Hyderabad, Apr 19: TEDxHyderabad 2026 held on Sunday at Akshaya Convention, Vattinagulapally, near Financial District, Gandipet, Hyderabad, bringing together a powerful lineup of 14 thinkers, creators, and changemakers under the theme “FIRE-UP.” Over 1,200 attendees, including prominent personalities such as Allu Arvind, witnessed inspiring ideas and journeys. Four curated performances added vibrancy to the day-long event.

Now in its 11th year, the TEDxHyderabad community has impacted over 7,000 individuals and continues to be a platform for ideas that drive real-world change.

The event opened with a dynamic percussion performance by Vikram Venkatapuram, setting the tone for a day of powerful storytelling.

Dr. M. Subrahmanyam, founder of Sparsh Hospice, spoke on compassionate end-of-life care. “When cure is not possible, care must step in. Every soul has the right to die with dignity,” he said, highlighting how his initiative has served over 15,000 patients. He emphasized the urgent gap in palliative care, noting that while 15 lakh cancer cases emerge annually in India, less than 5% receive such care. “Death is not the failure of medicine,” he added.

Pediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh shared her eight-year legal battle against misleading ORS products. She warned against deceptive marketing practices, stating, “Misinformation in something as basic as oral rehydration can cost lives,” and called for greater public awareness and regulation.

Karate coach Ritesh Tiwari from Madhya Pradesh highlighted the power of “skill as service.” Over 25 years, he has trained more than 67,000 individuals, especially young girls, in self-defense. “I may not have wealth, but I have a skill—and I chose to give it away,” he said, urging society to value sports and confidence-building.

Uttam Kumar brought attention to the realities of deafblindness, reminding the audience that for over 500,000 Indians, this is everyday life. He emphasized that the real barrier lies in societal design, not disability, calling for inclusion with dignity.

Dr. Soma Raju spoke about innovations in medicine, including the Kalam–Raju stent, developed with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, making cardiac care more affordable. He also highlighted the role of AI, stating, “AI is not a replacement, but a powerful second opinion,” and outlined five pillars of healthcare integration.

 In her powerful talk, Dr. Suravi Kumar challenges the way we think about menopause—not as an ending, but as a critical turning point for brain and long-term health.

Environmental storyteller Uday Krishna captivated the audience with stories of India’s heritage trees. Having travelled over 40,000 km and helped save over 5,000 trees, he urged people to rethink how cities measure wealth. “The true wealth of a city stands quietly in its trees,” he said.

Shezzi M shared her unconventional journey from finance to radio, emphasizing courage and authenticity. “Fortune favours the brave,” she remarked.

Education innovator Pavan Goyal challenged rote learning systems, stating that 80% of students struggle with memorization. “What matters today is not what you learned, but what you built,” he said, advocating for innovation-driven education.

Cybersecurity expert Krishna Sastry Pendyala warned about the future of digital risks, emphasizing that trust in technology is critical. “The real danger isn’t technology—it’s treating cybersecurity as an afterthought,” he noted.

Srikanth Badiga spoke about dignity in death, sharing the inspiration behind Mahaprasthanam crematorium. “Cremation grounds are a mirror of society,” he said, highlighting the need for humane infrastructure.

Hemakshi Meghani, co-founder of the Indian School of Democracy, called for principled political leadership. “We don’t just need better politicians—we need deeper politicians,” she said, urging citizens to actively engage in shaping democracy.

Rajiv Chilaka, creator of Chhota Bheem, spoke about building a global animation brand from India. Quoting Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, he noted that over 27 million households outside India watched Mighty Little Bheem. “If you are afraid, don’t do it. If you do it, don’t be afraid,” he advised entrepreneurs.

The day concluded with Rajni Bakshi, who reflected on nonviolence and humane economics. “If violence is a choice, so is compassion—we must consciously choose the world we want to build,” she said.

The event also featured other captivating performances, including sitar by Ramprapanna Bhattacharya, handpan by Vikrant Dhadwal and Trilok Chander, and a fusion set by “A Sonic Voyage.”

At the engagement zone, artists Swathi and Vijay drew attention with their “End Begging Mafia” campaign through evocative art on construction debris, while Navid Ahmed showcased “Planterior Design,” integrating plants into interiors, with over 240 projects completed.

Viiveck Verma, Curator & Licensee, said, “TEDxHyderabad has always been about ideas that inspire action. FIRE-UP reflects the urgency of turning ideas into impact.”

Ramesh Loganathan added, “It’s the diversity of ideas and people that creates lasting conversations beyond the stage.”

