Archives 2026

Feb 28: Viasat and Rohde & Schwarz have joined forces to boost testing for Narrowband Non-terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) IoT devices connecting via satellite. By thoroughly validating devices and confirming interoperability with Viasat’s network, the collaboration aims to help ensure uninterrupted connectivity for a wide range of satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Visitors to MWC Barcelona 2026 can experience the test plan in action.
 

 The test plan with Viasat runs on the CMX500 one-box tester for NTN testing.

Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, and Rohde & Schwarz, a leading provider of test and measurement solutions, are working together to strengthen and expand testing for Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities, specifically for NB-IoT devices. The collaboration aims to ensure that chipsets, modules and devices interoperate seamlessly with Viasat’s satellite network and comply with 3GPP Release 17 standards.

Deploying advanced testing methodologies upholds the highest standards of quality, performance and reliability for Viasat’s connectivity services: delivering ubiquitous IoT applications in areas without terrestrial network coverage.

The certification test plan with Viasat entails protocol, performance and RF test scenarios. It is based on the CMX500 one-box signaling tester from Rohde & Schwarz, a versatile solution designed for testing various NTN technologies, including New Radio (NR-NTN) and NB-NTN. In a single instrument, the CMX500 covers R&D through certification and carrier acceptance tests, guaranteeing reliable and repeatable results. It empowers engineers to accelerate development, ensure quality and confidently deploy reliable NTN services, safeguarding that the whole ecosystem can achieve the highest levels of performance.

Rohde & Schwarz will showcase first test results covering protocol, performance and RF test scenarios of the test plan at the Rohde & Schwarz booth 5A80 in hall 5 from March 2 to 5, 2026 at MWC Barcelona 2026. Visit Viasat in hall 6, booth 6A20.

Advancing financial protection across communities in Goa, Star Union Dai–ichi Life Insurance (SUD Life), the Lead Insurer for the state, engaged more than 2,000 members in 20 Gram Panchayats through a focused awareness initiative held in Jan – February 2026 under the State Insurance Plan.

The Insurance Awareness Campaign focused on building awareness about the importance of life insurance protection and encouraging enrolment under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). Structured Panchayat-level seminars and interactive Q&A sessions were conducted across North and South Goa districts to improve understanding of affordable life insurance solutions.

The programme saw active participation from Gram Mukhiyas, Gram Sachivs and Sarpanches, whose support was instrumental in mobilising villagers and encouraging active community participation. Their involvement helped reinforce the importance of financial protection at the grassroots level and built greater trust within the local communities.

Financial concepts were simplified through insurance themed interactive games, while queries were clarified and misconceptions removed, empowering families to make informed financial decisions.

Founded in 2009, SUD Life has served over 15 million customers across India through sustained efforts, grassroots outreach and insurance awareness programmes, contributing to an improved financial protection coverage.

Commenting on the initiative, Shri. Abhay Tewari, MD & CEO Star Union Dai–ichi Life Insurance said, “Community-led insurance awareness is essential to enhancing financial security at the grassroots. The encouraging participation we received in Goa reflects the growing awareness about the need for life insurance protection. We will continue working closely with Panchayat leaders and local communities to improve access to affordable schemes like PMJJBY, strengthen insurance coverage across the state, and achieve the Government’s vision of Insurance for All by 2047.”

Aligned with its core philosophy of “Protecting Families, Enriching Lives,” Star Union Dai–ichi Life Insurance continues to strengthen financial inclusion initiatives and deepen insurance penetration across rural Goa through sustained grassroots outreach.

Chandigarh, Feb 28: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is strengthening India’s higher education and skilling ecosystem through the expansion of its flagship Centre for Future Skills (CFS) initiative — a campus-based, technology-integrated model designed to embed advanced technical training, global certifications, and hands-on project learning directly into mainstream degree programmes. Conceived as a long-term national intervention, the initiative aims to impact one million students over the next decade by aligning academic pathways with globally benchmarked industry standards and emerging technology demands.

The Centre for Future Skills model has already been operationalised across multiple institutions nationwide, with training activities actively underway at each location. The initiative has begun creating tangible impact by equipping students with industry-aligned competencies embedded within their academic journey.

Speaking on the initiative, Shri Arunkumar Pillai, CEO, NSDC, said, “The Centre for Future Skills marks a structural shift in how India prepares its youth for the future economy. It is already demonstrating impact at scale with its 12 operational institutions and over 43,000 trained candidates. Over the next three years, we aim to add 22 more centres nationwide. With the integration of global certifications and hands-on learning within degrees, we are ensuring graduates enter the workforce industry-ready and globally benchmarked.”

