Archives May 2025

Kanpur, 20 May 2025| TerrAqua UAV Solutions Private Limited, an incubated startup at the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur, has launched a sophisticated urban flood disaster response system. The initiative is supported by NTT DATA, a global leader in digital and technology services, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program and is a significant step toward climate-resilient urban planning.

The project revolves around a Web-GIS platform that integrates high-resolution data from drone-based aerial surveys and satellite remote sensing. This system enables precise flood mapping, inundation simulations, and population impact assessments, empowering decision-makers with actionable insights. The pilot covered 24 flood-prone villages near the Ganga Barrage, collecting granular data crucial for proactive disaster planning and emergency response.

The officials from Irrigation Department Uttar Pradesh and Kanpur Development Authority attended this event. They spoke very highly about the project which is launched under Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur. Officials commented that this project, if upscaled, could prove to be very meaningful in predicting flood inundation and development of early warning system. They added that it will also greatly assist in town planning in terms of mapping the flood risk areas and assessing the possible risk to infrastructure and population.

“The project launched at IIT Kanpur will prove highly beneficial for the region. It utilizes both drone and satellite technologies to enhance flood response efforts. With the help of this system, it will be possible to detect potential flooding early, allowing for timely measures that can prevent large-scale damage,” said Kanpur Commissioner K. Vijyendra Pandian. He stressed the need to upscaling this project to Kanpur district and to the entire UP in future, keeping view that several districts of UP are extremely flood-prone. He emphasized that such a technology driven initiative by TerrAqua is timely and critical for sustainable development in the region and this initiative is especially valuable for farmers as it can help protect crops from flood-related losses. Commissioner Pandian also emphasized that this project is a praiseworthy step by IIT Kanpur and will play a significant role in strengthening disaster preparedness in Uttar Pradesh in the future.

“SIIC is committed to empowering deep-tech startups like TerrAqua UAV. Their success reflects how strategic collaborations with industry leaders such as NTT DATA can help translate innovative technologies into meaningful solutions for society,” said Mr. Anurag Singh, CEO, SIIC, IIT Kanpur.

“Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters like floods, especially in urban centers. Through this CSR collaboration with IIT Kanpur and TerrAqua UAV, we aim to support smarter governance and safer communities,” said Gauri Bahulkar, Senior Director, Global Corporate Social Responsibility, NTT DATA.

“Our platform makes geospatial intelligence accessible for real-time flood response. This collaboration with NTT DATA has allowed us to develop a scalable, real-time flood management framework, combining UAV and satellite inputs into an intuitive decision-support system,” said Prof. Rajiv Sinha, Founder of TerrAqua UAV and Professor at IIT Kanpur.

A live demonstration of the geospatial dashboard was held during the launch event at IIT Kanpur’s PBCEC. The event was attended by civic administrators, municipal officers, researchers, and community leaders. The platform is specifically designed to assist city administrators, disaster response teams, and planning agencies in real-time flood mitigation efforts.

This partnership leverages the power of academia, industry, and innovation to drive impactful, sustainable solutions for climate resilience. By enhancing flood preparedness and response capabilities, the initiative empowers communities, government agencies, and city planners with tools to build safer urban environments.

National, May 20, 2025– BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation, has signed an MoU with The University of Manchester, a global leader in research and teaching excellence, driven by innovation and social responsibility. The agreement was signed at BITS Pilani’s Hyderabad campus during a visit by a University of Manchester team led by Professor Stephen Flint, and it aims to promote joint academic and research efforts.

This partnership concentrates on the joint development of quality academic degree programs, undertakes joint research, and enables the movement of students and faculty. In addition, it provides avenues for collaboration with industry, teaching, online education, and co-supervision of doctoral studies, and facilitates dual or joint degrees regulated by Indian authorities (UGC and AICTE).

Speaking on the announcement, Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice President International, University of Manchester, said, “The University of Manchester is delighted to enter into this agreement with India’s premier private institution to co-create a portfolio of high-quality programmes across science and engineering,” said Professor Stephen Flint. “This important new development underscores our long-term commitment to partnering with top institutions in India.”

Prof Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “This MoU marks a significant milestone for BITS Pilani as we strengthen our commitment to providing world-class education and research opportunities. By partnering with a globally renowned institution like The University of Manchester, we are confident that we can create transformative learning experiences for our students and contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses pressing global challenges.”

The MoU creates a platform for reciprocal academic interaction, research collaboration, and global exposure for students. BITS Pilani and the University of Manchester, along with the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru as a partner, will also cooperate to obtain worldwide research funding and co-host seminars, lectures, and workshops.

