Archives 2025

Mumbai, 20th September 2025: Greenply Industries Ltd, one of India’s leading interior infrastructure companies, announced its new integrated wood panel production at Semiliguda industrial project, Koraput district, Odisha. 

Greenply Launched Semiliguda Industrial Project at Odisha 

The virtual inauguration of the project was held in Bhubaneswar in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and Shri Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for the Department of Industries, Government of Odisha, alongside senior government officials. Mr. Rajesh Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Greenply Industries Ltd underscored the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnership with the Government of Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rajesh Mittal said, “We are honoured to join hands with the Government of Odisha on this milestone project. The state’s support in land allotment, single-window clearances and approvals has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Our plywood and MDF units will not only generate employment but also anchor sustainable agroforestry-based growth, ensuring value creation for both the local community and the industry.” 

“Primarily aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, this project resonates with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative. The implementation of quality control standards in the plywood and panel sector has given a strong boost to Indian products, resulting in manyfold increase in employment opportunities across the country.”, He further added.

Advancing Manufacturing with Community Impact

Greenply’s Semiliguda industrial project, developed through its wholly owned subsidiary Greenply Sandila Private Limited, combines strategic location advantages with a strong focus on community development. The site offers proximity to abundant plantation-grown timber, ensuring a sustainable and cost-efficient raw material supply, while excellent road and rail connectivity enables efficient access to domestic and international markets. Supported by Odisha’s conducive policy environment and a skilled local workforce, the project represents an investment of over INR600 crore and is set to generate over 1,200 direct jobs, alongside significant indirect opportunities. Beyond employment, it will drive regional economic growth by fostering local suppliers, SMEs, and skill-building initiatives, strengthening Greenply’s leadership in advanced manufacturing while creating long-term value for the community.

Driving Sustainable Growth Through Agroforestry

Aligned with its guiding principle of giving back to nature and its commitment to responsible, eco-friendly manufacturing, Greenply continues to pioneer sustainable practices in the sector. The company has already planted over 75 million seedlings in more than 1 lac acres of land near its existing plants. This structured agroforestry model not only secures a reliable raw material supply but also drives income growth for farmers, contributes to India’s 33% green cover target, and supports a carbon-neutral growth pathway for the industry.

GURUGRAM, India September 20, 2025: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced never-before-seen prices on its latest Galaxy wearables, including the recently-launched Galaxy Watch8 series and Galaxy Buds3 FE. Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring are some of the other products to get massive discount ahead of the festive season. These special discounts provide customers with a fantastic opportunity to own Galaxy wearables at the most attractive prices since their launch.

Starting today, the Galaxy Watch8 series will be available at a massive discount of up to INR 15000, while the recently-launched Galaxy Buds3 FE will be offered with a discount of INR 4000. The Galaxy Watch Ultra will be available at a discount of INR 18000, and the Galaxy Ring will be offered with a discount of INR 15000.  The special prices can be availed either through an instant cashback or an upgrade bonus, available for a limited time period. Additionally, consumers seeking enhanced affordability can take advantage of no-cost EMI for up to 18 months.

Galaxy Watch8 Series 

The Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch series to come out of the box with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant empowering the users to go hands-free using natural voice commands to get complex tasks done across multiple Galaxy Watch apps. For the first time, the Galaxy Watch8 series introduces an Antioxidant Index, giving you a real-time view of your cellular health.

Running on Wear OS 6 with One UI Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch8 series also debuts enhanced features like Multi-Info Tiles, a refreshed Now Bar, and streamlined notifications for at-a-glance convenience.  Built on the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, Galaxy Watch8 is just 8.6mm thinoffering a sleek profile and snug, all-day comfortable fit, thanks to its new Dynamic Lug System. The Galaxy Watch8 series features a dazzling Super AMOLED display with 3000 nits of peak brightness that ensures excellent visibility outdoors.

