Category Archives: News

Two Students of Ashoka University Awarded Prestigious Inlaks Scholarships for 2025

New Delhi, June 12, 2025 – Ashoka University is proud to announce that two students from its current Ashoka Scholars Programme (ASP) 2025 cohort have been awarded the highly competitive Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship. The Inlaks Scholarships are among India’s most prestigious awards which support exceptional young Indian graduates in pursuing postgraduate studies at leading institutions across the UK, Europe, and the United States. The scholarship enables recipients to study a wide array of subjects and empowers them to advance their academic and professional aspirations on a global stage.

This year, seven students across India received the Inlaks Scholarship, with two awardees from Ashoka University—a noteworthy achievement for the institution. In the 2025 selection cycle, eleven students from Ashoka, including alumni, were shortlisted for the first-round interviews. Of these, two secured the scholarship. Ashoka University is the only institution in India with more than two finalists, highlighting its continued commitment to academic excellence.

Speaking on the achievement, Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, Ashoka University, said, “I was one of the first Inlaks Scholars so I am really elated that students of Ashoka are getting the same scholarship. This recognition reflects the spirit of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility that we strive to instill in our students. The Inlaks Scholarship is a testament to their hard work and to Ashoka University’s commitment to nurturing future leaders and changemakers. Over the years, Ashoka University has steadily emerged as a strong academic ecosystem for students aspiring to pursue global careers and graduate education. This achievement builds on the University’s growing record of international recognition and prestigious scholarships.”

“At Ashoka University, the journey from graduation and beyond is not just a destination but a transformative experience that prepares students to become leaders and change-makers of tomorrow and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. The recent success of our students winning the Inlaks Scholarship is a testament to their hard work and the broad, rigorous academic environment we foster. It’s gratifying to see our scholars gain recognition on national and international platforms, reflecting the quality and depth of education Ashoka provides.” added Priyanka Chandhok, Vice President, Career Development Office and Office of Post-Graduate Studies, Ashoka University.

Two students from Ashoka University were also awarded the prestigious Inlaks Scholarship last year, a testament to their academic caliber and Ashoka’s commitment to providing the resources and mentorship to help students thrive and create meaningful impact in their fields. Notably, both Rudrangshu Mukherjee, Chancellor, and Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor of Ashoka University, along with several faculty members, are former Inlaks scholars.

What the “Tutor in Your Pocket” Could Mean for Global Learners

The ability of large language models to quickly answer questions or explain complex concepts via a smartphone app, for example, has led some to refer to them as “a tutor in your pocket.”

That capability is running into another phenomenon: the widespread availability of inexpensive AI around the world. Together, these two technologies could transform global education, offering tailored learning experiences to students in remote and underserved regions and providing unprecedented access to quality educational resources.

“Education in underserved and remote regions has long been plagued by resource scarcity, whether it’s a shortage of qualified teachers, limited access to high-quality learning materials or a lack of personalized instruction,” said IEEE Member Saptarshi Ghosh. “While the internet has opened doors, it still falls short in addressing the unique needs of individual students. AI changes that.”

AI’s Potential to Fill a Persistent Gap

AI-powered learning systems are already available. Language apps that have incorporated generative AI can now offer interactive conversational practice that mimics real life.

Extending that capability to under-resourced schools, however, is still in its infancy. Pilot projects to address this challenge have shown promise.

One project detailed in IEEE Transactions on Education showed that an AI-powered tutor had an accuracy rate of about 88%. Another experiment found that students were often able to spot the mistakes large language models made when tutoring math. However, the researchers observed that students who already knew how to solve the problems correctly were much better at identifying those errors. This led them to urge caution about relying too heavily on generative AI as a teaching tool.

More Than the Transfer of Facts

The idea that generative AI and large language models could serve as a “tutor-in-your-pocket” does have some weaknesses. A big one: education is more than the transfer of facts. A student that masters a new mathematics technique by using generative AI doesn’t really learn how to apply it in the real world.

“Education consists of three key dimensions: value shaping, ability training and knowledge transfer,” said IEEE Graduate Student Member Siyuan Sun. “While AI can significantly improve fairness in knowledge delivery, it is insufficient in fostering values and abilities, which are more crucial for holistic education.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts hoped widespread internet connectivity and the availability of online learning would help students stay on track. In many parts of the world, though, the absence of in-person learning has been blamed for declining test scores. One question is whether a reliance on artificial intelligence would replicate that scenario.

“That’s the great challenge. If we compare this to generative artificial intelligence in education, there are some parallels, but also key differences,” said IEEE Member Gabriel Gomes de Oliveira. “The similarities include over-reliance on technology and declining critical thinking skills; the differences lie in artificial intelligence being a supplement, not a replacement, and the personalization of learning alongside teacher integration.”

