining innovative design with a commitment to sustainability, we empower brands to stand out on shelves and connect with consumers in meaningful ways.”

Avery Dennison’s India team commitment to sustainability and innovation drives every initiative it undertakes. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the company aims to create solutions that not only meet the needs of its customers but also contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future. From reducing environmental impact to fostering circular economies, Avery Dennison continues to lead the way in reshaping industries for the better.

Views by Experts on Indian equity benchmark indices, crashed in trade

Yashovardhan Khemka, Senior Manager – Research & Analytics at Abans Holdings

The Indian equity markets are on a weak footing due to uncertainty surrounding Trump’s proposed trade policies are key factors impacting market sentiment. First, these policies are inflationary, thus delaying interest rate cuts, thereby making U.S. businesses more attractive to global investors. Additionally, the resulting strength of the U.S. dollar is prompting FIIs to take profits in developing economies like India, as dollar-adjusted returns appear less favourable. Second, Trump’s proposed tariffs on U.S. imports could negatively impact Indian companies reliant on the U.S. market, further impacting their future business forecasts. Meanwhile, the slowdown in Indian economic growth is leading to a decline in earnings growth rates for Indian companies, prompting a rationalization of equity valuations after years of rapid earnings expansion.

 Recent U.S. labor market data showed an addition of 256,000 jobs in the previous month, reflecting strong economic momentum. This further reduces expectations of an interest rate cut, strengthens the dollar, and exacerbates FII outflows. The resulting weakness of the Indian rupee against the dollar has contributed to a decline in Indian markets.
We anticipate a further market correction of 4-6% before recovery begins. A clearer understanding of Trump’s policies, likely 1-2 weeks after his inauguration, could help stabilize market sentiment. Investors are advised to adopt a cautious “wait-and-watch” approach until greater clarity emerges regarding U.S. policies and the performance of Indian companies.

 Manish Chowdhury, Head of Research, StoxBox

 A combination of factors, especially global, have weighed on market sentiment this morning including rising US bond yields, strengthening US Dollar and an increase in crude oil prices. Also, uncertainty surrounding trade policies after Donald Trump comes into power, a slowing Indian economic growth and expectations of a tepid third-quarter corporate earnings have prompted a risk-off sentiment amongst market participants. However, our sense is that downside risks from the current levels looks limited and it would be prudent to build positions in high-quality stocks where valuations are reasonably comfortable from a medium to long term perspective. The upcoming Union budget and the RBI monetary policy meeting in February have the potential to surprise market participants on the upside by unveiling measures to catalyze growth in the Indian economy.

Understanding the Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer by Dr. Milind Shetti

By-Dr. Milind Shetti, Sr.Radiation Oncologist, HCG NMR Cancer Centre, Hubli

Our lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining our overall health and well-being. The food we eat, the exercise we get, and the habits we cultivate can all contribute to our risk of developing various diseases, including cancer. In recent years, research has shed light on the link between certain lifestyle choices and the risk of head and neck cancer. Two substances that have been extensively studied in this context are tobacco and alcohol.

 The Role of Tobacco in Head and Neck Cancer
Tobacco is a well-established risk factor for head and neck cancer. Around 50% of all cancer are caused by tobacco and 75% in Head and Neck Cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified tobacco as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it is considered to be carcinogenic to humans. Tobacco contains more than 70 known carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrosamines, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When tobacco is smoked or chewed, these carcinogens are absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause damage to the DNA of cells in the head and neck region. This damage can lead to the development of cancerous tumors in the mouth, throat, voice box, and other areas of the head and neck.

 The Impact of Alcohol on Head and Neck Cancer Risk
Alcohol is another substance that has been linked to an increased risk of head and neck cancer. The IARC has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, and research has shown that drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cancer in the mouth, throat, and voice box. Alcohol can cause cancer in several ways, including by damaging the DNA of cells, increasing the levels of carcinogenic compounds in the body, and altering the way in which the body metabolizes nutrients. Additionally, alcohol can act as a solvent, allowing carcinogens to penetrate more easily into the tissues of the head and neck.

 The Synergistic Effect of Tobacco and Alcohol
When tobacco and alcohol are used together, the risk of head and neck cancer increases significantly. This is because the two substances can interact with each other in ways that enhance their individual carcinogenic effects. For example, alcohol can increase the levels of carcinogenic compounds in tobacco smoke, while tobacco can increase the levels of carcinogenic compounds in alcohol. Additionally, the combination of tobacco and alcohol can lead to a greater degree of DNA damage and genetic instability in cells, making it more likely that cancer will develop.