This partnership aligns with BITS Pilani’s strategic emphasis on internationalization and India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, paving the way for globally benchmarked education and research opportunities for students worldwide.

The University of Manchester delegation was led by Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice President International, alongwith Prof. Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Professor of Nanomaterials, Department of Materials and Head of Internationalization, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Prof. Radha Boya, Professor of Nanoscience, and other senior  leaders. The visit featured strategic meetings with BITS Pilani’s Vice Chancellor Professor Ramgopal Rao, Hyderabad Campus Director Professor Soumyo Mukherjee, and other key academic leadership, culminating in the MoU signing ceremony.

New Delhi, 20th May 2025: Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, is redefining the metal procurement experience through its transformative Online Price Discovery (OPD) and Digital Pricing Automation platforms. Integrated into the state-of-the-art Vedanta Metal Bazaar, these pioneering digital initiatives aim to bring the seamless, transparent experience of B2C e-commerce to the traditionally complex world of metal procurement. With 100% of its zinc, lead and silver portfolio now available through real-time, transparent online auctions, Hindustan Zinc is setting a new industry standard by offering customers unparalleled accessibility, flexibility and control while delivering a seamless experience even amid fluctuating commodity prices.

All of Hindustan Zinc’s products are now offered through online auctions. The dynamic pricing model enables real-time digital transactions, allowing businesses of all sizes — from MSMEs to large industrial enterprises — to discover market-driven prices for premium-quality zinc and lead. The company’s offering includes London Metal Exchange (LME)-registered world-class products such as Special High-Grade (SHG) Zinc, High-Grade (HG) Zinc, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc EcoZen, Prime Western (PW) Zinc, Continuous Galvanizing Grade (CGG) Zinc, Special High-Grade Jumbo Zinc, High-Grade Jumbo Zinc, Hindustan Zinc Die Casting Alloys 3 and 5, Special High-Grade Lead, as well as London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-registered silver bars (30 kg and 1 kg) and Silver Powder, among other variants. As a fully integrated mine-to-metal producer, Hindustan Zinc ensures a reliable supply chain, guaranteeing uninterrupted delivery of critical metals to global markets.

Zinc plays a crucial role in galvanization, protecting steel from rust, making it indispensable for industries such as infrastructure, automotive, renewable energy, electronics, hi-tech manufacturing, defence and electric mobility. Lead is essential for use in automotive batteries, defence, construction, pigments, cable sheathing and radiation protection. Meanwhile, industrialization has propelled silver into a pivotal role across sectors such as high-end electronics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and biotechnology.

Traditionally, procuring zinc and lead involved constant price monitoring, manual financial reconciliation and logistical complexities, often impacted by geopolitical disruptions and supply chain constraints. The digitalization of the metal procurement process provides a streamlined, digital-first solution that enables businesses to procure metals efficiently and cost-effectively. The platform supports a digitally traceable experience from quotation to confirmation, providing total transparency and operational efficiency. Fully integrated with global commodity exchanges such as the LME and foreign exchange markets, the system ensures prices remain aligned with international benchmarks. Auctions are run during LME trading hours, extending accessibility beyond standard business hours. Even small-volume buyers benefit from transparent pricing, enabling MSMEs to make purchases at the most opportune time.

Customers can now execute spot or long-term contracts with just a few clicks. This platform now introduces global-standard features such as on-the-spot screen pricing, on-the-spot target pricing based on predefined criteria in addition to long-term contracts. Seamless integration with world-class systems ensures fluid data movement across pricing, finance and sales functions. Built-in margin controls and risk mitigation mechanisms support agile, informed decision-making across the value chain. These features reflect a customer-first approach, supported by Hindustan Zinc’s Customer Technical Services team, which works closely with customers to ensure a seamless buying experience. 

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc, said, “Metals are the core of India’s economic progress, enabling industries that shape our nation’s future. At Hindustan Zinc, we believe that collaborating with customers and offering them best-in-class services is key to driving this progress. With our pioneering Online Price Discovery and Digital Pricing Automation platforms we are placing the control directly in the hands of our customers thereby democratizing access to critical resources.”

Speaking about the digital experience, Hindustan Zinc’s esteemed customer Mr. Lalit Shah from Mahaveer Metals said, “Vedanta Metal Bazaar has truly transformed the way we engage with metal procurement. The platform is intuitive, transparent and designed with the customer in mind — from live LME pricing to seamless bidding processes, every aspect empowers businesses like ours to make smarter, faster decisions. What once required cumbersome processes is now available at our fingertips through digital platforms, giving us greater visibility, control and confidence.”

