10, Feb 2024
Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Basketball Federation of India Forge Alliance to Propel Athletic Excellence
Manipal, Karnataka, 10th February 2024: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have joined forces in a ground-breaking partnership aimed at nurturing athletic talent and fostering a culture of excellence within Indian basketball.

This historic collaboration between MAHE and BFI signifies a profound convergence of vision, where both entities share an unwavering dedication to not just achieving greatness but also fostering athleticism and building more resilient, empowered communities through the power of sports. It marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Indian basketball, where the combined expertise and resources of MAHE and BFI are poised to drive significant advancements in the sport.
In steadfast alignment with their commitment to holistic education, MAHE and BFI acknowledge the transformative role that athletics play in shaping well-rounded individuals. This partnership goes beyond merely honing basketball skills; it underscores the fundamental importance of sports in instilling resilience, discipline, and unwavering character in students. By integrating sports into the educational fabric, MAHE and BFI aim to equip students with the necessary tools not only to excel on the court but also to thrive in all aspects of life.
Dr H S Ballal – Pro Chancellor & President, Academy of General Education, MAHE emphasizes, “With the Basketball Federation of India, we are not only forming a partnership, but also fostering a common vision of greatness, athleticism, and community as we set out on this revolutionary journey. Our shared goals are to develop athletic talent, provide confidence to aspiring athletes, and motivate the next wave of champions. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to holistic education, which views athletics as a vital component in developing resilient, disciplined, and well-rounded students.
Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) said that MAHE Manipal gives a lot of importance to extra-curricular activities along with curricula. With this partnership, we can achieve a significant milestone in the advancement of basketball development in India. MAHE is always ready to encourage sports and with the help of the Basketball Federation of India, we will allow our students to become successful athletes on and off the court,”
, Registrar of MAHE Manipal was present on this occasion.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President – of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and Shyam Adithya, Chief Financial Officer of BFI. Aadhav Arjuna, a former professional player, leads BFI with a vision for holistic athlete development and infrastructure enhancement. Shyam Adithya, a seasoned Chartered Accountant, brings over 15 years of global experience in driving digital transformation Together, they aim to propel Indian basketball to international prominence.
Excited about the partnership, Aadhav Arjuna, President – of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), commented, “Our objective is to promote basketball as more than just a sport, but as a means of personal development, community involvement, and national pride, our cooperation with MAHE represents a critical turning point. With this partnership, we hope to foster an environment of greatness by offering ambitious athletes access to top-notch facilities, knowledgeable coaching, and academic support to help them succeed on and off the court. Together, we’re dedicated to developing the next wave of basketball talent and giving them the tools, they need to skilfully, passionately, and honorably represent India on the world stage”.
The alliance between Manipal Academy of Higher Education and the Basketball Federation of India marks a significant milestone in the advancement of basketball development in India. Together, they are poised to revolutionize the sports landscape, empower aspiring athletes, and propel India towards athletic excellence.
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- By Rabindra
10, Feb 2024
NMIMS Chandigarh SOL’s Legal Aid Camp Empowers Sarangpur Village with Legal Awareness and Support
Chandigarh, 10th February: The Legal Aid Clinic at SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh’s School of Law (SOL), in collaboration with the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) of Chandigarh Union Territory (U.T.) and the Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh, organised a Legal Aid Camp in Sarangpur Village, Chandigarh. The event was held on January 30 2024.

The Legal Aid Camp was conducted under the leadership of Ms. Mita Chadha, Assistant Professor and Faculty Convener, Legal Aid Clinic, SLSA and Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh. It was attended by the members of the Legal Aid Clinic, NMIMS SOL Chandigarh; a team of esteemed delegates from the SLSA and the residents of Sarangpur village.
The event was held to create legal awareness and educate the residents of Sarangpur about the free legal aid available for the underserved. The objective was to help people understand their legal rights and access legal assistance when needed. As part of the awareness campaign, members of the Legal Aid Clinic went door-to-door to inform people about legal aid initiatives and the Legal Aid Clinic at SOL Chandigarh.
