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.

Swiggy’s new SNACC app announces partnership with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters

Mumbai, January 13, 2025: India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, today announced that it has partnered with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters for its ‘SNACC’ app. The company’s newly launched app offers a range of options of high quality, delicious food with quick discovery, quick checkout and fast delivery. It caters to the diverse needs of users, and will offer breakfast staples, bakes, healthy food options, a variety of beverages and quick snacks. With this partnership, customers can choose from a range of coffee options from the popular Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters and get it delivered to their doorstep in 15 minutes.

Coffee aficionados have a range of Blue Tokai coffees to choose from- including Americano, Cappuccino, Flat White, Iced Americano, Latte and Vietnamese Styled Iced Coffee.

Commenting on the partnership, Satheesh Raman, Business Head, SNACC, shared, “Since 2014, Swiggy has partnered with numerous players across the country to bring high-quality, delightful food to its customers. In today’s day and age, the consumer sometimes wants easy, quick, non-cumbersome fixes and solutions in their busy daily lives. After revolutionizing food delivery through Swiggy and recently Bolt, we aim to further make life more convenient for our users through SNACC. Our vision is to build SNACC as the go-to destination for quick beverage or snacks or healthy options. We are excited to partner with Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters to bring top quality coffee to the coffee lovers. This is just the beginning. We will continue to explore partnerships with brands who are committed to offer the best quality food to our customers and further build the ecosystem.”

Added Shivam Shahi – Co Founder and COO, Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, “At Blue Tokai, we are passionate about coffee and committed to delivering products of uncompromising quality. We recognize that the coffee category demands faster delivery, along with convenience and quality. Swiggy has always prioritized providing a great customer experience, and we believe that the SNACC app will help them cater to a diverse range of new-age customers. We look forward to partnering with the SNACC app team to ensure our coffee reaches coffee lovers in just 15 minutes!”

The SNACC app has been designed to offer unmatched convenience to young working professionals who are working from the office or home and seeking access to good quality and convenient food options. Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

Navdeep Singh Inaugurates 6th Edition of Ekal Run organized by FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society

Kolkata, 13th January, 2025: FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society organized its annual flagship event Ekal Run at Godrej Waterside, Kolkata today wherein 5000+ participants ran for their chosen category of timed run – 21km, 10km, 5km and non-timed /fun run of 3km at this Marathon. People of all age groups participated in the run.

The Ekal Run was inaugurated by: Navdeep Singh, Paralympic Athlete and Javelin Thrower and was attended by: Rahul Dev Bose, Actor; Vineet Kansal, General Manager at RP Sanjiv Goenka Group; Richa Singh Debgupta, Chief of Strategy & Operations at Fortis Healthcare; Brig. N. Romeo Singh, Deputy Director General, NCC Directorate West Bengal & Sikkim; Nilotpal Kumar Pandey, DIG in South Bengal Frontier of BSF; Jasmina Thacker, Chartered Accountant and Executive Director with EY GDS – Assurance Quality Services (AQS); ⁠Dr. Dhananjoy Saha, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Department, Govt. of West Bengal; Debadrita Basu, Actress; Rohit Chettri, CrossFit Athlete; Tanusri Sarkar, IT professional and Principal Consultant at PwC; Sriya Manihar, Fitness & Lifestyle Influencer; Garima Banka, Fashion & Lifestyle Influencer and an Event Planner; Ritu Saraf, Digital Creator; Siddhant Digvijay Jaitha, Celebrity Podcaster; Senior members from the FTS organization who were present were: Sri. Sajan Bansal, Sri. Ramesh Saraogi, Sri. Anil Kariwala, Sri. Kishan Kejriwal, Sri. Mahendra Agarwal, Sri. Praveen Agarwal, Sri. Subhash Murarka, Sri. Bulaki Das Mimani, Smt. Rupa Agarwal, Smt. Shanta Sarda, Smt. Bina Dhanuka and many others.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter said, “We are truly elated to have witnessed the tremendous participation and enthusiasm at the 6th Edition of Ekal Run. With over 5000 runners taking part, this event continues to inspire the spirit of unity and resilience in the City of Joy. It was an honor to have Paralympic gold medalist Navdeep Singh inaugurate this year’s marathon, whose journey embodies the power of perseverance. The funds raised today will go a long way in supporting the education of tribal children across rural India through Ekal Vidyalayas. We thank all our participants, volunteers, and sponsors for their unwavering support. Together, we are making a meaningful impact, one step at a time.”

Culmination and Felicitation Ceremony for Project S.O.R.T. Phase-1 in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, 13 Jan 2025 –Indian Pollution Control Association (IPCA) announced the successful culmination of Phase-1 of the S.O.R.T. project in Bengaluru. Since the launch of the phase in February 2024, the initiative has transformed 80 metric tons of organic waste into 15 metric tons of compost.

Noteworthy, this initiative is a part of the CSR program by the Motherson group, being implemented by IPCA which focuses on community mobilization for behaviour change and the comprehensive treatment of solid waste.

The ceremony was graced by eminent presence of Dr. Shanti Tummala (Founder of HSR Citizen Forum) and Dr. Sowmya Raghavan (SWM Practitioner) highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling urban waste challenges.

The project, implemented across 20 societies and institutional areas with 95 Aerobin composters, focused on sustainable solid waste management. It achieved significant outcomes, including promoting source segregation, producing high-quality compost, and cultivating behavioral change among residents and stakeholders.

Urban India generates 62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, much of which goes untreated. By emphasizing source segregation and on-site treatment, S.O.R.T. project reduced landfill waste, mitigated pollution, and encouraged compost use in agriculture, benefiting over 5,000+ residents in Bengaluru.