 Reducing the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer
While the link between tobacco, alcohol, and head and neck cancer is clear, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing this disease. The most effective way to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer is to avoid using tobacco and alcohol altogether. For those who do use these substances, quitting or reducing consumption can significantly lower the risk of cancer. Additionally, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and getting regular exercise can also help to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer.

 The use of tobacco and alcohol is a significant risk factor for head and neck cancer. These substances can cause damage to the DNA of cells, increase the levels of carcinogenic compounds in the body, and alter the way in which the body metabolizes nutrients. By avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol, quitting or reducing consumption, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Ira Mukhoty Unveils ‘The Lion and The Lily’ on Day 3 of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival

Kolkata, January 13, 2025: The third and final day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival witnessed a landmark as renowned historian and author Ira Mukhoty officially launched her latest book, The Lion and The Lily: The Rise and Fall of Awadh. The book is a nuanced, detailed, and richly told account of the rise and fall of Awadh in the eighteenth century against the background of the international struggle between Britain and France.

The launch was graced by the presence of eminent historian and Chief Guest Rudrangshu Mukherjee, who unveiled the book during an engaging discussion on its themes and historical insights. Addressing the significance behind the title, Ira Mukhoty remarked, “I deliberated long and hard before deciding on The Lion and The Lily. This book explores a complicated and transformative period in Indian history, marked by the rise of cosmopolitanism and the pivotal role of the French. The lily represents the French, while the lion embodies the Indian side of history, both of which intertwine in fascinating ways.”

The session then delved into the historical complexities surrounding the Nawabs of Awadh and the geopolitics of 18th-century India. Professor Mukherjee noted, “Wellesley’s actions in Awadh were driven by a larger fear of French alliances—whether with the Afghans or the Marathas—at a time when Anglo-French animosities played out globally.” When asked about the same, Mukhoty observed, “Throughout the 18th century, Anglo-French wars reverberated across the world, including India. While the French eventually lost their territorial ambitions, they strategically worked to hinder British dominance.” Professor Mukherjee further added to this context, “The British used the French presence as an excuse to attack leaders like Tipu Sultan, consolidating their own power under this guise.”

The discussion also touched upon the cultural and artistic transformations in Awadh following the British acquisition of diwani rights. Mukhoty explained how this period marked a significant evolution in painting and cartography in the region. “Awadh became a hub for realistic oil paintings and portraits influenced by European styles, alongside greater precision in cartography,” she noted. Reflecting on the generosity of Awadh’s Nawabs, she emphasized on the pivotal role of Asif ud-Daulah. “Ascending to a more stable Awadh, Asif ud-Daulah exercised kingship through remarkable acts of generosity. He invested heavily in monumental construction.”

Day 2 of Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival a Resounding Success as it Celebrates Diversity in Literature

Kolkata, January 13, 2025: The second day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival proved to be an enriching experience, with a line-up of celebrated authors, thinkers, and artists from across the world. Anand Neelakantan kicked off the day with a thought-provoking discussion on “Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons,” exploring the different versions of the Ramayana across cultures and emphasizing a tradition of plurality. The session also featured the book launch by Chief Guest MK Raina. Aparna Vaidik delved into the lives of iconic revolutionaries with “Freedom or Death,” a session that honored martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, while Prasun Roy brought to light the inspiring story of Rashbehari Bose. The session was moderated by Sudeep Chakravarti.

Ruchir Joshi’s “First Look” saw the reveal of his long-awaited novel, Great Eastern Hotel, set in the Calcutta of the 1940s. In a conversation with Anjum Katyal, Joshi discussed his novel and its historical significance. The “Insider/Outsider” session explored complex issues of belonging, spanning across regions, caste, religion, and community. Samrat Choudhury, Preeti Gill, Nusrat F Jafri, and Vikas Jha engaged in a reflective discussion, moderated by Jael Silliman.

In “Gritty City,” Sudeep Chakravarti (author of Fallen City) and Prayaag Akbar (author of Mother India) explored the hidden facets of India’s Capital, moderated by Samrat Choudhury. Rajdeep Sardesai took center stage in “For the People, By the People,” where he discussed the impact of elections and their outcomes, joined by journalist Monideepa Banerjie.

“Pink Ink” brought together leading women in media, including Neha Dixit, and Monideepa Banerjie. The session, moderated by Sandip Roy, examined the role of women in making a difference in the media landscape. In “Papa Don’t Preach,” Akhil Katyal, Sandip Roy, Nusrat F Jafri, and Neha Dixit engaged in a poignant discussion on dealing with patriarchy in daily life. Paromita Chakravarti moderated this important conversation.