The event included a Nukkad Naatak (Street Play) performed by the members of the Legal Aid Clinic. The play raised awareness about women’s empowerment among the audience. Moreover, the event featured members of the SLSA addressing the gathering on a range of topics of social importance.
Mr. Shiv of SLSA set the tone of the event with his inspiring speech. Ms. Jasveer Kaur, Gender Discrimination Specialist, Department of Social Welfare, spoke about the existent social prejudices against the girl child in society. Addressing the audience, Ms. Sukhdev Kaur, Child Development Project Officer, walked through the various laws that could aid them. She encouraged them to openly share any legal matters they wished to discuss. Meanwhile, Ms. Mita Chadha introduced the Legal Aid Clinic to the attendees and assured them of free legal aid and assistance.
The event left the residents of Sarangpur motivated. It encouraged them to bring forward their grievances and seek assistance from the Legal Cell. The event was one of the several initiatives of the Legal Aid Clinic at NMIMS Chandigarh SOL and reflected its firm commitment to addressing issues of social importance and legal advocacy.
10, Feb 2024
Historians Swapna Liddle and Alka Pande discuss Mughal Art and Architecture
Kolkata, February 10: The first day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival presented a captivating discussion between two stalwarts from Indian history and academia. Historians Swapna Liddle and Alka Pande discuss what lives on from the legacy of Mughal art and architecture. The session, ‘The Mughals and Us’, aimed to unravel the rich tapestry of Mughal art in modern times. Both historians conversed with Husna-Tara Prakash discussing the beauty of Mughal marvels.

The event started with moderator Husna-Tara Prakash introducing the guests and drawing parallels between the Mughal cosmopolitan outlook and that of Kolkata and the region of Bengal at large. The session’s primary focus was on the impact of Mughal art and architecture in contemporary India and how assimilation lies at the heart of it.
Speaking on discussing the beautiful city of Shahajanabad, also known as Purani Dilli. Shahajanabad, as Liddle put it, was “…a microcosm or a representation of the larger empire. This was a feature that defined Delhi throughout the Mughal period.”
While discussing the confluence of cultures with moderator Husna Tara Prakash, Swapna Liddle emphasized how people tend to characterize the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire simply as “Islamic dynasties”, overlooking the hybridity and assimilation of various cultural factors lying at the centre of it. Speaking on art and architecture, she added that Mughal architecture had the tenacity to adapt to pre-existing styles, making them a testament to the same assimilation.
Celebrated art historian Alka Pande in congruence with Swapna Liddle’s observations stated, “Hybridity was in the consciousness of Mughal rulers. This is supported by the fact that most Mughal rulers had Rajput mothers.” Connecting stories of the Mughal era with Bengal, she added how Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Bengal, had brought with him not just 500 men but the culture and food of Awadh, as well.
In the contemporary context, she opined how “from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, like salwar, churidars and kurta, the Mughals are relevant even today.” The speakers and moderator agreed that the Mughal Empire was a great example of assimilation between Hindu and Islamic traditions. The session ended with Alka Pandey stating, “We Indians have the power to absorb different cultures but can still retain our individuality.”
10, Feb 2024
Pvr Inox Introduces Italian Food Festival to Mark National Pizza Day
National, February 10, 2024: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India announces the launch of its Italian Food Festival, offering a delightful culinary adventure alongside the cinematic experience. From February 9th to March 31st, indulge in authentic Italian flavors across 50+ cinemas in 100+ screens across 26 cities within the luxury of Luxe/Insignia auditoriums.

This exciting initiative goes beyond popcorn and nachos, offering a specially curated menu featuring the rich flavors and historical significance of three iconic Italian dishes Pizza Al Taglio, Tiramisu, and Ravioli e Spinaci.
Originating from the streets of Rome in the 1950s, Pizza Al Taglio, or “Pizza by the Cut” is characterized by its rectangular shape, thick crust, and diverse toppings. Offering a quick and affordable meal, it has transcended borders to become a global sensation.