The Watch8 Classic adds elements of traditional elegance, with its ever-popular Rotating Bezel design and a new “Quick Button” for fast access to apps and routines.  It is available in a single 46 mm size with a premium stainless-steel case, sapphire crystal display, and upgraded brightness for clearer visibility outdoors. The Galaxy Watch8 series is Samsung’s most advanced lineup of wellness-focused smartwatches, combining refined design with powerful health tracking. Equipped with the upgraded BioActive Sensor, it delivers more accurate insights on sleep, including Bedtime Guidance to track circadian rhythm and recommend optimal sleep times, plus Vascular Load monitoring and Sleep Coaching to build better habits. The new AI-powered Energy Score gives a daily snapshot of physical and mental energy, while Running Coach provides personalized training plans with live guidance. 

Galaxy Buds3 FE

Galaxy Buds3 FE come with an exciting fusion of Galaxy AI, enhanced audio tech and an iconic blade design  allowing users to step in to the Galaxy ecosystem and enjoy better living and wellness – all in a playful way. The device gets core innovations and enhancements, including advanced Active Noise Cancelation, while providing improved call quality, battery life and comfort. For translation, you can use Galaxy Buds3 FE with the Galaxy AI Interpreter app on your Galaxy smartphone to listen to a lecture in a foreign language or have a conversation with someone in another language. When phrases like “Hey Google” are used, Galaxy Buds3 FE can listen, understand, and respond without a screen or hands — just the user’s voice. You can also check your daily agenda or email without removing your phone from your pocket or bag. Additionally, AI features and the Galaxy Buds3 FE design ensure that queuing up the next playlist or translating a conversation from one language to another is always just a word or long press away.

Galaxy Ring  

Designed for 24/7 health monitoring, Galaxy Ring offers a simple approach to everyday wellness. Engineered with premium materials, including a titanium finish for enhanced durability, Galaxy Ring is IP68 water- and dust-resistant and can withstand depths of up to 100 meters with its 10ATM rating. This makes Galaxy Ring a sophisticated yet rugged accessory, perfect for all use cases. Galaxy Ring is ultra-lightweight, making it ideal for all-day wear and it offers up to 7 days of battery life encased in a specially designed charging case that features aesthetic LED lighting to indicate charging status.  Powered by Samsung’s proprietary “Health AI”, Galaxy Ring delivers real-time insights intuitively, so that users can simply wear it and let the AI-driven insights work in the background, providing personalized recommendations and wellness tips. All data and insights are integrated into Samsung Health for seamless access within one cohesive platform without any subscription fees. Galaxy Ring also supports everyday wellness monitoring, allowing users to stay informed about heart health with HR monitoring providing alerts for high/low heart rates. 

Galaxy Ring is able to auto-detect workouts (walking and running) as well as provides inactive alerts to users keeping them motivated to achieve their goals. Galaxy Ring also features Samsung’s best-in-class sleep analysis and a powerful sleep AI algorithm. Along with Sleep Score and snoring analysis, new sleep metrics such as movement during sleep, sleep latency, heart and respiratory rate provide a detailed and accurate analysis of sleep quality.

His Excellency Azamat Yeskarayev, Hon’ble Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to India, undertakes an official visit of Hyderabad!

Hyderabad, 20th September 2025 : His Excellency Azamat Yeskarayev, Hon’ble Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to India, undertook an official two day visit, yesterday and today to Hyderabad. The visit marked a significant milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State of Telangana, in the fields of trade, investment, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and connectivity.

During his visit, His Excellency called on the Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, at Raj Bhavan. In their meeting, the Hon’ble Governor was briefed on the ongoing developments in trade and investment between Telangana and Kazakhstan, while highlighting the tremendous opportunities for collaboration across key sectors.

His Excellency also visited the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan at Xanadu, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, and held a series of high-level meetings with leading institutions and corporations in the city. Among the ones he visited include,

MSN Laboratories, to establish an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) manufacturing facility in Kazakhstan to enhance pharmaceutical cooperation.

• Apollo Hospitals, for collaboration on setting up a medical college in Kazakhstan to strengthen medical education and training.
• KIMS Hospitals for Advanced medical cooperation, training, and healthcare technology collaborations.
• NephroPlus for expanding dialysis care facilities and specialized centers in Kazakhstan.
• GMR Hyderabad International Airport for introducing direct flight connectivity between Hyderabad and Almaty to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
• Power Mech for development of a hybrid solar energy project in Kazakhstan, reflecting the shared commitment to renewable and sustainable energy.