At “Crosswinds,” poet Anupama Raju engaged in a discussion on the impact of French art and literature on her work with scholar Chinmoy Guha. This session was co-presented with Alliance Française du Bengale. Finally, Mani Shankar Aiyar discussed his memoirs in “A Maverick in Politics,” in conversation with historian Rudrangshu Mukherjee, offering an intimate look into his political journey.

The Poetry Café at Alliance Française du Bengale offered a unique opportunity for poetry enthusiasts to experience live performances and conversations with renowned poets. Anupama Raju and Zilka Joseph started the evening with evocative readings, followed by Akhil Katyal and Vinay Sharma. In the later hours, the stage was open for a diverse lineup of voices, including Nishi Pulugurtha, Tania Chakravertty, Gopal Lahiri, Saptaparna Roy, Aparna Singh, Rituparna Khan, Madhu Sriwastav, Madhumita Majumdar, Sanghita Sanyal, Sreetanwi Chakraborty, Anindita Bose, Rajorshi Patranabis, Sarbani Chakravarti, Priyanka Adhikary, and Monica Louis. The event culminated with an open mic session, giving poetry buffs a chance to share their work.

The Oxford Junior Literary Festival at Oxford Bookstore, Park Street brought an engaging lineup for young minds. Storytime with Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan invited children from classes 2-5 to explore storytelling in an interactive session. Making Magic with Satabdi Das and Nadia Imam offered a delightful take on creating imaginative worlds. Topsy-Turvey and Once Upon the Queens explored gender-upturned folk tales of Bengal, engaging students from classes 6-8 in thought-provoking conversation about folklore and identity.

The three-day festival enjoys the support of esteemed partners – Kenilworth Hotel, as the Hospitality Partner; Cha Bar for Refreshments; Calcutta Business School, ILead and Teacher’s Centre as the Institutional Partners; and Glenburn Penthouse and Alliance Française du Bengale as Festival Collaborators along with The Park as the Festival Partner and Flurys as Gifting Partner. Additionally, 91.9 Friends FM serves as the Radio Partner. The event will feature contributions from numerous prominent publishing houses, fostering a collaborative and lively literary ambiance. To name a few- Aleph Book Company, Bloomsbury, Hachette, HarperCollins, Harvard University Press, Jadavpur University Press, Juggernaut, Niyogi Books, Penguin Random House, Readomania, Routledge, Rupa Publications, Speaking Tiger, Vitasta Publishing, Westland Books, and many others.

IIT Kanpur Develops World’s First Robotic Hand Exoskeleton with Brain-Computer Interface for Stroke Rehabilitation

Kanpur, 13 January 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has developed a first-of-its-kind Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton to transform stroke rehabilitation and redefine post-stroke therapy by accelerating recovery and enhancing patient outcomes. This innovation is the result of 15 years of rigorous research by Prof. Ashish Dutta from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, supported by Department of Science and Technology (DST), UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

 The BCI-based robotic hand exoskeleton employs a unique closed-loop control system that actively engages the patient’s brain during therapy. It integrates three essential components: a Brain-Computer Interface that captures EEG signals from the brain’s motor cortex to assess the patient’s intent to move, a robotic hand exoskeleton that performs therapeutic hand movements, and software that synchronizes brain signals with the exoskeleton for real-time assist-as-required force feedback. This synchronized approach ensures continuous engagement of the brain, fostering faster and more effective recovery.

 Speaking about the innovation, Prof. Ashish Dutta said, “Stroke recovery is a long and often uncertain process. Our device bridges the gap between physical therapy, brain engagement, and visual feedback creating a closed-loop control system that activates brain plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to stimuli. This is especially significant for patients whose recovery has plateaued, as it offers renewed hope for further improvement and regaining mobility. With promising results in both India and the UK, we are optimistic that this device will make a significant impact in the field of neurorehabilitation.”

 Stroke-induced motor impairments often result from damage to the motor cortex, and traditional physiotherapy methods have limitations due to insufficient brain involvement. This device addresses this by linking brain activity with physical movement. During therapy, patients are visually guided on screen to perform random hand movements, such as opening or closing their left or right fist, while their correct intent to move generates EEG signals in the brain and EMG signals in the muscles. These two signals are then fused to activate the robotic exoskeleton in assist-as-required mode. This ensures that the brain, muscles and visual engagement work in harmony to improve recovery outcomes.

 Pilot clinical trials conducted in collaboration with Regency Hospital (India) and the University of Ulster (UK), have yielded exceptional results, showcasing the transformative potential of the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton. Remarkably, eight patients—four in India and four in the UK—who had plateaued in their recovery one or two years post-stroke achieved complete recovery through this innovative therapy. The device significantly enhances the effectiveness of rehabilitation by actively engaging the brain during therapy, leading to faster and more comprehensive recovery compared to conventional physiotherapy.