Hailing from the Veneto region, Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up” in Italian, is a classic dessert crafted with layers of coffee-soaked cookie crumbled/sponge cake, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa. Born in the 1960s, it gained iconic status in the ’80s for its rich flavors and creamy texture.
Dating back to the 14th century in Genoa, Italy, Ravioli e Spinaci, or Spinach Ravioli, showcases the artistry of Italian pasta-making. Stuffed with a delightful mixture of spinach and cheese, this pasta dish has evolved over the centuries, adding a nutritional and flavorful twist.
PVR INOX sets itself apart in the realm of entertainment by seamlessly blending the worlds of fine dining and cinematic enchantment, crafting an unparalleled and memorable experience for patrons.
The convergence of exquisite cuisine with the mesmerizing magic of cinema transcends the ordinary, taking the movie-watching experience to new heights and transforming it into a truly special occasion. The fusion of sumptuous flavors and captivating visuals creates a multisensory journey, where every moment becomes a celebration of taste and storytelling. PVR INOX’s commitment to delivering this unique amalgamation ensures that each visit is not merely about watching a film but embarking on a cinematic adventure that engages all the senses, making it an unforgettable experience for movie enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Gautam Dutta, Co-CEO of PVR INOX Ltd said, “If PVR INOX is known for redefining cinema-going, it has done so by reimagining cinema F&B as well. In our endeavor to redefine the boundaries of culinary delight within the cinema space, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our captivating Italian Food Festival from February 9 to March 31. This festival promises an exquisite culinary journey featuring a curated selection of the finest and most iconic Italian delicacies skillfully crafted by our talented chefs. We extend a warm invitation to our patrons, urging them to indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of Italy while immersing themselves in the sheer joy of watching movies in our state-of-the-art cinemas.”
10, Feb 2024
Reimagining waste: From E-waste drives to Eco-Bricks-Lessons in Responsible Production & Consumption
By Mrs. Damayanti Bhattacharya, Educationist and Principal of Jasudben M L School and Bloomingdales Pre-Primary

Reimagining waste: An overview
Waste stands at the intersection of environmental challenges, serving as both a predicament and a prospect in the realms of climate change and environmental degradation. On one hand, improper waste management contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with landfills emitting potent methane, exacerbating global warming, on the other hand, the extraction and disposal of materials, particularly in electronic waste, contribute to resource depletion and environmental pollution. However waste also holds a promise as a solution to offer avenues for energy generation while minimizing the environmental impact. By reimagining solutions to turn waste into a source of opportunities, to preserve the environment, calls for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to waste management, through innovation in waste management.
An innovative approach to waste management
Conventional waste disposal methods are increasingly inadequate in confronting the growing challenges of escalating waste production. A shift towards a sustainable future necessitates the adoption of innovative and visionary strategies to revolutionize the waste management landscape. Rethinking our approach to waste opens doors to opportunities for both environmental conservation and economic growth. Embracing forward-thinking solutions becomes imperative in order to effectively address the complex issues associated with waste and create a more resilient and sustainable waste management system for the future.
Industrial waste management
The proliferation of industrial establishments in developing countries, fueled by international trade and advancements in science and technology, has garnered attention from developed nations. This shift has spurred economically significant industrial developments. However, this surge in industrialization has also given rise to the pressing need for rapid advancements in waste management techniques to effectively handle the substantial volumes of waste generated across diverse industries. Waste management is crucial for collecting and treating waste emanating from all strata of society, especially for industries to manage waste from its initial generation to its final treatment and disposal phases. Adopting an industry-specific, waste management process, plays a pivotal role in addressing this challenge. Industrial waste, stemming from both the production process and the subsequent disposal of industrial products, poses a considerable threat to the environment. To mitigate the environmental impact, it becomes imperative to adopt a waste hierarchy approach—a life cycle system that aims to minimize waste generation and maximize the utilization of products derived from waste.
