Archives 2026

Noida, Feb 16: This Valentine’s Day, love found its most powerful expression – not in roses or promises, but in the gift of life. At Fortis Hospital Noida, two extraordinary couples redefined commitment, as spouses stepped forward to donate their kidneys, giving their partners a second chance at life. These life-saving renal transplants stand as remarkable stories of courage, sacrifice and unwavering devotion, proving that love is not just spoken, but lived.

57-year-old Jaipal was first diagnosed with chronic liver disease in 2017 and underwent a successful liver transplant with his son as the donor. However, in 2020, his kidney function began deteriorating. By late 2025, he required maintenance hemodialysis. Being a post-liver transplant patient, his immunity was already compromised. Prolonged dialysis posed a serious infection risk that could have endangered his transplanted liver. With no other suitable donor in the family and survival chances declining, his wife stepped forward as a compatible donor. The surgery was particularly challenging due to his previous liver transplant, requiring meticulous surgical precision to preserve liver function while performing the renal transplant. The complex 3.5-hour surgery was successfully conducted by the team of doctors at Fortis Noida. Today, Mr. Jaipal is living a stable life, dialysis-free, under regular follow-up – thanks to his wife’s extraordinary decision.

In another act of love, 48-year-old Amit Kumar was diagnosed with hypertension in 2020 but struggled with medication compliance and intermittently opted for alternative treatments. By November 2025, he presented with dangerously high creatinine levels. Within weeks, his kidney function worsened drastically, requiring urgent dialysis. He was severely malnourished, anemic, immunocompromised, and neurologically affected due to toxin buildup. As the sole earning member of his family, thrice-weekly dialysis was both physically and financially exhausting. His elderly parents were medically unfit to donate. In a defining moment, his wife stepped forward.

After comprehensive medical evaluation, including bone marrow biopsy to assess blood cell production compromised by prolonged alternative medication use, the transplant was successfully performed by the team of doctors at the hospital. Today, both the husband and wife are living a normal, blissful life, free from dialysis.

Giving details of the cases, Dr Anuja Porwal, Director of Nephrology, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “Kidney transplantation remains the only definitive and life-restoring treatment for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease, particularly those who are not tolerating dialysis or have additional medical complexities. Without timely transplantation, the survival chances in these patients were extremely limited. What makes these cases truly special is not just the medical success, but the extraordinary courage shown by their spouses. Living organ donation is an act of immense selflessness. This Valentine’s Day, these couples remind us that love is not just an emotion but it can be a life-saving decision.”

Mohit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “These two cases highlight not only medical excellence but the profound emotional strength of families standing together in adversity. In India, women -wives, mothers, sisters form the majority of living kidney donors. This Valentine’s Day, Fortis Healthcare celebrates these couples who transformed their vows into action. Their journeys underscore a powerful message: organ donation is not just a medical decision – it is an act of unconditional love.”

Bangalore, Feb 16: To shape the next phase of sustainable urban development and showing commitment towards Green Delhi,  Lt Governor Delhi Shri VK Saxena today inaugurated first-ever DDA Green Expo at Baansera in the national capital.

The two-day expo, themed ‘Beyond Growth: Reimagining Urban Futures’, brings together senior government leaders, urban planners, climate experts and industry stakeholders. Besides, various MoUs have been signed with leading national institutions, marking a transformative moment in the future of Delhi’s public spaces.

Showing its commitment towards promoting greens in the national capital, Hon’ble Lt Governor also unveiled DDA Greens logo and DDA Greens Year Book 2026.

Inaugurating the green expo,  Lt Governor said,” The expo reaffirms our commitment to a greener, healthier, and more hopeful future for Delhi.” He further said that this expo is not only about the conferences and the exhibits, but also about people. “It honours thousands of Delhi residents, who nurture small green patches, outside their homes, who teach their children about local birds, who plant saplings and return to care for them. They are the everyday heroes, of our environmental journey,” he added.