Hindustan Zinc offers one of the world’s largest zinc product portfolios, supplying to over 40 countries with a strong focus on customer innovation. Further strengthening the supply chain is Zinc Freight Bazaar, a digital-first logistics platform offers features such as live shipment tracking, route planning, bidding tools and a network of affiliated logistics partners. Hindustan Zinc’s products are the first in India to be Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verified and are certified by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for quality. Additionally, the company also has REACH quality certification for exporting its products to Europe. 

 Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and is amongst the top 5 silver producers globally. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 77% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. 

National, May 20, 2025 – Titan Eye+, India’s leading eyewear brand, today announced the much-anticipated launch of the Ray-Ban Meta AI Smart Glasses across 50+ select brand stores nationwide. As India rapidly embraces smart wearable technology, the smart eyewear category is poised for significant growth driven by rising digital adoption, increasing lifestyle consciousness, and a growing demand for seamless, on-the-go tech experiences. Recognizing this inflection point, Titan Eye+ is introducing a globally celebrated innovation to Indian consumers. With this launch, the brand reaffirms its long-term commitment to democratising access to next-gen eyewear, building consumer awareness, and accelerating market share growth in the premium and smart eyewear segment.

The introduction of Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses further strengthens its dynamic smart eyewear portfolio, which includes the advanced Titan EyeX and the youth-centric Fastrack Vibes. Designed for functionality and style, the Ray-Ban Meta collection brings together Meta’s cutting-edge AI technology and Ray-Ban’s iconic frame design to deliver a powerful wearable experience. Key features include voice-activated Meta AI assistance for real-time information and commands, hands-free photo and 1080p video capture with a built-in 12MP camera, open-ear speakers for immersive audio without blocking ambient sound, and seamless connectivity for calls, messages, music, and live streaming, all accessible without picking up a device. This makes the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses a perfect companion for those who seek smart functionality in a stylish, everyday form factor.

N S Raghavan, CEO, Eyecare Division at Titan Company Limited, said, “We are delighted to introduce the Ray-Ban Meta AI Smart Glasses to the Indian market. As pioneers in smart eyewear, it has always been our priority to bring globally renowned brands to our consumers. This launch significantly enhances our smart eyewear portfolio, enabling us to cater effectively to new-age customers who value the seamless integration of technology and fashion.”

Bengaluru, India, May 20, 2025: ZF Group, a global leader in mobility technology, inaugurated its new product development hub for SCALAR, ZF’s fleet orchestration Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The hub will provide enhanced support for fleet managers in India using SCALAR to optimize their commercial vehicle operations through fully automatic and live planning, routing, scheduling, and dispatching solutions. The facility will bring ZF’s SCALAR teams closer to customers in India, helping to reinforce ZF’s end-to-end product responsibility approach. The teams will be responsible for developing cloud, data, AI, and mobile technologies to deliver next-generation fleet management solutions.

The product development teams based in this office will work on the industry’s first comprehensive fleet orchestration solution: SCALAR.  What sets this office hub apart is its end-to-end product responsibility: the teams own the complete product areas with product management, UX/UI design and engineering responsibilities —they are directly building and evolving the SCALAR platform to tailor its extensive capabilities to the needs of fleet operators.

This digital hub currently connects over 150,000 vehicles on SCALAR in India tracking vehicles and to provide real time insights to increase safety and optimize vehicular efficiency.

The ZF Bengaluru office is where talented teams will work on end-to-end solutions offered as a part of our SCALAR platform for connected mobility. This office will develop solutions that will shape the future of transportation with technological advancements, while delivering value to our customers worldwide.” said, Akash Passey, President ZF Group in India. 

 “This is our largest digital development hub outside Europe. This hub not only signifies our expanding engineering footprint, but it also symbolizes the acceleration of our innovation and agility,” said,  P. Kaniappan, SVP, Div CVS (India), ZF Group

“With SCALAR, we are shaping the future of fleet management. Our new Bengaluru hub brings together engineers, data scientists, designers, and product leaders to turn unique vehicle data into real-world solutions,” said Hjalmar Van Raemdonck, VP SCALAR. “With end-to-end ownership, our teams develop technology that seamlessly integrates vehicle intelligence with fleet operations—making a real impact across the industry.”

From large-scale AI and data engineering to analytics, cloud, and mobile technologies; the teams drive the full global product innovation. Around 250 employees will be based in this office working on domestic and global projects. As a serverless office, this development hub will enable the SCALAR teams to provide cost efficient solutions, increasing agility, and enabling innovation.