The initiative’s core technology, Aerobin composters, operate without energy and ensures efficient, odour-free composting. Managed by trained operators, these composters yield compost within 40-45 days, promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Dr. Radha Goyal, Deputy Director of IPCA, stated, “The success of the S.O.R.T. project in Bengaluru demonstrates the power of innovation and community-driven initiatives. Transforming organic waste into valuable compost reduces landfill dependency and creates resources for a healthier environment. We are thankful to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and residential societies for their continuous support throughout the project.We look forward to expanding this model to more cities.”

With the success of Phase-1, the S.O.R.T. project plans to expand its reach in Bengaluru, targeting more residential societies and educational institutions to scale up waste treatment capacities and further reduce the city’s ecological footprint.

Rajasthali Resort & Spa Brings Royal Rajasthan to Siliguri with an Opulent Cultural Meet and Greet

Siliguri, 13th January, 2025 – Rajasthali Resort and Spa proudly hosted a vibrant meet and greet event at Hotel Hi Land, bringing together local residents and wedding planners from Siliguri to celebrate the rich heritage of Rajasthani culture. Designed to celebrate the rich heritage of Rajasthani culture, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the beauty and traditions of Rajasthan through an immersive cultural experience.

The venue was transformed into a royal retreat, recreating the grandeur and opulence synonymous with Rajasthali. The culinary offerings were a highlight of the evening, with guests indulging in an array of authentic Rajasthani dishes, including dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and mouth watering sweets. This gastronomic journey not only delighted the taste buds but also provided a deeper understanding of Rajasthani culinary traditions.

Mr. Vichin Sehgal, Vice President of Rajasthali Resort, shared his thoughts on the event, stating, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from the Siliguri community. This event was not just about showcasing our culture but about building meaningful connections with local wedding planners and residents who share a passion for the rich traditions of Rajasthan. We look forward to continuing these relationships and bringing a piece of Rajasthan to Siliguri.” The evening concluded with heartfelt conversations, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the vibrant culture that Rajasthan has to offer.

Mr. Saurabh Pandoh, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Rajasthali Resort, reflected on the event’s success by saying, “As we shared the majesty of Rajasthan with the Siliguri community, we were reminded of the transformative power of cultural exchange. We’re thrilled to have established meaningful connections with local wedding planners and residents, and we can’t wait to collaborate and create unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of Rajasthan.”

IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success, Showcasing the Organizational Excellence of IEML

New Delhi, January 13, 2025: The inaugural edition of IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 concluded triumphantly, marking a significant milestone in the global food and beverage industry. Organized collaboratively by India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), Greater Noida, and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), the event was hosted at the India International Convention Centre (IICC – Yashobhoomi), Dwarka, New Delhi, from January 9–11, 2025.

IEML, under the leadership of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman of IEML, once again demonstrated its unparalleled capability in orchestrating large-scale international events, even beyond its flagship venue in Greater Noida. Known for its transformative approach to the exhibition industry, IEML set new benchmarks with IndusFood Manufacturing 2025, highlighting innovation, collaboration, and global business opportunities in the food manufacturing sector.

The event brought together four specialized shows under one roof:

• IndusFood Tech: Showcasing cutting-edge food processing technology.

• IndusFood Packaging: Introducing sustainable and smart packaging solutions.

• IndusFood Ingredients: Featuring premium ingredients driving F&B innovation.

• IndusFood Hospitality: Presenting modern solutions for the hospitality sector.

Spanning 27,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event attracted over 12,000 visitors and buyers, including 500+ hosted international participants. The exhibition featured 300 exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art machinery, technology, and solutions. The accompanying summit offered 17 engaging sessions, attended by 600+ industry delegates, fostering robust discussions on the future of food manufacturing.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar emphasized the strategic importance of such events, stating, “IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 is a testament to IEML’s vision of creating a globally recognized platform for innovation and excellence. With support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry and our dedicated partners, we aim to transform India into a hub for F&B innovation, generating sustainable investments and fostering meaningful collaborations.”

The event drew international buyers and delegates from over 18 countries, including Algeria, Australia, Canada, Israel, South Africa, and the USA, exploring partnerships with Indian companies. This global participation reaffirmed India’s position as a burgeoning leader in the F&B sector.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar’s pioneering leadership and IEML’s operational excellence were pivotal in making IndusFood Manufacturing 2025 a transformative experience for exhibitors, buyers, and stakeholders alike. With its comprehensive focus on technology, packaging, ingredients, and hospitality, the event created a unique ecosystem for groundbreaking advancements and impactful business outcomes.

This flagship event solidifies IEML’s status as a trailblazer in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) industry, contributing significantly to India’s economic and industrial growth.

Pre-Budget Expectation 2025 Health & Wellness

By-Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder and Director, Manasthali Wellness

 This year, we are expecting a comprehensive and adequately funded mental health budget for 2025–26. This budget will not only address current mental health challenges but also set the groundwork for a more resilient and mentally healthy society. As the mental health landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that our budget reflects the increasing importance of mental well-being in our society. We urge a significant rise in funding for mental health services, including outpatient care, counseling, and community-based programs, to close existing gaps in access to resources and ensure individuals in need can easily obtain essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the effectiveness and accessibility of telehealth services. Allocating resources to expand and enhance telehealth infrastructure for mental health consultations will improve access, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas, thus helping reduce disparities in mental health care. Additionally, the rise of the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) virus has highlighted the importance of addressing both physical and mental health challenges in parallel, as emerging infectious diseases can significantly impact mental well-being. Prevention plays a crucial role in mental health care, and we recommend allocating funds for the development and implementation of early intervention and prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities. These efforts will help reduce the overall burden of mental health issues and promote a healthier population.