He further said no one could have imagined 3 years back that the degraded and polluted site would host a “Green Expo” and become a platform for planning a sustainable future for Delhi. “It is a stellar example of greening and reclaiming degraded land and Baansera is a testimony to resilience and endeavour.” He added that the Expo mulls over and offers practical solutions to Delhi’s environmental challenges.

DDA Vice chairman Shri N Saravana Kumar said that the role of the Delhi Development Authority is often viewed as that of a master planner, developer, and regulator. However, alongside these responsibilities, DDA also has an extremely important and accountable role—that of Delhi’s Environmental Trustee.

While the two-day Expo brings together policymakers, planners, climate experts and industry leaders to deliberate on sustainable urban development, the highlight was the signing of strategic partnerships that will redefine how DDA parks function in the city.

Through these collaborations, DDA Greens are set to evolve into living laboratories for learning, innovation, ecology and culture—moving beyond recreation to become dynamic civic platforms.

A first-of-its-kind partnership with the National School of Drama (NSD) will activate DDA parks as cultural classrooms. Under this collaboration, NSD will conduct curated community theatre workshops and children’s theatre programmes in park spaces, making performing arts accessible in open, public environments.

The MoU with the University of Delhi will enable urban ecological research, student-led fieldwork and academic engagement within park landscapes.

Collaboration with Delhi Technological University (DTU) will introduce technology-driven sustainability solutions and youth innovation into park planning and management.

Through the MoU with National Medicinal Plants Board, DDA will develop herbal garden of national and state importance and medicinal nurseries across selected parks, strengthening biodiversity conservation and reconnecting citizens with India’s botanical heritage.

Partnership with WWF-India will establish Citizens’ Nature Hubs at Asita, promoting environmental awareness, citizen engagement and community stewardship.

In addition, following an approach from the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA), DDA will enter into an MoU to serve as a knowledge partner in sustainable urban planning, heritage-sensitive interventions, and nature-based development practices.

Together, these agreements signal DDA’s commitment in expanding the scope and reach of its green spaces through collaborations with institutions of excellence. DDA parks are poised to become centres for nature trails, research initiatives, youth engagement, cultural programming and environmental learning—integrating ecology, innovation and community life into Delhi’s urban future.

The expo to feature high-impact panel discussions and expert sessions addressing some of the most pressing urban challenges, including extreme heat, flood resilience, nature-based infrastructure, circular food systems and innovative financing for green cities.

Senior policymakers and development leaders to participate in the panel “Designing for Climate-Responsive Cities,” focusing on energy-efficient urban design, climate-adaptive public spaces and resilient infrastructure.

The Expo would also spotlight emerging sustainability priorities such as urban food circularity, balancing development with ecological conservation, and scalable financing models for green infrastructure, including CSR and public-private partnerships.

New Delhi, Feb 16: Lyne Originals, one of India’s fast-growing smart accessories and audio brands, has announced the launch of three new power banks under its Startup Series – Startup-35, Startup-36 and Startup-37. Designed to meet the everyday charging needs of today’s always-connected users, the new lineup delivers dependable backup power, fast charging output support, and enhanced safety protections in compact, travel-friendly designs.

With increasing dependence on smartphones, tablets, wearables, and portable gadgets, consumers are seeking power solutions that combine speed, reliability, and convenience. Lyne Originals’ latest Startup Series Power Banks aim to offer a balance of performance and affordability for users across India.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Kavya Vij, Chief Product Officer, Lyne Originals, said, “At Lyne Originals, we are committed to building power solutions that customers can truly rely on in their daily lives. With the Startup Series, we are bringing together high capacity battery performance, fast charging support, and intelligent safety features in sleek, practical designs. These launches reflect our continued focus on making smart and accessible technology available to a wider audience across India.”

Features and Specifications

Startup-35 Power Bank

Startup-35 Power Bank is a compact yet powerful charging companion designed for everyday use. Equipped with a 10,000mAh battery capacity, it provides dependable backup power for users on the move. The device supports up to 17W output, enabling efficient charging for smartphones and other portable devices. It comes with dual USB output ports, along with Micro Input and Type-C Input support, offering added flexibility across devices. Startup-35 also features LED battery indicators and a slim, travel-friendly design, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend getaways. It is available in two colour options – Black and White.