TEDxHyderabad, active since 2015, has curated 29+ events, engaged over 20,000 attendees, featured 113 speakers, and garnered over 15 million views globally.

Bhubaneswar, April 19 (BNP): In a major step towards strengthening India’s semiconductor ecosystem, the foundation stone for the country’s first advanced 3D semiconductor packaging unit was laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

The project, promoted by 3D Glass Solutions, marks a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in high-end electronics manufacturing under the vision of Narendra Modi.

The ceremony was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Speaking on the occasion, Majhi described the project as a “historic milestone,” noting that Odisha would host one of the world’s most sophisticated chip packaging technologies. He added that global technology players such as Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Applied Materials have shown interest in advanced packaging technologies, reflecting growing investor confidence in the state.

The facility, with an investment of nearly ₹2,000 crore, is expected to manufacture 70,000 glass panels annually along with 50 million assembled units and 13,000 advanced 3D modules. It will cater to emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, 5G/6G communications, defence electronics, and aerospace applications.

Vaishnaw said the project would significantly strengthen India’s semiconductor value chain and highlighted that the country’s electronics manufacturing sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade. He added that Odisha is evolving from a minerals-based economy into a hub for advanced technology sectors, including semiconductors and IT.

The project is being implemented through the Indian arm of 3D Glass Solutions and is expected to begin commercial production by August 2028, with full-scale operations targeted by 2030.

Officials said the initiative would generate large-scale employment for engineering graduates, diploma holders, and skilled workers, while positioning Odisha as a key player in India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing landscape.

Gurugram, Apr 19: In a significant step towards strengthening industry–academia collaboration and promoting experiential learning, Amity University Haryana organized an Industry–Academic Field Visit to Signature Global DXP Estate, Sector 37D, Gurugram. The visit was successfully conducted under the leadership of Shri Sanjay Kumar Varshney, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer (COO) Signature Global India Limited with the kind approval, guidance and mentoring of our Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) P. B. Sharma, Amity University Haryana reflecting a strong commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice.

The initiative was undertaken by the Amity Academic Staff College (AASC) in collaboration with the School of Architecture and Planning (ASAP) under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Signature Global. The visit witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 35 including students and faculty members, making it a highly engaging and insightful learning experience.

Organized around the theme of Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the visit aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure).

The primary objective of the visit was to provide students with hands-on exposure to real-world construction practices, including construction site safety, labour and project management systems, modern building technologies and sustainable development approaches. Students explored residential housing across affordable, mid-budget and luxury segments, gaining a comprehensive and comparative understanding of contemporary real estate development.

The visit began with a detailed safety briefing session conducted by Mr. Dinesh Kumar Singh, Environment Safety Head, Signature Global, where students learned about personal protective equipment (PPE), fire safety systems, emergency protocols, and safe working practices. This was followed by visits to the Time Office and Safety Park, where students observed labour management systems, digital attendance tracking, scaffolding structures and practical safety measures implemented on site.

Expert-led sessions further enriched the learning experience. Mr. Rajesh Kumar Jain, Vice President and Project Head, provided insights into mid-budget housing projects (Milenia 3 & 4), followed by a live site visit and sample flat inspection.

Mr. Rajeev Aggarwal, General Manager, presented details of affordable housing under Signature Global City-1, enabling students to understand differences in planning, design, and amenities across housing segments.

A dedicated session on smart technology and sustainability delivered by Mr. Rahul, Project Coordinator, Signature Global highlighted the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), advanced construction techniques, and eco-friendly practices such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and solar integration.

The visit concluded with an exclusive tour of a luxury residential project, following a presentation by Mr. Sanjay Gaur, Vice President, Signature Global (DXP Estate), on the Comparative Study of Affordable, Mid-Segment, and Luxury Housing Projects. This provided students with a clear understanding of how design quality, materials, space planning, and amenities evolve across different market segments.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Director, Amity Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana and Chief Coordinator of the program, emphasized that such initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice, helping students become more skilled, aware and industry-ready professionals. Dr Sanjna Vij further highlighted that real learning happens when students step out of classrooms and experience the ground realities of their field. Such exposure not only builds confidence but also helps students understand the expectations and challenges of the professional world more clearly.

Dr. Pallavi Sharma, Head, School of Architecture and Planning, Amity University Haryana highlighted that such field visits provide students with essential practical exposure and help them connect classroom learning with real-world architectural practice.