COWE with SIDBI support opens 20th Free ‘Aveksha’ Day Care Centre for Industrial Workers in Balanagar, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, June 11, 2025: The Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE) has launched its 20th Aveksha Day Care Centre, a free facility for the children of industrial workers and underprivileged families, at the Technocrat Industrial Estate in Balanagar, Hyderabad.

This is a project supported by SIDBI Foundation towards the operational cost of 20 centres.

The new centre, located within the premises of KRSSTJ Integrated Technologies, was formally inaugurated by Dr. G Babu Rao, International Director, Association of Lions Clubs International. The inaugural ceremony was graced by GR Surya Raj, Chairman, KN MIS Service Society; Mr. Vishweshwar Rao Japala, President, Technocrats Association; and COWE Founder Directors Ms. Uma Ghurka and Ms. Madhu Tyagi.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Babu Rao commended COWE’s commitment to empowering working women and announced a financial support of ₹60,000 per year for five years, both from himself and a fellow Lion, to cover the running expenses of the new centre.

Industrialist and senior Lion member J. Jaganmohan Reddy has generously offered the 500 sq. ft. space rent-free, foregoing ₹25,000 per month. Mr. Japala also pledged support for the day-to-day operational needs of the centre.

The Aveksha Day Care Centre will cater to 20 children, aged 6 months to 6 years, providing them with safe, nurturing care from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. The Balanagar Technocrat Industrial Estate, one of the city’s oldest, is home to over 250 industrial units employing more than 10,000 workers, many of whom are women with no access to quality childcare.

“While the rich can afford daycare and preschools, poor industrial workers have no such option. Aveksha bridges this gap—and it’s completely free,” said Ms. Uma Ghurka. .

Ms. Madhu Tyagi added that COWE has set up 9 centres in industrial colonies, 6 in urban bastis, and 4 at construction sites, making a tangible impact on nearly 450 first-time working mothers and providing direct employment to 50 women.

The centres are typically 800–1,000 sq. ft. in size, equipped to accommodate 20–30 children, and staffed by a caregiver, an Aayamma (helper), and a security guard. Regular training, audits, and vigilance ensure high standards of care and safety.

COWE, with 1800 women entrepreneurs across 12 states, has made Aveksha (meaning “care”) its Mother’s Day gift to working mothers—a mission to empower women through practical, on-ground support.

On the occasion new slates were donated to the kids. Ms Uma Ghurka has extended her gratitude to all IALA n Industries Associations, because of whose support many of these centres could be set.

Goa Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte meets Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

New Delhi, June 11, 2025:
In a significant move aimed at transforming Goa’s tourism landscape, Goa Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte met with Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to discuss strategic initiatives focused on developing a concert economy and enhancing iconic tourism infrastructure across the state.

The high-level meeting underscored the importance of aligning large-scale events with tourism timelines to maximize their economic and cultural impact on local communities. With Goa increasingly recognized as a global destination for music festivals, cultural gatherings, and experiential tourism, the push towards a structured concert economy is seen as a pivotal step in strengthening its tourism profile year-round.

“Grateful for the support and insights shared by Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. “Our discussion was focused on ensuring that Goa’s tourism growth is both innovative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure that complements the state’s unique identity.”

Key areas of focus included improving connectivity, upgrading hospitality infrastructure, and curating event calendars that integrate seamlessly with Goa’s tourism seasons. The conversation also touched upon collaborative efforts to position Goa as a model for sustainable tourism and cultural vibrancy.

With central support and strategic alignment, the Goa government aims to create a tourism ecosystem that not only attracts global visitors but also delivers tangible benefits to local communities and businesses.

Brand Campaign Pays Off! Panchayat Season 4 Now Streaming on June 24

Mumbai, India – In a thrilling turn of events, Prime Video India’s multi-award-winning web series Panchayat Season 4 will now premiere on June 24, ahead of its original release date of July 2. This decision comes as a result to the overwhelming fan love and support generated through a massive referendum social media campaign.

The campaign, which encouraged fans to demand an early release, featured election-style videos of the cast promising to bring Panchayat Season 4 to audiences sooner if they received enough “votes.” The initiative quickly gained momentum, with numerous top brands joining the conversation and amplifying the demand for an early release.

Brands such as AJIO, Burger King, Taco Bell, Rapido, Mc Cain, Pepper Fry, Go Ibibo, To Be Honest, Ixigo, True Elements, Abhi Bus India actively participated in the campaign. They shared engaging content, including cute, witty, funny, and outrageous punch lines, all aimed at bringing Panchayat Season 4 to fans sooner. The hashtag #PanchayatNow trended as fans and brands alike voiced their support for an early release. The brand integrations were executed by The Zoya Co.