Startup-36 Power Bank (PowerBox 26 Pro)

Startup-36 Power Bank, also known as PowerBox 26 Pro, is a high-capacity power pack built for users who require dependable charging throughout the day. Featuring a 20,000mAh battery, it ensures uninterrupted power support for extended travel, workdays, and outdoor use. The power bank delivers up to 17W output and includes dual USB output ports for simultaneous charging. It also comes equipped with both Micro Input and Type-C Input ports, making it compatible with a wide range of charging setups. Startup-36 features an LED battery indicator and includes over-temperature protection, ensuring safe and reliable performance. This power bank is available in Black and White colour options.

Startup-37 Power Bank (PowerBox 24 Pro)

Startup-37 Power Bank, also known as PowerBox 24 Pro, is designed for users who seek faster charging performance with advanced protocol support. Featuring a 10,000mAh battery capacity, it delivers powerful output of up to 33W fast charging, making it suitable for modern fast-charging smartphones and devices. Startup-37 supports QC/PD multi-protocol charging, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of devices. It includes three ports in total – 2 USB output ports and 1 Type-C input/output port, enabling flexible charging options. The power bank also features an LED battery indicator and comes with intelligent temperature control, ensuring safe charging even during high-speed output. This is available in Black and White colour options.

Price and Availability

The newly launched Startup Series Power Banks are now available at leading offline retail outlets across India.

Startup-35 Power bank

Startup-36 Power bank

Startup-37 Power bank

Zaheerabad, India, Feb 16:
MG Group, one of India’s leading bus and coach design, engineering and manufacturing enterprises, commemorated a significant milestone with the completion of 30 years of operations at its Zaheerabad integrated complex. The Group also unveiled a marble bust of its late Founder Chairman, Mr. Mohan Vasant Kamat, honouring his contribution to India’s modern bus building industry and his pioneering role as a first-generation entrepreneur.

The commemorative unveiling was led by:

• Mrs. Sudha Mohan Kamat, Co-Founder & Director, MG Group
• Mr. Anil Mohan Kamat, Chairman & Managing Director, MG Group
• Mrs. Devika Anil Kamat, Director, MG Group

This symbolic moment marked both the legacy of the Group’s founder and the continued leadership of the second generation.

Zaheerabad: From a Modest Start to a Nationally Relevant Manufacturing Hub

The Zaheerabad facility was established in 1996, when Mahindra & Mahindra extended an opportunity for Mr. Mohan V. Kamat to explore a presence in the region. With his characteristic humility and grit, he began operations in a repurposed hacksaw-blade factory acquired at a government auction—laying the foundation for what would grow into one of India’s most respected bus and coach manufacturing ecosystems.

Over the past three decades, MG Zaheerabad has grown into a fully integrated complex housing
MG Automotives, MG Bus & Coach, MG Composites and MG Grey Engine.

It has served leading OEMs, State Transport Undertakings (STUs) and private operators across segments such as:

• School & institutional transport
• Staff and urban applications
• Mofussil and regional mobility
• Special-application vehicles
• Premium & intercity coaches

The Zaheerabad plant has consistently contributed to MG Group’s position as a dependable, design-focused, made-in-India engineering partner.

 A Legacy that Shapes the Future

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Anil Mohan Kamat, CMD, MG Group, paid tribute to his father’s role in shaping India’s coach-building ecosystem:

“My father helped lay the foundation for India’s modern bus-body manufacturing industry. What he built at Zaheerabad was not just a facility, but a culture of courage, discipline and excellence. As we mark 30 years here, we are not looking back—we are strengthening our commitment to India’s mobility future.”

He added that the Group’s values of integrity, engineering precision, and customer-centricity—established by the founders—continue to define its strategic direction.

 Strategic Roadmap: High-Volume Platform Consolidation at Zaheerabad

MG Group announced a set of forward-looking decisions shaping its next decade of growth:

1. Consolidation of High-Volume Product Lines

The Group will migrate its School, Staff, Moffusil and Economy segment production from Belagavi to Zaheerabad, making Zaheerabad the principal hub for high-volume manufacturing.