The inauguration of a new Centre at the Federal Institute of Science and Technology (FISAT), Kochi, marks another step in this national rollout, reinforcing the broader vision of institutional transformation.

The Centre for Future Skills operates as an on-campus hub that integrates academic credit pathways, industry-recognised certifications, expert mentorship, and state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure. Students earn two to three academic credits per semester alongside globally recognised certifications without extending the duration of their degree, enabling a dual outcome — a university qualification coupled with validated employability credentials. The model ensures that structured skill pathways are woven into the academic journey itself.

Through partnerships with leading global technology companies, CFS provides access to over 200 certification programmes across high-growth domains. These certifications are delivered at significantly subsidised costs compared to prevailing market rates, expanding access to world-class, industry-relevant technical education. Students who successfully complete assessments receive globally recognised credentials that enhance mobility across both domestic and international job markets.

A defining feature of the CFS framework is its structured, multi-semester skill pathways that progressively build technical competence aligned with industry demand. For example, under the Software Engineering track, learners advance from programming foundations to full-stack development, cloud deployment, and software engineering practices. By graduation, students may earn four to six global certifications while building strong project portfolios and gaining hands-on experience in cloud, DevOps, and application development environments. Importantly, pathways are structured for both technical and non-technical learners, enabling interdisciplinary participation in emerging technology areas.

The infrastructure-led approach under CFS further reinforces its impact. NSDC establishes advanced hardware and software laboratories within partner institutions. Each certification course runs for 45 to 50 hours per semester and is delivered in physical mode through lab sessions, projects, and rigorous assessments, ensuring quality and practical immersion. At FISAT, the Centre is projected to enrol approximately 3,500 students per semester, or 7,000 students annually, reflecting the scalable and large-scale nature of the initiative.

At a systemic level, the Centre for Future Skills introduces what NSDC describes as a “Global Certification Stack,” effectively internationalising Indian talent. By embedding globally benchmarked certifications within degrees, the initiative enhances signalling power in the labour market, reduces industry training burdens through validated skill credentials, and strengthens India’s positioning within global talent supply chains. The degree, under this model, evolves from being a knowledge credential to becoming a productivity indicator aligned with future industry needs.

As India accelerates its transition towards a knowledge and innovation-led economy, the expansion of the Centre for Future Skills signals a decisive move to embed employability, technology readiness, and global competitiveness within the country’s higher education architecture.

New Delhi, Feb 28: If your skin is acting up, your mood feels unpredictable, and your energy crashes before the day ends, the answer may lie deeper than stress or lack of sleep. Emerging scientific research increasingly highlights the powerful gut-brain-heart axis a fully connected system where gut bacteria influence digestion, immunity, hormones, heart function, and even emotional wellbeing.

The gut produces nearly 90–95% of serotonin, the hormone responsible for mood, sleep, and emotional balance, and houses 70–80% of the immune system. When gut health is compromised, inflammation can disrupt hormones, weaken immunity, trigger brain fog, and even lead to skin flare-ups. Simply put, when the gut is off balance, the entire body feels it.

Recognising the growing awareness around digestive health, we highlight five gut health supplements designed to help restore microbial balance, improve digestion, and strengthen overall wellbeing.

Five Gut Health Essentials Worth Adding to Your Routine

1. LivLively – Gut Restore Blend

Rooted in natural ingredients and backed by clinical research, LivLively’s Gut Restore Blend features Amla and Green Tea leaf extract to support microbiome balance. The formula is designed to address bloating, acidity, low energy, and sleep concerns by supporting melatonin balance. Ideal for those who prefer a holistic, food-science-driven approach to gut health.

Available at: livlively.in

2. The Good Bug – Healthy Gut Balance

Designed as a daily gut reset, this supplement combines clinically studied probiotic strains — Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® — with prebiotics to restore microbial diversity. It targets bloating, erratic digestion, gas, and immune support, offering a clean, science-led formulation.

Available at: thegoodbug.com

3. Tata 1mg – Probiotics 30 Billion CFUs with Prebiotic Fibre

For those requiring intensive gut support, this capsule delivers 30 billion CFUs across 14 probiotic strains, combined with prebiotic fibre to nourish beneficial bacteria. Non-GMO and preservative-free, it is particularly suited for post-antibiotic recovery and digestive reinforcement.

Available at: 1mg.com

4. Wellbeing Nutrition – Melts Healthy Gut Oral Strips

A modern alternative to capsules, these fast-dissolving oral strips combine probiotics with Apple Cider Vinegar to support digestion, metabolism, and bowel regularity. Travel-friendly and easy to use, they are ideal for individuals who prefer pill-free supplementation.