A circular model economy for production & consumption
The circular economy represents a paradigm shift in the way we produce and consume goods. This model emphasizes practices such as sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible, extending the overall life cycle of products. The core objective is to minimize waste generation and maximize resource efficiency. When a product reaches the end of its life, the circular economy aims to keep its materials within the economic system through recycling, allowing them to be reused productively and creating additional value. This approach stands in contrast to the traditional linear economic model, characterized by a take-make-consume-throw-away pattern. The transition to a circular economy not only promotes sustainability by minimizing waste but also challenges the conventional notions of resource consumption and encourages a more resilient and responsible approach to economic activity.
From e-waste to eco-bricks: The future lies in effective waste management
Electronics manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and HP have initiated take-back programs, allowing consumers to responsibly recycle old devices and recover valuable materials. Material recovery from electronic waste is gaining traction, with companies exploring advanced recycling technologies to extract valuable metals. Sustainable product design focuses on modularity and repairability, enabling users to easily upgrade components, extending product lifespan, and reducing waste. Brands are increasingly incorporating recycled materials into manufacturing processes, minimizing environmental impact. Circular supply chain initiatives involve closed-loop systems and supplier engagement to ensure sustainability throughout production. Brands are rethinking packaging strategies with eco-friendly materials and exploring creative solutions like eco-bricks made from plastic waste for sustainable construction alternatives.
Why is the education sector important to a circular economy?
The education sector, spanning from primary to postgraduate levels, plays a crucial role in preparing students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to embrace circular thinking in their future careers. The shift from a lecture-based to a participatory education approach is crucial, with a primary focus on discussions about sustainable consumption and production. A comprehensive understanding of the consequences of our linear economy’s consumption patterns can empower young individuals to make sustainable choices as they grow older. For instance, educating children about the non-biodegradability of plastic, the impact of multi-layered plastic, and encouraging personal responsibility for waste recycling fosters a sense of civic duty. Integrating concrete examples in education ensures that children grasp from an early age how they can actively contribute to sustainability.
The goal is to achieve a harmonious balance that requires overcoming challenges such as technological barriers, economic considerations, and the need for widespread societal awareness and behavioral changes. In navigating this intricate landscape, waste emerges not just as a problem to be managed but as a potential catalyst for sustainable solutions in the face of pressing environmental concerns.
10, Feb 2024
SYNAPSE 2024: A unique, first-of-its-kind gathering of global genius in India
New Delhi February 10th, 2024: SYNAPSE is a pathbreaking and unprecedented science tech society conference, founded and curated by award-winning journalist Shoma Chaudhury. Being hosted on 24 – 25 February 2024 at The Futures Hangar, Le Meridien, Gurgaon, SYNAPSE is bringing together an extraordinary and unique combination of global genius – from Nobel Laureates to superstars, technologists to ethicists, philosophers to inventors, artists to economists — who will decode powerful forces reshaping the world, debate the most urgent questions of our time, and explore the intersections between nature, humans, and technology.
SYNAPSE is driven by a unique vision. It seeks to place science and tech at the center of public engagement, excitement – and debate. AI. Gene editing. Age reversal. Big Data. Big Tech. Biotech. Quantum computing. These innovations are impacting society at an exponential pace.
From geopolitics to genes. Business to behavior. Politics to parenting. Work to war. Democracy to markets. Media to mental health. Cities. Cells. Climate. Cosmos. Creativity. Cinema. SYNAPSE will be focusing on all of this and will present science and tech not as difficult topics for subject experts, but as urgent ideas and innovations that everyone can understand and relate to.
As Shoma Chaudhury, Director-Curator of SYNAPSE, explains, “Science and tech is literally the new ‘Hand of God’ in our lives. From birth to death itself, it is reshaping everything while we sleep. We cannot afford not to engage, celebrate, adapt, debate. We wanted to create a platform that would retrieve science from the lab and place it in all its beauty, power, drama, and vividness at the heart of society. We wanted to create a new visual language around science and bring together the most unusual combination of cutting-edge minds to discuss its promise and peril. We are at several simultaneous tipping points. These innovations have the power to change humanity as we know it. So how do we harness their potential and guardrail the harm? Is it time to create a ‘constitution for technology’?”