2. Premium and Super-Premium Focus at Belagavi

The Belagavi unit will sharpen its focus on Premium and Super-Premium Intercity Coaches, aligning capacity with future long-distance mobility demand.

3. Renewed Expansion at Zaheerabad

The plant, which resumed operations recently after the setbacks of the pandemic, will undergo a calibrated ramp-up in 2026, with investments in:

• Production capacity
• Process automation
• Modern paint-shop & trim-line facilities
• Composites and lightweighting capabilities
• Skill-building for the local workforce

4. Stronger Integration Across MG Entities

The Group plans to deepen synergies between design, engineering, composites, electronics and manufacturing units to deliver faster, more efficient solutions for OEMs and STUs nationwide.

 Industry Outlook: Strengthening India’s Mobility Infrastructure

MG Group’s renewed direction is aligned with:

• India’s expanding urban and intercity mobility needs
• Rising demand across school, staff and regional passenger fleets
• Growing emphasis on safety, comfort and sustainable design
• Opportunities under Make in India and the Government’s mobility infrastructure push

Mr. Kamat stated:

“India’s passenger mobility landscape is entering a transformative decade. MG Group is preparing for this shift with deeper engineering integration, strong design capabilities and a sharper focus on product specialization. The next phase of growth will be built on both heritage and innovation.”

 A Tribute Rooted in Purpose

The marble bust unveiling was accompanied by a short tribute film and reflections from senior leadership who worked for decades with their late founder. The ceremony concluded with a tree plantation and a gathering with workers and staff, symbolising MG’s continuing partnership with the people of Zaheerabad.

Tirupati, Feb 16: Mohan Babu University (MBU) successfully hosted the DST ANRF Sponsored 2026 IEEE Contemporary Computing Innovations Conference (CCIC 2026), technically co-sponsored by IEEE Region 10 and supported by IEEE TEMS, at the Dasari Auditorium during 06–07 February 2026. The international conference brought together over 100+ global experts, keynote speakers, policymakers, and thought leaders from academia, industry, and research to deliberate on cutting-edge developments shaping the future of computing. Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Stefan Mozar, President, IEEE Consumer Technology Society from Australia; Prof. Prerna Gaur, Chair, IEEE India Council; Prof. Preeti Bajaj, Chair Elect, IEEE India Council; Mr. Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General, Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai; Dr. Sudeendra Kaushik, President, IEEE TEMS; and Prof. Chirag Paunwala, Chair, IEEE Gujarat Section. MBU Vice Chancellor Prof. Nagaraj Ramrao and Registrar Dr. K. Saradhi also took part in the conference proceedings.

The two-day conference featured keynote addresses by internationally renowned experts, peer-reviewed technical paper presentations, hands-on workshops, parallel industry tracks, employability training sessions, interactive panel discussions, and showcases by students and startups, offering young innovators a global platform to present ideas and research outcomes. Serving as a vital forum for collaboration and networking, CCIC 2026 enabled meaningful dialogue and fostered strong industry–academia partnerships.

The conference covered a wide spectrum of contemporary computing themes, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science and Big Data Analytics, Quantum Computing, Cloud and Edge Computing, Cybersecurity and Blockchain, the Internet of Things, Human–Computer Interaction, Software Engineering, Sustainable and Green Computing, Emerging Computing Architectures, and Computing for Societal Impact.

Organised by the Department of Data Science under the School of Computing, CCIC 2026 served as a premier international platform for collaboration, innovation, and cross-disciplinary exchange. The technical committee received more than 2000+ quality manuscripts from researchers across the globe representing both industry and academia. Following a rigorous peer-review process aligned with IEEE standards, 383 manuscripts were selected for submission to the IEEE Xplore Digital Library and indexing in Scopus, with only 5% originating from the host institution reflecting Mohan Babu University’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and academic integrity. Submissions were evaluated for originality, technical depth, and practical relevance, ensuring global visibility for high-quality research contributions.