Recognizing Hyderabad as a global healthcare hub, the Ambassador’s engagements with Apollo Hospitals, KIMS Hospitals, and NephroPlus highlighted Kazakhstan’s keen interest in advancing partnerships in medical education, treatment, and specialized healthcare services.

His Excellency also visited BTR Greens by MAK Projects, where he was highly impressed with the sustainable luxury housing development. He expressed keen interest in replicating such models in Kazakhstan and requested the development of integrated housing projects in the country.

As part of his cultural engagements, His Excellency visited several of Hyderabad’s iconic landmarks, including Charminar, Makkah Masjid, and Chowmohallah Palace, experiencing the rich heritage and traditions of Telangana.

A special moment of the visit was when His Excellency Azamat Yeskarayev, Hon’ble Ambassador of Kazakhstan to India, and His Excellency Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, were felicitated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport in recognition of their strong efforts towards developing collaboration between Kazakhstan and Hyderabad.

Concluding his visit, His Excellency Azamat Yeskarayev expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him in Hyderabad. He conveyed satisfaction at the successful outcomes of his engagements and reiterated Kazakhstan’s strong interest in enhancing cooperation with Telangana across multiple sectors. He also expressed his desire to return to Hyderabad soon to further consolidate and expand these relations.

His Excellency Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad, hosted a lunch at his residence Xanadu, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, in honour of His Excellency Azamat Yeskarayev, Hon’ble Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to India.

New Delhi, September 20, 2025: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, has entered into an agreement with the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to support the promotion and development of rugby in India.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by Shri V. Jayanarayanan, Chief General Manager (HR/CSR/LA/R&R), NTPC and Shri Gerald Prabhu, Hon. Secretary, IRFU. The programme aims to strengthen training, development, and capacity building of Indian Rugby teams, creating opportunities for young athletes to excel at national and international platforms.

Through this initiative, NTPC reaffirms its commitment to empowering youth and nurturing sporting talent. The collaboration with IRFU is a step towards broadening the scope of sporting disciplines supported by NTPC, ensuring wider participation and promoting a culture of fitness, teamwork, and excellence.

In addition to this new partnership, NTPC has also been actively supporting the growth of archery in India since 2018 and recently signed an agreement with the Archery Association of India (AAI) to extend financial support of ₹2,420 lakh over the next four years for the promotion and development of archery across the country.

NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing one-fourth of the India’s power requirements and has an installed capacity of 83 GW, with an additional capacity of 30.90 GW under construction, including 13.3 GW of renewable energy capacity. The company is committed to achieving 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, strengthening India’s Net Zero goals.

With a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation. The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future.

Along with power generation, NTPC has ventured into various new business areas, including e-mobility, battery storage, pumped hydro storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power, and green hydrogen solutions. It has also participated in the bidding for power distribution of Union Territories.

By – Neeraj Kansal Founder & CEO of Crack Academy

In today’s highly competitive academic landscape, education has become one of the most significant investments for a brighter future. However, for many talented students, especially those from financially weaker backgrounds, the rising cost of quality education often acts as a barrier to achieving their aspirations. This is where scholarships play a transformative role, empowering meritorious students to pursue their dreams without being held back by financial constraints.

Scholarships serve as gateways to equal opportunities, enabling deserving students to access the best educational resources, mentorship, and guidance. They not only provide financial relief but also act as a motivational driver, encouraging students to excel academically and perform to their full potential.

In recent years, many educational institutions have introduced structured scholarship programs designed to support both merit and need. For instance, some institutes offer 100% scholarships to top-performing students, 75% to the next set of achievers, and 50% to a broader group of aspirants. These initiatives are particularly impactful for students preparing for competitive examinations like NEET, JEE, UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways, where early preparation and guided learning can make a significant difference.

Beyond financial assistance, scholarships instill a sense of confidence, responsibility, and ambition among students. They encourage young minds to dream big and work harder, fostering an ecosystem where talent is recognized and nurtured, irrespective of economic status.

As India steadily moves towards becoming a knowledge-driven economy, promoting scholarships for meritorious and financially weak students is crucial. By removing financial hurdles and unlocking opportunities, these initiatives help shape future doctors, engineers, administrators, and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to society.