Spread over 33300 sq. ft, the Digital office is the first such office for ZF Group in the country. The SCALAR platform enhances reliability levels by providing actionable insights into vehicle performance, predictive maintenance, and driver behaviour, helping to increase productivity, avoid unplanned downtime and improve overall fleet management.

Pune, India –20^th May 2025 — In a powerful move towards building an inclusive and barrier-free Pune, accessibility startup RampMyCity has made its mark by transforming 30 prominent public locations, including 20 police stations and 10 popular restaurants, into wheelchair-accessible spaces — a first-of-its-kind initiative in the city.

Founded in 2020 by Prateek Khandelwal, a National Award-winning social entrepreneur, RampMyCity is on a mission to build an Inclusive, Accessible, and New India. The company has already made 600+ locations across six cities accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, and anyone facing mobility challenges. And now, Pune joins this growing movement.

Speaking about the initiative Prateek Khandelwal, Founder and Managing Director of RampMyCity said, “Our mission with RampMyCity is to make accessibility a standard, not an exception. This initiative in Pune is a significant step toward building cities that are inclusive, respectful, and ready for everyone. Making 30 public places accessible is just the beginning — we’re here to work with government, businesses, and communities to create a city where equal access is non-negotiable. Inclusion is not just a value we talk about, it’s something we build into the infrastructure of everyday life”

Further he added, “RampMyCity now aims to make 500 more public and private establishments accessible in Pune — targeting schools, hospitals, workplaces, parks, places of worship, and residential societies. The company is actively seeking CSR collaborations and support from Pune-based organizations that are ready to walk the talk on inclusion.”

The project, funded under CSR initiatives by reputed corporates, saw active collaboration with Pune Police, who partnered with RampMyCity to ensure that 20 key police stations across the city were made accessible. Simultaneously, restaurant owners in Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar opened their doors to change, allowing ramps to be installed at customer-favorite spots like Daily All Day, Malaka Spice, Cobbler and Crew, Elephant and Co, Blue Tokai, Tsuki, and Qora, among others.

India, May 20, 2025 – In a landmark moment for India’s game development ecosystem, Nilee Games and Future Technologies Pvt. Ltd., in partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS), successfully hosted India’s first-ever AI Game Jam 2025 at the IICS Delhi campus in Lajpat Nagar. The event represents a bold step forward in exploring the creative potential of artificial intelligence within gaming.

Backed by the All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) and the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) – a sector skill council under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Game Jam brought together some of the country’s most promising talent to build original, playable games within just nine hours, using AI as a core enabler.

Organized by Nilee Games, the event saw participation from 25 teams, each comprising 1–3 members. Hosted under a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) format with hardware support from IICS, the challenge pushed developers to meaningfully integrate AI into various stages of development, from asset creation and design to gameplay mechanics and user experience. Teams were required to submit a playable build (.apk, .exe, or online link) along with a short explainer video detailing the use of AI tools in their creative process.

The judging panel comprised of seasoned professionals from India’s gaming industry, evaluated entries on the basis of innovation, gameplay quality, and thoughtful application of AI, with a strong emphasis on using AI as a creative ally rather than a shortcut.

Open to all age groups, the Game Jam attracted a diverse group of participants, including students and working professionals from across India with strong representation from states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. While held in Delhi, the event truly reflected a pan-India spirit.

Anand Jha, CEO of Nilee Games and Chief Mentor at the IICS School of Video Games and Digital Media, remarked, “It was inspiring to see so many young minds embrace AI as a creative partner. At Nilee Games and now through the School of Advance Gaming and Extended Reality (XR) Innovations, our mission is to equip the next generation of developers with the tools and mindset to build the future of games: ethically, intelligently, and creatively.”

Mohit Soni, CEO of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “The AI Game Jam 2025 has been an incredible showcase of the creativity and talent emerging from India’s game development community. Watching participants harness AI tools to bring fresh ideas to life in such a short time was truly inspiring. At IICS, we are proud to pioneer initiatives that push the boundaries of technology and creativity. This event marks only the beginning of our commitment to building a dynamic and future-ready gaming ecosystem in India.”

In line with the principles of ethical game development, all teams were required to use self-created or legally sourced assets. The event underscored that AI, when applied responsibly, can be a powerful creative collaborator, not a substitute for originality or design thinking.

The winners of the AI Game Jam were felicitated on 17th May at the IICS campus in Delhi. Team Ear, comprising Ajay Sharma, Eshan, Kaushik, and Ritesh Kumar, secured the first prize of ₹1,25,000 for their game “Wild West Graveyard Rush.” The second prize of ₹75,000 went to Team Shivance, represented by Akash Suryal and Krithik Mangal, for their game “Signal States.” The third place was awarded to Team Dhroova Games, a solo entry by Dhroov Sharma, who took home ₹50,000 for his game “Treasure Hunt.”