Rajan Anandan – MD, Peak XV Partners, one of India’s most prominent tech investors who formerly led Google South Asia and Microsoft in India – heartily endorses this vision. “I am excited to come for SYNAPSE,” he says, “because it’s a first-of-its-kind conference in India – possibly the world.”
Anandan will be speaking at SYNAPSE and the timeliness and significance of the vision are reflected in the galaxy of 40 other cutting-edge frontier minds who will be gathering at the conference.
Among them are Nobel Laureate Roger Kornberg, whose breakthrough discoveries enabled the vaccine revolution; 3-time Pulitzer Winner Thomas Friedman, one of the world’s most astute trend-spotters; Michael Sandel, legendary Harvard political philosopher who fills stadiums; Rumman Chowdhury, tech ethicist named by Forbes as 1 of 5 shaping AI; Elizabeth Parrish, a biohacker & longevity entrepreneur reversing age; Eric Daimler, former Obama adviser on AI; Martin Green, father of solar Technology, whose invention accounts for 90% of global solar cells; Vedanta master Swami Sarvapriyananda; star director Raju Hirani; India’s lead quantum physicist Urbasi Sinha, India’s national cyber security chief Lt Gen MU Nair; mood and mind scientist Vidita Vaidya, working on stress and psychedelics. And many more.
Investigators of body & mind. Entrepreneurs, ethicists, economists. Politicians. Investors. Creators.
The excitement of the conference is drawing 1,000 thought leaders from across the country on the ground as audience – ranging from political and policy leaders to industrialists, entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, scientists, educators, YPOs, and top-notch professionals from every walk of life. Students from 50 universities will be watching the livestream.
10, Feb 2024
KL Deemed to be University to Host India-France Meeting: Advancing AI, ML, and DL in Neuroscience and Disorders
New Delhi, February 2024: KL Deemed to be University is all set to host the India-France Joint meeting on AI/ML/DL applications in understanding Brain and related disorders from the 19th to the 21st of February, 2024, at its scenic Vaddeswaram Campus, situated in the heart of Andhra Pradesh. This collaborative effort aims to bring together experts, scientists, doctors, and students from both India and France to explore the latest advancements in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) as applied to neuroscience and related disorders. The proposed meeting aims to identify complementary areas in brain research in France and India and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Preventing neurological disorders and improving treatment is more necessary than ever now, as neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease is becoming more prevalent among ageing population. Explainable AI or XAI is the key topic of discussion during this meeting. XAI is a new branch in AI research which aims towards helping the medical experts to understand the decision processes behind the decision of AI models. The workshop intends to foster further association between institutes and centres in France and India and discuss AI responsibility in brain research. The meeting will provide an opportunity of collaboration between academia, industry and clinics which are working on advanced AI powered solutions in neurological healthcare applications.
Ten France guests scheduled to grace the Joint meeting, includes Alexandre Escargueil, Head of the Biomedical Humanities Initiative at Sorbonne Universite, France, and Prof. Daniel Racoccanu, Professor at Sorbonne Universite, Paris, France and 25 scientists from AIIMS-Delhi, NIMHANS-Bangalore, IIIT, IITs, NIMS, Brinda Neurocare Institute, BITS etc. The objectives of the meeting include understanding of the human brain structure and function using AI/ML/DL. Understanding AI/DL/ML in mapping brain markers in brain disorders. Offering a platform for young scientists and doctors to debate on this interdisciplinary research, Dr. K. S. Jagannatha Rao, Pro Chancellor, KL Deemed to be University informed that this meeting will also identify critical problems in brain research and find novel ideas to solve it. Some of the pertinent topics that will be explored are human brain mapping, cognitive science, healthy ageing of brain, neurodegenerative disorders, basic and advanced computational neuroscience, computational neuropathology to name a few.