 Stroke recovery is most effective within the first six to twelve months, but this device has demonstrated the ability to facilitate recovery even beyond that critical timeframe. With large scale clinical trials underway with Apollo Hospitals in India, the device is expected to be commercially available within three to five years, offering new hope to stroke patients.

DITE&C, Goa Encouraging Youth Aspirations on National Youth Day

On January 13, National Youth Day, India honors the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a thinker, a dreamer, and a doer who believed in the limitless power of young minds. This year’s theme, “MYBharat-Viksit Bharat@2047 – By the Youth, For the Youth” resonates deeply, calling upon the future generation to envision and build a brighter, stronger India.

 In Goa, this vision comes to life through a series of initiatives led by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, paving the way for youth to excel and empowering them to shape their own future.

 One of the flagship programs of the DITE&C is the IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) initiative. While the empanelment of ITKCs is currently in process for this year, these centers have been key facilitators of digital education across Goa. They provide a range of courses, from basic computer literacy to advanced diploma programs. By making technology accessible and equipping youth with IT skills, ITKCs aim to lay the groundwork for a digitally inclusive Goa. Under the initiative of the Laptop Scheme for Meritorious Students of SC/ST, free laptops are provided to the top 10 meritorious Class X students (5 girls and 5 boys) from SC/ST communities in each taluka of the state to recognize and reward academic excellence among Goa’s youth. So far, over 300 deserving students have benefited from this program. Plans are underway to expand its reach to include students from EWS and OBC.

 Understanding that innovation is essential for a developed society, the Department of ITE&C has launched initiatives such as the Goa Startup Yatra. This program connects college students with startup founders, industry leaders, and incubation heads, making entrepreneurship more accessible and inspiring them to aim high. By visiting various colleges across Goa, the Yatra serves as a guiding light for students to transform their ideas into successful ventures.

 Building on this foundation, the Goa Startup Yatra Bootcamp offers a practical environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn about launching and growing businesses. These workshops, facilitated by seasoned mentors, merge theoretical concepts with practical application, nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among Goa’s youth.

 On this National Youth Day, as we embrace Swami Vivekananda’s vision of a confident, capable, and motivated youth, Goa is focused on supporting young people through the various initiatives of the Department of ITE&C, Government of Goa aimed at nation-building. As we look ahead to 2047, it is evident that today’s efforts will pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow.

Be a boss of your own mind. Don’t give that remote control to others: BK Shivani

Hyderabad, January 13, 2025…..Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement, organised a talk “Harmonising Relationships Through Spiritual Wisdom” at Imperial Gardens, Sikh Village Road in Secunderabad on Sunday night. Motivational speaker and spiritual mentor Sis BK Shivani addressed the same. The talk was organised as part of the series of programs Brahma Kumaris have been organising for the past three days.

We all want pyar(love), money, status, respect, appreciation, right? But who gives them? If everyone wants from others what about giver. Where does he or she get it from? Firstly, one should not expect anything from others.

Will somebody give it to you? or do you earn it? You have to earn them with full control of your mind over your body. Nobody can hurt you, insult, talk cheap about you. Nobody can take your time away. They can’t spoil your mood, make mockery of you unless and until you give them that opportunity. So be your boss. Don’t give that remote control to others, Shivani told a 3000 plus gathering.

You are the master of your thoughts, feelings, and responses. Please reflect on this: “Do I create anger, or do people make me angry, irritate me?” She asked and explained to them to realize that every emotion, including anger, happiness, frustration, is a choice. Today, please affirm to yourself, “I am not a slave to anyone or any situation. The remote control of my mind is in my hands.”

So you need to exercise control over your mind. Take charge of your mind. Be a captain of it, she said.

She advised that they practise “I AM A POWERFUL” being. All conflicts are within and not with others. You must realise it, she told them.

Speaking further Sister Shivani, who tours around the world spreading awareness on the need of spiritual wisdom for peaceful, healthy and happy living said the feeling of positive or Negative, it is in our mind. It depends on how you respond or react to it. Check your responses to the situations. Can any one disturb me or I get disturbed myself. Do I have the power to disturb you? Can I enter your mind? Nobody can disturb me, I am getting disturbed due to my own thoughts. I have given power to others to disturb me, she explained.

She advised her disciples to keep their mind under their control. ‘You are the master of your mind. Be strong and handle your feelings. Learn to be happy in all situations’, Shivani told them.

Shivani has a great fan following across the globe. Lakhs of people around the globe benefit out of her talks, relieved from their lifestyle issues through easy spiritual solutions.