Looking ahead, the Indian Institute of Creative Skills continues its mission to prepare creators for the future. Registrations are now open for its upcoming programs in AI Game Development, 3D Game Art, Digital Content Creation, Sound Design, and Performing Arts, reinforcing its role as a hub for next-generation creative education in India.

As conversations around AI’s role in the gaming industry grow globally, the success of AI Game Jam 2025 makes one thing abundantly clear: When used ethically and inventively, AI can empower a new wave of Indian game developers to reimagine what’s possible.

INDIA, 20 May 2025: Emirates has unveiled its highly anticipated bespoke A380 livery, dedicated to its new door-to-door delivery solution, Emirates Courier Express. The iconic passenger aircraft will take to the skies, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to redefining the express delivery experience by merging its four-decade experience of moving people and goods worldwide. 

Managed in-house at Emirates Engineering, the Emirates Courier Express livery required the A380 to undergo a full repaint, as part of an expansive project encompassing design, production installation and painting of the livery to bring the customised aircraft to life. 

Inspired by brown paper packages, the aircraft’s nose and fuselage are wrapped in kraft paper, torn to reveal the UAE flag on the tailfin and the Emirates Courier Express logo emblazoned on each side. The logo also adorns each of the four engines, while the belly features the classic red Emirates branding. A large ‘special delivery’ stamp, coupled with instantly recognisable handling stamps decorate the body, bringing the design to life. 

The striking nose-to-tail livery highlights exactly what makes this door-to-door express delivery solution so innovative: the seamless integration between Emirates’ fleet of over 250 widebody aircraft and high-frequency global network, with Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class infrastructure and deep understanding of logistics. It also marks the first cargo inspired livery on an Emirates’ passenger aircraft. 

The Emirates Courier Express A380 took off to O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg this week, carrying both passengers and parcels directly to their destination.

Bangalore, May 20th, 2025 , The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bengaluru, proudly announces the successful culmination of the eighth edition of NMIT Hacks 2025, the institute’s flagship national-level hackathon. Held from May 16 to May 18, 2025, this 48-hour innovation marathon brought together some of the brightest minds in technology and innovation from across the country.

The event was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, led by Dr. S Meenakshi SundaramThe event was organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, led by Dr. S Meenakshi Sundaram, Professor & Head, and coordinated by Dr. Vani V, Professor, CSE Dept, who played a crucial role in guiding the student organizing team (student-driven CSE Club). This year’s edition received an overwhelming 5,840 applications, out of which 3,620 ideas were submitted including 2,500 from male and 1,100 from female applicants. After a rigorous evaluation process, 218 participants, forming 64 teams, were shortlisted for the final hackathon round.

The event officially kicked off on May 16, with 62 teams registering on Day 1. Over the next 48 hours, the campus buzzed with high-energy brainstorming, coding, and collaborative problem-solving. 59 teams successfully completed the hackathon, making this one of the most engaging and competitive editions yet.

Participants were mentored and evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts and NMIT alumni, currently leading key roles in global tech firms. The top 10 teams 2 from each of the 5 tracks  were shortlisted for the final jury round, judged by an esteemed panel of 7 industry leaders.

Winners of NMIT Hacks 2025:

Overall Champions:

• 1st Prize: IIIT Bhagalpur
•  2nd Prize: NMIT
•  3rd Prize: VTU and RLJIT (Joint Winners)
  

Track Winners:

• AI & ML: RV College of Engineering (RVCE)
• Blockchain: Jain University
• Game Development: Reva University
• Internet of Things (IoT): BMS Institute of Technology (BMSIT)
• Open Innovation: Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT), Tumakuru
  

MLH Special Prizes:

This year, NMIT proudly collaborated with Major League Hacking (MLH), a premier global organization that supports student hacker communities worldwide.

• Gemini AI Prize: JSS Academy of Technical Education (JSSATE) 
• MongoDB Prize: AMC Engineering College
  

A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

The hackathon served as a dynamic platform for students to ideate, innovate, and implement cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges. The event’s success is attributed to the untiring efforts of NMIT faculty coordinators, mentors, judges, volunteers, sponsors, and organizing members.

“NMIT Hacks has grown into a nationally recognized event, and this edition sets a new benchmark for technical excellence, creativity, and collaboration,” said the organizing committee. “We are excited to see the impact these solutions will have beyond the hackathon and look forward to an even more impactful edition in 2026.”