The seamless coordination and professionalism of the Signature Global team made the visit truly enriching and impactful. The visit concluded on a highly positive note, with students and faculty appreciating the valuable learning experience and real-world exposure gained throughout the day.

STOCKHOLM / PHILADELPHIA, April 18, 2026 — As AI models grow powerful enough to autonomously discover thousands of software vulnerabilities, the same technology is being embedded into enterprise applications at an unprecedented scale, often without any security testing designed for AI-specific risks. Outpost24, a leading global provider of cybersecurity solutions, today launched AI Pentesting, an expert-led adversarial testing service that helps mid-to-large enterprises find and fix security weaknesses in their AI-powered systems before attackers or autonomous AI models do.

The new service extends Outpost24’s established penetration testing practice, drawing on more than five years of CREST-certified expertise and following OffSec’s AI-300 Advanced AI Red Teaming methodology. The launch comes as regulatory pressure intensifies, with the EU AI Act moving into its 2026 implementation phase and emerging models such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework raising expectations for AI security due diligence.

The OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications has formalized a category of attack vectors, including prompt injection, data leakage, unsafe output generation, and the exploitation of agent workflows, that existing application security tools were never designed to detect. Dynamic scanning, static code analysis, and API testing assess deterministic application logic; they cannot evaluate how a Large Language Model reasons, how it responds to adversarial inputs, or how it interacts with external tools and sensitive data it may access. The result is a widening blind spot that carries both operational and compliance consequences for any organization deploying AI at scale.

AI Pentesting applies the same human-validation methodology behind Outpost24’s established penetration testing practice, adapted for the behavioral complexity of AI systems. Testing spans the full AI attack surface, including the model and prompt layer, RAG pipelines, agent workflows, and the supporting APIs and interfaces that connect them. Engagements begin with system discovery and mapping, then move through adversarial testing and access-context validation before concluding with analysis and audit-ready reporting. Unlike automated scanning tools, which identify known patterns but cannot simulate creative adversarial thinking, Outpost24’s specialists follow OSAI+ guidelines to evaluate application behavior under real-world adversarial conditions, informed by the work of the Outpost24 Threat Intelligence Team. Clients receive actionable findings ranked by severity with remediation guidance specific to AI and LLM architectures, delivered through Outpost24’s single platform alongside the company’s broader portfolio of security testing capabilities.

New Delhi, April 18(BNP): Iran’s decision to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has led to a sharp decline in global oil prices, raising expectations of a possible reduction in petrol and diesel prices.

Following the announcement, international crude oil prices dropped by around 10 per cent, as the resumption of commercial shipping through the key maritime route eased concerns over supply disruptions.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil supply passes, had faced disruptions due to geopolitical tensions in the region. Its reopening—linked to a temporary ceasefire—has improved market sentiment and stabilised energy supply expectations.

Market analysts indicate that the decline in crude oil prices could translate into a reduction of fuel prices, with estimates suggesting a possible drop of around 10 per cent, depending on domestic pricing mechanisms and currency factors.

However, experts caution that the situation remains fragile, with uncertainties over the durability of the ceasefire and security of shipping routes. Any renewed tensions could again impact global oil supply and price trends.

The development is being closely watched by oil-importing countries like India, where changes in global crude prices directly influence retail fuel costs.

New Delhi, April 18(BNP): The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce regulations against the use of prohibited artificial fruit ripening agents.

According to a recent update shared by the authority, states have been instructed to ensure stringent checks and prevent the use of calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and papayas.

FSSAI reiterated that calcium carbide, commonly known as ‘masala’, is banned due to the serious health risks associated with its use. The chemical releases acetylene gas, which may contain harmful impurities and can adversely affect human health.

The regulator has asked state authorities to intensify surveillance, conduct regular inspections, and take strict action against those found violating food safety norms.

FSSAI also emphasized the importance of adopting safe and approved ripening methods, such as ethylene-based techniques, to ensure consumer safety. Consumers have been advised to remain cautious and avoid purchasing fruits that appear artificially ripened.

The move is part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to curb unsafe food practices and ensure the availability of safe, quality food across the country.

New Delhi, Apr 18 (BNP): The 44th episode of Digital India: Ask Our Experts focused on the IT initiatives undertaken by the Government of Tripura, showcasing how the state is leveraging technology to strengthen governance, enhance connectivity, and improve service delivery for citizens.

The Digital India: Ask Our Experts is a live interactive programme streamed on Digital India’s YouTube channel. This episode hosted Shri Jeya Ragul Geshan B, IFS, Director IT & Head, Startup Tripura and can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/live/NYhMx304kNk?si=iemvOrjDuGIJIo3p.