Er. Koneru Satyanarayana, President, KL Deemed to be University, said “Both countries have great potential for advanced research in brain, neuroscience and neuropathology. This meeting aims to become a venue of collaboration among great minds and young researchers to lay the foundations of the International centre for brain and artificial intelligence research and can enhance our understanding of the power of artificial intelligence for societal benefit. Such workshops are intended to promote international partnerships and knowledge exchange to address complex scientific challenges and drive innovation in these critical fields.”
The meeting is supported by the Indo- French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research ( IFCPAR) and Centre Franco-Indien Pour La Promotion De La Recherche Avancee (CEFIPRA). The meeting will present an opportunity for students to engage with experts and obtain certifications endorsed by both Indian and French organizers. Attendees can also explore potential internships and study abroad opportunities in France with scholarships. Faculty members and doctoral students can look forward to scholarships that facilitate visits to France for durations ranging from 2 to 6 months.
KL Deemed to be University actively organizes meetings, seminars, conferences, and workshops, highlighting its commitment to keeping faculty, students, and research scholars well-informed about the latest developments in global research. By encouraging a dynamic culture of research and innovation, the University plays an active role in advancing knowledge across a wide range of fields and disciplines, dedicated to academic excellence and societal improvement.
9, Feb 2024
VegNonVeg and Boxout FM Unveil Limited Edition Hockey Jersey
As VegNonVeg and Boxout FM mark their 7th milestone, the pioneering entities in music, fashion, and street culture have joined forces to commemorate their journey with a special collaboration. Introducing a limited-edition Hockey Jersey that encapsulates the essence of both brands. Priced at INR 6000, The VegNonVeg x Boxout FM Hockey Jersey serves as a testament to the shared passion for music, fashion, and street culture that unites these two entities. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant and dynamic street style scene, the jersey embodies the spirit of urban creativity and self-expression.

The graphics on the jersey showcase the logos of both brands alongside customized Hindi text symbolizing the years 2016 and 2023, marking the active years of BOXOUT.FM and VegNonVeg. Additionally, a flowered gramophone motif, adorned with VNV branding, serves as a representation of both brands’ shared passion for music. This design element embodies the celebratory spirit of the joint birthday festivities for BOXOUT.FM and VegNonVeg this year.
The color palette, graphic treatments, and style elements of the jersey mirror the collective journey undertaken by VegNonVeg and Boxout FM to cultivate and nurture their respective communities. Each detail of the design reflects the innovation and authenticity that define these iconic brands. This collaboration represents a celebration of seven years of creativity, collaboration, and cultural impact.
9, Feb 2024
Explore the 7 Stages of LOVE with SOCIAL’s #LoveAll Campaign
Join us this February for the most unconventional celebration of love! SOCIAL proudly presents the 2nd edition of #LoveAll, a campaign that goes beyond the clichés of Valentine’s Day and embraces all kinds of love – romantic, platonic, and familial.

What to Expect? / Series of Events:
️ 7 Stages of Love Menu (12th-20th Feb): Indulge in a culinary journey with our special menu featuring dishes named after the 7 stages of love – Dilkashi, Uns, Ishq, Akidat, Ibaadat, Junoon, and Maut.
Table Experience (8th Feb onwards): Book a designated table for two, adorned with love, and participate in the ultimate compatibility challenge. Answer quirky questions about your partner, get 14/20 right, and enjoy a dessert, on the house!
Pop-ups at Every Table: Engage in lively conversations with our fun question cards at every table. Discover your friends’ or partner’s deepest wishes and superhero aspirations and crank up the fun level!
On 14 th February, across all SOCIAL outlets pan-India, a 14% discount will be applicable for
each table of 2 pax. Spread the joy, bring your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the #LoveAll experience at SOCIAL.
Love has no limits, and neither does #LoveAll! See you there!
Venue– Ring Road SOCIAL, Indore
Date– 12th February – 20th February 2024