Commenting on the conference, Mr. Vinay Maheshwari, Trustee, Mohan Babu University, said, “Conferences like CCIC play a critical role in bridging the gap between academic research, industry application, and societal needs. CCIC 2026 created a space for meaningful dialogue around emerging technologies, while enabling researchers, practitioners, and students to exchange ideas, validate research, and collaborate on solutions that will shape the next phase of computing innovation.”

By hosting platforms such as CCIC 2026, Mohan Babu University reaffirms its vision of nurturing a vibrant research ecosystem that encourages innovation, collaboration, and the application of technology for societal progress, while empowering young researchers to engage with global experts and contribute to impactful computing solutions.

Chandigarh, Feb 16: Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has reported widespread adoption of its recently rolled-out in-house digital payment module. Everyday around 500 consumers are paying their electricity bills online.

The upgraded system enables real-time posting of payments into SAP, ensuring instant updation and reducing payment reflection delays. The initiative benefits consumers through immediate confirmation and greater transparency, while also optimising gateway charges.

To further enhance accessibility, QR code scanners have been installed across all CPDL offices, including RA, SDO, CM, and Division offices. QR codes are also available on the CPDL website landing page and are being printed on consumer bills.

A CPDL spokesperson said, “This new payment module marks a meaningful step in our journey toward fully digital transactions. The strong initial response reflects growing consumer trust in our secure systems. With real-time integration and expanded QR access, we are making bill payments faster, simpler, and more transparent for a wider segment of users. By strengthening our own platform and reducing reliance on third-party gateways, we aim to enhance efficiency while minimizing additional costs for customers.”

CPDL wishes to inform consumers that these methods are safe to use and encourages customers to adopt these options. This initiative marks another step in CPDL’s continued focus on technology-driven, consumer-centric service delivery and building a more efficient, transparent electricity distribution system.

Hyderabad, Feb 16: Hyderabad Runners Society conducted its annual Club Run 2026 on Sunday, 15 February 2026, at the University of Hyderabad campus. This year marked the 17th edition of the Club Run, featuring two race categories — 10K and Half Marathon (21.1 km).

The run was flagged off by Shri Srinivas, DGM, NMDC Limited; Shri CH. Srinivas, DCP, Madhapur Law & Order, and SMT Shashi Singh, Race Director. Apollo Hospitals provided emergency medical support for the event.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from around 3,000 runners across the twin cities, including students and staff from the university. The Club Run serves as a qualifying race for the Hyderabad Marathon, allowing runners to push their limits and achieve personal bests.

In the Half Marathon (21.1 km), Avik Pal clinched the top spot in the men’s category with an impressive time of 1:20:08, while Vishwa led the women’s category, finishing strong at 1:42:38. In the 10K race, Yeswanth Kondri emerged victorious among the men with a time of 38:56, and Divya Reddy secured first place in the women’s category, clocking 54:25. The top three runners in each category were felicitated by the office bearers of Hyderabad Runners — Arun Kumar Kaliappan, Prashant Morparia, Madhumathi Sanjay, Ram Katikineni, Ajit Mishra, Snehith A, and Shashi Singh, Race Director of Club Run 2026.

The top three runners in each category were felicitated by Hyderabad Runners office bearers Arun Kumar Kaliappan, Prashant Morparia, Madhumathi Sanjay, Ram Katikineni, Ajit Mishra, Snehith A, and Shashi Singh, Race Director of Club Run 2026.

As part of the event ecosystem, the Kouch25K training program was conducted across 26 locations, engaging 417 participants who underwent an 8-week training journey and celebrated their progress through a 5K graduation run. In addition, the Mir Alam Runners group from the Old City — comprising about 30 runners — were trained by Hyderabad Runners Society for three months at Eidgah Bilali (Eidga Maidan) and completed their graduation run, reflecting the organisation’s strong outreach and inclusion efforts across communities.

Hyderabad, Feb 16: TiE Hyderabad hosted a special February edition of its flagship TiE Leadership Series at its office in Sandhya Techno-1, Khajaguda, Raidurg, Hyderabad this weekend. The session featured Meera Shenoy, Founder of Youth4Jobs and SwarajAbility, a distinguished social entrepreneur widely recognised for her pioneering work in building inclusive and sustainable solutions for underserved communities.