Available at: wellbeingnutrition.com

5. Inlife Healthcare – Pre + Probiotic Capsules

A simple and affordable option, these gluten-free and non-GMO capsules combine probiotics with prebiotic fibre to support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall microbiome balance. Suitable for those beginning their gut health journey.

Available at: inlifehealthcare.com

The Bottom Line

Gut health is not a fleeting wellness trend — it is central to immune function, hormonal balance, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Whether you are dealing with bloating, low energy, poor immunity, or mood fluctuations, supporting your gut microbiome could be one of the most impactful health decisions you make this year.

Consistency remains key. Choose the supplement that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, and allow your gut to restore balance from within.

Bhubaneswar, Feb 28: Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA; estd 1961), the country’s leading fully integrated producer of value-added ferro chrome, has announced the completion of the strategic acquisition of Tata Steel Limited’s (TSL) ferro chrome plant in Kalinganagar, Odisha. The transaction is valued at Rs 707.26 crore comprising base consideration of Rs 610 crore along with GST and net working capital, and has been funded entirely from internal accruals. 

Spread across 115 acres in Kalinganagar, the newly-acquired facility consists of four furnaces capable of producing 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) annually which will further increase to 150,000 tpa when the partially built fifth furnace is commissioned in approximately one year.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr Subhrakant Panda, Managing Director, IMFA said: “It is a transformative deal which marks a key milestone in the company’s growth journey. We are committed to creating value for all stakeholders by working towards a smooth and seamless integration which delivers significant operational synergies. Together with our greenfield expansion, it positions us as India’s largest producer of ferro chrome and amongst the foremost globally. We will continue to shape the future of ferro chrome – responsibly, sustainably and ambitiously.”

Chandigarh, Feb 28: AdVITya’26, one of Central India’s flagship techno-cultural college fest at VIT Bhopal, kicked off on February 26, drawing students into a carefully curated mix of technical rigour, gaming intensity and cultural expression. Day 1 opened on a high note of laughter and lived experience as stand-up comic Pranav Sharma took centre stage with Stand-Up Uncut. Mr. Sharma delivered a set that blended campus humour, sharp social observations and relatable storytelling, setting the tone for a festival that refuses to stay within silos.

The festival moved with pace and purpose across disciplines. The tech vertical led from the front, with TechTonic’26, Robo-Mania, Battle Bots, Chakravyuh: Vinash Protocol and Ultron: Learn and Crack pushing participants to code, strategise and build under pressure, while Cyber Carnival: Treasure Hunt, The Blackbox, Hawkathoon, and Rocket League layered logic with live arena energy.

Gaming intensified the momentum through VITB Gamer’s Asylum 6.0, V-RCADE, Imposter Protocol, PLAY IT BIG – Ludo & Ladders and Rush Arena, turning the campus into a charged battleground where leaderboards mattered and teamwork defined outcomes. The entrepreneurial edge came alive at Finance Carnival: Deal or Dominate, demanding negotiation and sharp decision-making, while CTRL+LOL and EvolFEST opened space for wit and experimentation.

Running parallel was a cultural showcase that refused to be an afterthought. Jhalak 26, Rang & Ruckus, Kavya Manch, Padharo Saa 3.0, Haryanvi Heat, Pandora’s House and Upside Down brought dance, poetry, regional pride and immersive storytelling into the spotlight, proving that at VIT Bhopal, innovation and expression thrive side by side.

The crescendo, however, belonged to the music. The much-anticipated Rock A’Blast ignited the stage with raw band energy, building momentum toward the grand Artist Night on 26th February. The 9Teen Band arrived in striking pirate-inspired attire, instantly commanding attention before launching into a vibrant mash-up of old and new Bollywood favourites. Their signature style stitched nostalgia with contemporary beats, turning familiar melodies into high-voltage crowd anthems. It was playful, theatrical and tightly executed, with the audience singing along from the first hook to the final chorus.

Rashmeet Kaur followed with unfiltered energy. Opening with the crowd-favourite Bajre Da Sitta, she set the tempo for a set packed with chartbusters that kept the campus on its feet. Her stage presence was effortless yet commanding, her vocals sharp and immersive. Together, the performances ensured Day 1 closed not quietly, but with a surge of rhythm that continues to echo across AdVITya’26.

While the student competitions across genres roll over to Day 2 and beyond, the artist night on 27th February belongs to Rajasthani folk exponent Jasu Khan Bisu, who brings the desert’s rich musical legacy to VIT Bhopal.