The campaign’s success is a testament to the show’s popularity and the power of fan engagement. Panchayat has captured the hearts of audiences with its unique blend of humor, satire, and small-town charm, making it one of India’s most beloved web series.

The new season promises to deliver even more excitement, with the election face-off between Pradhanji and Bhushanji taking center stage. Fans can look forward to more heartwarming moments, drama, and humor as the story unfolds.

Get ready to dive back into the world of Phulera and experience the magic of Panchayat Season 4 on June 24!

AUTO PULSE 2025: Connecting the Future of Auto Components and Technology

Bengaluru, June 11, 2025: Vikas Trade Links (P) Ltd., a name synonymous with trust and excellence in the automotive aftermarket since 1988, proudly unveils AUTO PULSE 2025—a landmark event designed to bring together the automotive community in a celebration of innovation, connection, and future-readiness.

Taking place from June 13th to 15th, 2025, at the company’s Bangalore premises, AUTO PULSE 2025 is the first-of-its-kind event from Vikas Trade Links, promising an immersive experience for industry professionals, OES (Original Equipment Supplier) representatives, distributors, and enthusiasts alike.

Innovation, Trust, and Growth in Motion

AUTO PULSE 2025 is more than a product showcase—it is a strategic platform aimed at strengthening industry relationships, demonstrating operational excellence, and introducing cutting-edge advancements that define the future of automotive distribution.

“Our vision for AUTO PULSE 2025 is rooted in the very values that define us—Partnership, Performance, and Progress,” said Aman Sancheti, Managing Director of Vikas Trade Links (P) Ltd. “This event is about strengthening the relationships we’ve built over the years while giving our customers and partners a clear view of the future we’re driving toward—together.”

Event Highlights

● Comprehensive Product Displays: Featuring an extensive range of spare parts and components from renowned OES brands, all part of Vikas Trade Links’ trusted distribution portfolio.

● VTL World Launch Preview: A sneak peek into the company’s upcoming e-commerce platform—VTL World—marking its entry into the digital aftermarket solution space.

● End-to-End Showcase: The wide range of brands and products on display stands as a powerful testament to Vikas’s robust warehousing, efficient inventory management, and reliable logistics infrastructure—enabling us to seamlessly support and supply a diverse automotive ecosystem.

● Networking Opportunities: An exclusive chance to meet and connect with workshop owners, distributors, OES representatives, and industry professionals from across the country.

A Call to Collaborate

AUTO PULSE 2025 is strategically designed to attract a wide spectrum of stakeholders from the automotive aftermarket. From business owners and service professionals to distribution partners and manufacturing representatives, the event aims to foster meaningful engagement and long-term collaboration.

“As we expand our brand offerings and step confidently into the digital era, AUTO PULSE 2025 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” said Rajnish Sancheti, Regional President of Vikas Trade Links (P) Ltd.

“We invite all automotive professionals, enthusiasts, and partners to join us in shaping what comes next,” said Rohit Sancheti, Regional Vice President of Vikas Trade Links (P) Ltd.

WeSchool Honors Inaugural PG Temple Management Batch at Prestigious Felicitation Ceremony

11th June 2025, Mumbai – Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, PGDM (WeSchool), Mumbai has once again set the bar for academic excellence and innovation with the grand felicitation ceremony of its inaugural batch of students from the Post Graduate Program in Temple Management (PGPTM). This program, the first of its kind in India, marks WeSchool’s commitment to shaping the future of temple management education and creating a pool of highly skilled professionals for an emerging sector.

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries and thought leaders from diverse fields, who underscored the growing importance of professionalizing temple management and the potential societal impact of such initiatives.

Shri Suresh Haware, Nuclear Scientist, Political Leader, Author, and Managing Director of Haware Engineers & Builders Pvt. Ltd., remarked, “WeSchool’s Temple Management program is a timely initiative. It recognizes the need for structured, transparent, and devotee-centric management in temples. With professional administration, temples can become powerful instruments of social and economic transformation while preserving our spiritual and cultural heritage.”

Adv. Shri S.K. Jain, Chairman, Managing Council of S.P. Mandali, added, “This program is not just about administration—it’s about service, transparency, and spiritual development. I commend WeSchool for this forward-thinking initiative and encourage continued focus on the societal impact of spiritual practices, such as chanting and sacred recitations, which promote inner healing and well-being.”

Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool, addressed the gathering, stating,“We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of the inaugural PGPTM batch. This course integrates management principles with spiritual institution governance, providing learners with practical training in areas like crowd and disaster management, operations, and community engagement. The outcomes have been inspiring—students applied their learning effectively during internships and temple festivals. This initiative supports Viksit Bharat 2047 by empowering a new generation of cultural custodians and social leaders.”

The inaugural batch of PGPTM reflected true diversity—ranging from fresh graduates to retired professionals, with no age barrier for participation. Many students were already affiliated with temples in various capacities and joined the course to deepen their knowledge and enhance their impact. Hailing from different regions across India, these students brought with them a wealth of experience, dedication, and varied perspectives. During the ceremony, several graduates shared their personal journeys—highlighting how they overcame academic and personal challenges throughout the course. With renewed confidence, they expressed their readiness to take on real-world responsibilities in temple management with professionalism and purpose.

Designed in collaboration with (Temple Connect) practitioners and academic experts, WeSchool’s PGPTM program bridges a vital gap in the professional management of religious institutions. Blending classroom learning with hands-on training and insights from industry leaders, the course equips students to modernize temple operations while preserving spiritual values. It stands as a pioneering step toward strengthening cultural stewardship and nation-building.

Ekathon 2025: Forging the Future of Digital Health with India’s Brightest Minds

Bangalore, 11 June 2025: In a powerful testament to India’s growing leadership in health technology, Eka Care, in collaboration with AWS, successfully hosted Ekathon 2025 on 5–6 June at the AWS office in Bangalore. The two-day healthtech hackathon brought together developers, innovators, clinicians, product thinkers, and policymakers to co-create scalable digital solutions that could shape the future of India’s healthcare system. From voice-first patient care assistants to claim settlement tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI), Ekathon showcased ideas that not only solve real-world problems but do so at scale, inclusively, and with impact.

Shri Kiran Gopal Vaska, Joint Secretary, National Health Authority, delivered an insightful keynote address at the event. Addressing a packed room of technologists and health innovators, he emphasised the critical role of public-private collaboration in building an interoperable, data-driven healthcare ecosystem. His call to action set the tone for the innovation and purpose-driven energy that followed over the two days.

During his keynote session, Shri Kiran Gopal Vaska said, “Partnership with the private sector and private sector innovation is a very very important factor and that is something we hold very dear and ensure and we always value the partnership with the private sector and that is where Vikalp and other digital health partners come in and the innovation that you are doing the new ideas that you are bringing in are the ones that are driving the digital health ecosystem forward.”

The participants were inspired by sessions featuring industry leaders who have innovated in the healthtech space. Vikalp Sahni, Founder and CEO, Eka Care, shared his journey of building India’s health backbone and what it takes to create digital infrastructure for 140 crore Indians. Samarth Masson, National Sales Leader – Healthcare and Nonprofit, AWS India, spoke about the role of cloud, AI, and developer ecosystems in solving healthcare challenges at scale.

The final judging panel brought deep expertise in healthcare, policy, investment, and technology. Raman Upreti, Technical Product Lead-PMU, National Health Authority, Dr Ajay Nair, CEO, Swasth Alliance, and Anubhav Jain, BDM, Venture Capital, and Startup Ecosystem, AWS, evaluated the finalists’ solutions. Their thoughtful feedback helped the finalists refine their solutions while sparking new partnerships for future scale-up and deployment.

Vikalp Sahni said, “The idea that Eka Care wants to take forward is that we are the health stack that can be leveraged to build innovations on top of it. And we would love to see these innovations coming out from the ecosystem, from people like you, innovators like you, obviously in partnership with many of our partners such as AWS.”

From over 100 applications across India, 15 teams were shortlisted to present their ideas at the live event. After 36 hours of building and mentoring, three ideas stood out. The winning team, HealthHaven, presented a solution titled “Revamping Healthcare Data Storage Using Graph Databases”. Addressing the problem of inefficient healthcare data storage, they built a real-time transcription tool that captures and codes patient voice interactions using SNOMED CT and stores them in graph-based databases, ensuring standardisation in electronic health records (EHRs). The solution promises better storage, enhanced research usability, and smarter EHRs across hospitals.

The first runner-up, Team EaseMyMed, tackled the issue of medical claim rejections with their solution, “Zero Rejection Medical Claims”. Their GenAI-based tool converts handwritten and digital documents into structured electronic medical records (EMRs) and pre-coded claims, significantly reducing errors and increasing compliance. Their approach is expected to reduce claim denials by 80%, enabling faster reimbursements and saving approximately ₹1 crore annually across public hospitals.