Delivering the opening remarks, Murali Kakarla, President of TiE Hyderabad, highlighted the organisation’s mission as a leading entrepreneurial network dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding, and incubation. He noted that through its diverse initiatives and events, TiE Hyderabad continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

Drawing from decades of experience in building mission-driven organisations, Ms Shenoy shared insights from her journey advancing accessibility, innovation, and employment opportunities for marginalised communities, particularly persons with disabilities. Through Youth4Jobs and SwarajAbility, she has demonstrated how purpose-led enterprises can create scalable and sustainable impact. Addressing an audience of over 100 entrepreneurs, leaders, and ecosystem enablers, she spoke about leadership with purpose, building resilient social enterprises, and driving long-term impact through innovation and inclusive growth.

The session offered valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, investors, and changemakers seeking to align business success with meaningful societal contribution.

The event also marked the official launch of “TiE Social Impact,” a new initiative by TiE Hyderabad aimed at nurturing social enterprises and supporting impact-driven innovation. The initiative seeks to build a robust support ecosystem for social entrepreneurs by providing structured mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to networks that can help scale solutions addressing pressing societal challenges.

This edition of the Leadership Series reflects TiE Hyderabad’s continued commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and enabling purpose-driven innovation across the region.

Annual sponsors for TiE Hyderabad include IKP and PalTech, while the Leadership Series is powered by MSN Realty.

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand Feb 16: In a landmark initiative for higher education in India, IIT Roorkee has initiated the drafting of a comprehensive mental health policy, setting a precedent for all IITs. The first draft of the policy was prepared by the Wellness Centre, a mental health care facility for the community, with the collective expertise of the Dean of Student Welfare, Associate Dean of Student Wellness, Mental Health Professionals (Clinical Psychologists at IIT Roorkee), External Advisors and Faculty members.

The initiative was further strengthened through “SAHYOG 2.0,” a focused inter-IIT discussion aimed at seeking & sharing inputs from fellow IITs to contribute meaningfully to the mental health policy framework of IIT community. The objective of this dialogue was to learn from existing policies, protocols, and governance mechanisms followed across IITs, and to incorporate relevant insights into a comprehensive, inclusive, and student as well as IIT community-centric policy.

SAHYOG 2.0 builds upon the success of SAHYOG 1.0, held in 2024, and aligns with the recent directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC), emphasizing the critical role of higher education institutions in mental health governance. Discussions at the event covered:

• Institutional approaches to mental health governance and policy formulation
• Preventive, promotive, and responsive mental health interventions
• The role of Wellness Centres, Counselling Cells, and Student Welfare structures in policy implementation
• Role of Mental Health Professionals and facilitation of the services provided to them
• Standardization and alignment of mental health policies across IITs
• Formulation of standard operating procedures for crisis situations

The collaborative sessions not only enabled cross-institutional learning but also emphasized the need for a policy that is student-centric, inclusive, and practical, ensuring the mental well-being of the entire IIT community.

Speaking about the initiative, Prof K.K Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said, “Mental health and well-being have emerged as critical pillars of excellence in higher education, and initiatives such as SAHYOG 2.0 reflect our collective recognition of this responsibility.”

The institute welcomed delegates, including Deans, faculty members, and mental health professionals from all IITs, alongside renowned external advisors from institutions such as AIIMS Rishikesh, GMCH Chandigarh, IHBAS, KGMU, TISS, IOP Kolkata, OP Jindal, Mariwala Health Initiative and Delhi University, UPSIFS as well as distinguished officials, a Supreme Court Advocate, and an Anthropologist, highlighting the significance of the event in shaping a uniform mental health policy across the IIT system.

The success of SAHYOG 2.0 reflects IIT Roorkee’s steadfast commitment to cultivating an aware, compassionate, and psychologically resilient campus ecosystem. This pioneering policy initiative represents a transformative step in advancing structured mental health governance across India’s premier educational institutions.