In essence, scholarships are not just financial aid; they are catalysts of change, empowering young aspirants to turn their dreams into reality.

Noida, 20 September: Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida successfully organized an Internal Hackathon (Peace Code for Smart India Hackathon). The School of IT organized this two-day event, in which 20 teams with a total of 120 students participated.

On the initial day, the participants exhibited their coding and problem-solving abilities through solving real-time challenges in a high-intensity coding session. The second day was spent in project presentations and certificate distribution.

Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan, Director General, IMS Noida, stated that internal hackathons are a great platform to train students for international competitions. He said that these sorts of efforts encourage students to confront upcoming technological challenges and perform well at national platforms such as the Smart India Hackathon, along with improving teamwork, leadership, and innovative ideas.

Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head, School of IT, emphasized that the hackathon not only put to test technical skills but also collaboration, imagination, and self-esteem among students, which helped them deliver better in future Smart India Hackathon events. He expressed that awareness was brought towards programming and coding rounds on day one, while the second day was oriented towards innovative prototypes against problem statements of Smart India Hackathon.

Prof. (Dr.) Neelam Saxena, Dean, IMS Noida, stated that the Internal Hackathon is an excellent platform for students to express their technical abilities and look for solutions to everyday challenges. Dr. Anita Pati, Deputy HoD, reported that the event was successfully organized under the guidance of Dr. Jyoti Kumari Tripathi. Additional support was provided by Prof. Jitendra, Prof. Swecchandan, Prof. Anshushrav Mudgal, and some other faculty members.

Gurugram, 20 September 2025 — Amity University Gurugram’s Academic Staff College and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education, in collaboration with the Trajectories of Hope Foundation, hosted a Special Talk on “Perspectives on International Peace in Our Times.” The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Maja Groff, distinguished International Lawyer and Convenor of the Climate Governance Commission, The Hague, Netherlands.

The session served as a vibrant platform to examine the intersections of peace, sustainability, climate governance, and inclusive global cooperation issues central to international discourse and youth engagement.

Global Perspectives from The Hague

Ms. Groff, recognized for her work in international law and multilateral governance, delivered an insightful address on the urgent need to reimagine global institutions to meet contemporary challenges. She emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, climate justice and cross-border collaboration, calling upon young leaders to engage with international frameworks that promote equity, resilience and peace.
Reflecting on the work of the Climate Governance Commission, she underlined the need for legally sound, ethically driven and ecologically responsible systems, urging renewed commitment to multilateralism in the face of climate emergencies, geopolitical tensions and social fragmentation.

India’s Ethos of Global Harmony

Prof. (Dr.) P.B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Amity University Gurugram, offered a perspective rooted in India’s civilizational wisdom. Prof Sharma highlighted the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam “the world is one family” as a guiding principle for global peace and ethical leadership. Stressing the role of education in shaping global citizens, Prof. Sharma called for academic institutions to serve as beacons of peace, sustainability and human unity.

Collaborative Engagement with Civil Society

Mr. Anand Kartikeya, representing the Trajectories of Hope Foundation, underscored the role of civil society in advancing peace education and fostering inclusive leadership. He highlighted the Foundation’s work in youth empowerment and dialogue across cultures, reinforcing the importance of hope-driven narratives in divided times.

Academic Leadership and Opening Remarks

During her opening remarks Prof. (Dr.) Sanjna Vij, Deputy Director, Academic Staff College, Amity University Gurugram called for thoughtful dialogue, visionary leadership, and academic activism to address pressing global challenges. She emphasized the responsibility of educators to nurture critical thinking, empathy and global consciousness among students.

Student Engagement

A lively Q&A segment followed the keynote, with students engaging Ms. Groff on the evolving role of the United Nations, legal frameworks for international cooperation, strategies for resilient institutions and career pathways in international law and diplomacy. Their participation reflected deep interest in understanding how youth voices can influence global policy and governance.

Key Takeaways

• Inclusive global frameworks must reflect diverse cultural and regional perspectives.
• Ecology, economy and governance are deeply interdependent.
• Peace and human unity are foundational to sustainable development.
• Academic institutions play a central role in nurturing ethical and globally engaged citizens.
This Special Talk reaffirmed Amity University Gurugram’s commitment to fostering global dialogue, academic excellence and youth empowerment aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat 2047.