The second runner-up, Team HealthSpeak AI, developed a multilingual voice-first assistant to capture patient history. Their solution addresses consultation inefficiencies and language barriers by using regional language voice input to record structured histories, triage symptoms, and retrieve ABHA-linked data. This tool can reduce consultation times by 30–40%, expand rural access, and support ABHA adoption.

What made Ekathon special was not just the technology, but also the intent behind it. Developers collaborated closely with clinicians, startups, and mentors from leading platforms and public institutions. With real APIs from the Eka Developer Suite and guidance from domain experts, participants didn’t just pitch, they built.

Eka Care and AWS were joined by partners like PeerCapital, HighTable, and other ecosystem enablers who made Ekathon possible. The AWS team provided the space, support, and partnership to make this event a grand success.

Ekathon 2025 may have concluded, but it has sparked something bigger. The winning ideas are being considered for further pilots and development support. Many of the teams are already in conversations with ecosystem enablers, hospitals, and investors. Because in the end, this wasn’t just a hackathon. It was a movement to reimagine healthcare together.

United Way Bengaluru and State Street Support the ‘Divyangjan community’ with Mobility and Assistive Devices

Bengaluru, Karnataka: June 10, 2025: In a meaningful step toward fostering accessibility and inclusion, United Way Bengaluru, with support from State Street, supported the ‘Divyangjan*’ (differently abled) community through the distribution of mobility aids, and assistive technologies, including 4 e-autos, 10 NeoMotion, 40 SHG Glasses, 3 Kibo and 200 Alexa.

Organized by State Street and United Way Bengaluru, the initiative reinforces two firms’ shared commitment to advancing inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for a brighter, more accessible future. This marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to support empowerment of persons with disabilities, especially in areas where access to livelihood opportunities can be limited. Supported by Parihar, an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, the e-auto programme is dedicated to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for those from vulnerable communities. By providing technology-enabled assistive devices that enhance mobility, communication, and learning, the initiative aims to equip individuals with the technology they need to thrive. These devices support mobility and learning and empower users to interact with their environments more fully and independently.

“Inclusion is not just a value, it’s a responsibility. State Street is proud to support the Aikyam initiative as part of our broader commitment to accessible innovation. By contributing resources, technology and expertise, we aim to provide persons with disabilities opportunities to education and employment that lead to their economic mobility,” said Arindam Banerrji, Executive Vice President and Country Head for State Street India.

“At United Way Bengaluru, we believe that empowerment begins with access. Aikyam is close to our hearts; it is a flagship campaign that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We are enabling participation and upholding the dignity of our people. We are not just changing lives, but are also opening doors towards accessibility, by empowering our community,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.

Deepika Padukone celebrates a milestone On Prakash Padukone’s 70th Birthday as Padukone School of Badminton Expands to 75 Centres Within a Year Of Its Launch

Bengaluru, India — 10 June: The Padukone School of Badminton (PSB), founded and funded by Deepika Padukone and mentored by former World No. 1 and All England Champion Prakash Padukone, has achieved a significant milestone by establishing over 75 grassroots coaching centres across 18 Indian cities – including Bengaluru, NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Pune, Nashik, Mysuru, Panipat, Dehradun, Udaipur, Coimbatore, Sangli, and Surat – within its first year of operations.

With its mission of “Badminton for All,” PSB now aims to scale to 100 centres by the end of this year and 250 within the next three years.

Deepika Padukone, Founder of PSB, said: “As someone who grew up playing badminton, I’ve experienced firsthand how much this sport can shape one’s life – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through PSB, I hope we can bring the joy and discipline of badminton to people from all walks of life, and build a generation that is healthier, more focused, and inspired by sport.”

Prakash Padukone, PSB’s Mentor and Advisor, said: “Sport is an integral part of growing up – it instills discipline, resilience, and a winning mindset that extends well beyond the court. With PSB, our goal is to make quality coaching accessible and affordable, nurture talent from the grassroots, and set a strong foundation for the future of Indian badminton.”

PSB’s vision is to democratize access to quality and affordable badminton coaching, providing opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels. Through its standardized, scalable coaching methodology, developed under the guidance of Prakash Padukone, the organization seeks to introduce a nationwide community of school children and working professionals to the sport. It also aims to empower aspiring coaches with certified training and sustainable career paths.

PSB partners with schools, institutions, and existing venues to set up grassroots academies that feed into its flagship Training Program at the 3 High-Performance Centres of Excellence in Bengaluru. With over 100 coaches trained under a structured certification program and access to cutting-edge facilities, PSB’s coaching system ensures consistency, quality, and the ability to identify and nurture future champions.