The discussion highlighted Tripura’s rapid adoption of digital governance tools, with the e-Office system implemented across all state departments and extended up to the panchayat level in under two years. With over 2.6 lakh efiles created and over 55 lakh e-files processed, the initiative has significantly enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency in administrative functioning. Notably, Tripura stands as the first and only state in the country to have successfully completed e-Office implementation up to the panchayat level.

Further strengthening digital governance, Tripura has implemented a paperless e-Cabinet system, becoming one of the early adopters in the country. More than 30 cabinet meetings and over 500 decisions have been conducted digitally, enabling faster and more streamlined decision-making.

The episode also underscored the importance of robust digital infrastructure in enabling these services. The Tripura State Data Centre (TSDC) has been modernised to support scalable digital operations, while the Statewide Area Network (SWAN) and Horizontal SWAN (H-SWAN) have connected over 600 government offices. Additionally, the 4G saturation project, with over 100 towers, has significantly improved last-mile connectivity in the state.

A key initiative discussed was the Beneficiary Management System (BMS), an in-house platform designed to ensure accurate and transparent delivery of government benefits. By leveraging validated databases, the system has helped eliminate over 12,000 ineligible beneficiaries, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients.

In terms of citizen engagement, the Chief Minister’s Helpline (1905) was highlighted as a vital interface between the government and the public, maintaining a grievance resolution rate of over 98%, thereby enhancing trust and responsiveness.

The episode also highlighted Tripura’s proactive efforts to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The state’s sector-agnostic Startup Policy, along with T-NEST (Tripura – Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups)—the State’s unique incubation centre—are actively supporting and nurturing local startups. Further, the proposed establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence and a dedicated IT Park is set to significantly strengthen the State’s technology ecosystem and drive future-ready growth.

Recognising the importance of digital inclusion, initiatives such as the Mukhiya Mandhiri Yuva Yogayog Yojana are enabling students to access digital tools, while the creation of specialised IT cadres is helping embed technical expertise within government departments.

The episode portrayed Tripura’s approach as a comprehensive and forward-looking model of digital transformation—seamlessly integrating robust infrastructure, progressive governance reforms, and citizen-centric initiatives to deliver tangible and measurable outcomes. It positions the State as an emerging exemplar, offering a replicable model for others to emulate in advancing inclusive and effective digital governance.

Ardmore, OK Apr 18: The LaundryCares Foundation in partnership with Too Small to Fail and Wash Bar Laundromat is excited to announce a collaborative initiative to promote early literacy in the Ardmore community. On May 20th, Ardmore residents are invited to a Free Literacy and Literacy Day event at Wash Bar Laundry, 2418 Purvis Drive, Ardmore, OK 73401.   From 3-5 p.m., guests will enjoy complimentary laundry services, refreshments and engaging early literacy for children and their families. A ribbon cutting on the new Read, Play, and Learn Space will also take place. There are no limitations on the amount of clothing and linens that can be brought in for free washing and drying. 

Throughout the afternoon, children can participate in story time and other activities organized by community partners including the Ardmore Public Library and The Ardmore Department of Public Health. The LaundryCares Foundation will also provide attendees with access to a free digital library through Vooks, a reading initiative that allows families to enjoy children’s books and corresponding activities right from their mobile device. In addition, all children will go home with a new story book courtesy of LaundryCares Foundation, as we recognize book ownership is one of the most fundamental ways to help children with early literacy skills and to instill a love of reading. “We are thrilled to be working with Wash Bar and to bring early learning to this community laundromat,” stated Dan Naumann, EVP of LaundryCares. 

Family Read, Play & Learn spaces, located in select laundromats nationwide, provide child-friendly and comfortable learning environments that promote school readiness and opportunities for parents/caregivers and children to engage in literacy activities together. These impactful programs are made possible through the collaborative efforts of the LaundryCares Foundation and Too Small to Fail Initiative,  which joined forces to create the Laundry Literacy Coalition, focused on supporting early language development in young children. 

The LaundryCares Foundation works together with laundromat owners and community organizations throughout the United States to connect communities with literacy resources. Enrolling in the LaundryCares Network is free of charge and allows interested parties to actively contribute to the movement aimed at promoting early literacy for young children particularly in under-resourced communities. This initiative is the 2024 Library of Congress David M. Rubenstein Award winner: the nation’s most prestigious award for outstanding and measurable contributions to literacy.