September 20, 2025: Baker’s Artisanal Recipes (BAR), India’s premier bean-to-bar chocolate artisan, announces an exciting collaboration with Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters for “When Chocolate Meets Coffee,” an exclusive guided tasting experience set for September 21, 2025. This unique partnership brings together two passionate craft brands in an intimate workshop limited to 20 participants, offering guests a rare opportunity to explore how two of the world’s most beloved ingredients complement and enhance each other through expertly curated pairings. The event will take place at Siolim Coffee’s atmospheric venue, creating an unforgettable sensorial journey that celebrates the art of origin, roast, fermentation, and flavor.

The immersive experience will showcase four distinct chocolate varieties, each expertly paired with complementary coffee preparations to highlight their unique flavor profiles. Be it your cappuccino, cortado, espresso or Vietnamese brew; BAR has a solid variant to pair with each of your palette. Participants will discover the sweet and creamy notes of Milk 38% chocolate from Mangalore origin with its rich, buttery finish, explore the tropical complexity of Dark 60% Idukki chocolate bursting with pineapple and black currant undertones, savor the sophisticated Darker 70% chocolate with its distinctive caramelly sweetness and woody depth, and experience the bold intensity of Seriously Dark 90% chocolate with its deep, nutty character and robust cocoa finish. Beyond simple tasting, guests will engage with the International Institute of Chocolate & Cacao Tasting flavor wheel, explore the tactile elements of cocoa beans, nibs, and pods alongside coffee beans, and participate in a live pairing activity where they can create their own perfect coffee-chocolate combinations.

Founded in 2021, Baker’s Artisanal Recipes has established itself as a leader in premium couverture chocolate production in India, specializing in single-origin chocolates from Kerala’s Idukki region and Karnataka’s Mangalore area. Their commitment to pure cocoa butter, precise tempering techniques, and celebrating the unique terroir of Indian cocoa through their bean-to-bar process has made them a favorite among professional bakers, confectioners, and chocolate enthusiasts. This collaboration with Siolim Specialty Coffee Roasters represents a perfect meeting of craft-driven philosophies, as both brands share an unwavering dedication to quality, origin stories, and the artisanal processes that transform raw ingredients into exceptional experiences.

Each participant will receive comprehensive educational materials including a Certificate of Participation, detailed pairing sheets, the IICCT Flavor Wheel, and access to exclusive retail offerings from both brands. The event promises to be more than just a tasting session – it’s an educational journey that explores the stories behind two craft-driven brands, from farm to cup and bean to bar. Given the intimate nature of the experience and limited seating, tickets will be available through Siolim Coffee’s booking channels with early booking strongly recommended. This inaugural collaboration marks the beginning of what both brands hope will be an ongoing series of experiences exploring the beautiful intersection of coffee and chocolate craftsmanship.

New Delhi, September 19, 2025: Atal Foundation, dedicated to holistic development and social upliftment, celebrated its Foundation Day at the Prime Ministers’ Museum in New Delhi with the 5th edition of the Atal Bhushan Awards.

On this occasion, the National Atal Awards and Atal Bhushan Awards ceremony was held to honor distinguished individuals for their remarkable contributions to society. This year, a total of 22 National Atal Awards, 14 Atal Bhushan Awards, 1 Atal Alankar Award, and 1 Atal Icon Award were presented.

Among the prominent awardees this year were Ankit Rathi and Sanjay Gajanan Gate, who received the Atal Alankar Award; Avneesh Singh Bisen, who was honored with the Vishva Youth Atal Icon Award; and Pratibha Sharma and Shalini Kangra, who were conferred with the National Atal Award. Additionally, Pankaj Chawla and Inspector Ram Ratan Singh were also recognized with the National Atal Award. These winners are known not only for their excellence in their respective fields but also for being sources of inspiration to society and the nation.

Receiving the honor, Avneesh Singh (Director & CEO, DCJ Group) said, “Receiving this award at the Prime Ministers’ Museum is a moment of pride and inspiration for me. This is not just an award, but also a responsibility to carry forward the ideals of Atal Ji and take India to new heights.”

The ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of dignitaries including former Union Minister Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya; chief patron of Atal Foundation and former BJP National Vice President Shyam Jaju; 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Rajesh Ojha Ji; Parliamentary Committee member Avinash Rai Khanna; Ashok Aggarwal from International Vaish Federation; and Bajranglal Bagda, General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Their presence added special significance to the ceremony and highlighted the importance of recognizing contributions to society.

Addressing the gathering, Shyam Jaju, chief patron of Atal Foundation and former BJP National Vice President, said, “Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji was a great statesman whose name even today evokes trust, enthusiasm, and a sense of duty among people. From leading the nation as Prime Minister to establishing a direct dialogue with the common people, his vision laid the foundation of India’s progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, this legacy is being carried forward, and today India is emerging on the world stage with confidence. Through these awards, Atal Foundation is keeping alive the values of service, integrity, and patriotism that Atal Ji embodied throughout his life.”

Former MP and former BJP National Vice President Avinash Rai Khanna also shared his thoughts, praising the work of Atal Foundation and congratulating Aparna Singh for her leadership. He said that Atal Foundation is working with unity across the nation.

National President of Atal Foundation Aparna Singh said, “Atal Foundation was established with the objective of holistic development and inclusive progress. The awards presented today symbolize our belief that true change is possible only when we honor those who dedicate themselves selflessly to serving society. By bringing contributors from diverse fields onto one platform, we aim to strengthen the collective power of inspiration for the nation. We remain committed to continuing our efforts for the empowerment of society and development in every sphere.”

On this occasion, the contributions of National General Secretary and Award Committee Chairman Radheshyam Ranga Ji and Award Committee Vice Chairman Lekhraj Maheshwari Ji were also significant.

The Atal Bhushan Awards and National Atal Awards have become important platforms to celebrate the spirit of social contribution and leadership. By bringing together visionaries and achievers from diverse fields, Atal Foundation continues to inspire the building of a strong and inclusive India.

Bengaluru, 19 September 2025: The Sona Group of Institutions, the 100-year-old premier family business group, today felicitated its students from Sona College of Technology, Salem, for completing Xccelerator 2.0 programme. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Unreal Engine, the most powerful 3-D creation tool, and 3DX by Dassault Systèmes. 

Sona Group of Institutions is known for its strong focus on innovation and applied research. Sona has consistently nurtured industry-ready professionals across engineering, technology, and management. Through initiatives such as the Xccelerator, the group continues to create pathways that align education with industry needs, ensuring its students are equipped with skills relevant to rapidly evolving global demands.

Mr.Rabindra Sah,Chief Technology Officer, Indian Register of Shipping. Mumbai Industry Expert & Mentor, said, “The way technology and industries are evolving is truly remarkable. By identifying real problems and finding the right technological solutions, we are not only elevating the sector but also creating unheard-of outcomes in placements. This progress reflects the commendable work being done and the culture of innovation driving us forward.”

Adding to this, Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman, Sona Group of Institutions, said, “The success of Xccelerator 1.0 and the remarkable creativity we saw in Xccelerator 2.0 reaffirm Sona’s philosophy of hands-on learning. These projects were not just academic exercises—they showcased how students, when given the right ecosystem, could create solutions that have relevance for industry and society alike.”

Nearly all of the students from the first cohort of Xccelerator 1.0 secured placements in leading companies at higher packages. Building on this foundation, Xccelerator 2.0 introduced a new set of projects that reflected both creativity and technical depth, including an automatic sambar dispenser, Virtual Roller Wheel Boat, an automatic vegetable cutting machine, an ergonomic replantation device, and an AI-powered model for detecting coffee plant diseases.

Through initiatives like the Xccelerator, the Sona Group positions itself at the forefront of industry-academia collaboration, offering a platform where students, researchers, and companies can co-create solutions. The program also underscored the group’s commitment to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem by producing engineers who are globally competent yet locally relevant.

The Xccelerator initiative, launched in September 2023, was part of Sona’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By focusing on project-based learning in advanced digital technologies, the program equipped students to tackle complex challenges with practical, innovative solutions.