All posts by K S Krishna

Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk, enhances its retail experience with the launch of Kalyan Jewellers. The launch was graced by Bollywood icon Saif Ali Khan, adding excitement to the event. Spanning 6500 sq. ft (approx.), the showroom showcases a fusion of traditional elegance and modern design, offering everything from intricately crafted gold jewellery to certified diamonds and exquisite gemstone pieces.

Kalyan Jewellers is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and diverse collection of gold, diamond, and gemstone jewellery. The brand features an exclusive bridal collection and bespoke services, enabling customers to create personalized pieces that perfectly reflect their style. With its combination of heritage and innovation, the addition of Kalyan Jewellers enhances Omaxe Chowk’s appeal as a top-tier destination for luxury and style.

Jatin Goel, Executive Director of Omaxe Group, said, “Omaxe Chowk resonates with the legacy of Chandni Chowk, where history, culture, and modernity coexist harmoniously. Our vision has always been to create a destination that reflects the rich heritage of this iconic location while offering a contemporary retail experience. The addition of Kalyan Jewellers, a brand celebrated for its craftsmanship and trust, aligns perfectly with this vision and reinforces our commitment to providing the best retail offerings to our visitors.

Omaxe Chowk presents a rich array of premium jewellery brands, including Tanishq, Malabar, Caratlane, Senco, Kisna, and more, making it the ultimate destination for luxury and craftsmanship. Its unique blend of modernity with the timeless heritage of Chandni Chowk continues to attract both locals and tourists alike. The addition of Kalyan Jewellers further strengthens Omaxe Chowk’s reputation as a premier retail hub in Delhi, offering an unparalleled shopping experience for jewellery enthusiasts.

January: The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, inaugurated the 1st Edition of Indusfood AgriTech and the 4th Edition of Indusfood Manufacturing at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi today. Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman TPCI, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman IEML, Smt. Monika Gauba, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Shri Vijay Kumar Gauba, Additional Director General, TPCI, along with the distinguished guests, industry leaders, and buyers from all over the world were present during the inauguration.

The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in his address said, “As a nation focused primarily on agricultural production, India is rapidly evolving into a global hub for value added food products.” He credited this evolution to the various supportive government policies in place across the food production value chain in India. This have created a strong ecosystem of modern infrastructure, robust supply chains, and employment generation in the food processing sector, altogether acting as a vital bridge between agriculture and industry.

Shri Prasada during his address stated that, “This platform, Indusfood Manufacturing and Indusfood AgriTech highlights India’s growing expertise in cutting edge processing machinery, sustainable packaging solutions, and innovative food ingredients, aligning with global demands of quality and efficiency.”

The Minister emphasized the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to make India the global basket, wherein every dining table in the world contains at least one Made in India food product.

Shri Prasada also highlighted the pivotal role that artificial intelligence and data analytics can play in transforming the Indian food processing and manufacturing industries by revolutionizing supply chains, optimizing logistics, and offering data driven business insights.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Shri Mohit Singla, Chairman TPCI noted that, “Agriculture is the highest contributor of India’s GDP and thus plays an important role in the wellbeing of the nation. It is vital to gather and bring all existing and upcoming technology, innovations and partnerships across the world to the industry, and it is with this thought that the farm-to-fork concept was established. In accordance with this, the complete chain of agriculture, manufacturing and finished food has been established by the Indusfood chain of three concurrent yet distinguished events.”

Shri Singla invited all participants to use this platform to share knowledge, ideas and partnerships, and create more business opportunities.

Shri Vijay Kumar Gauba, Additional Director General, TPCI, concluded the inaugural event by stating that, “Let us leave with a renewed commitment to advancing the frontiers of food manufacturing and agritech. Together we can create a future that is not only economically advanced, but also sustainable and inclusive.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chairman IEML, in his address noted that, “What makes Indusfood Manufacturing 2025 unique is its ability to bridge the gap between visionaries, technologists, and other key players. It is a platform where the passion for quality meets the ambition for growth. From cutting edge startups to global giants, this event caters to all who are driving not just innovation but also economic growth.”

In his address, Dr. Kumar also stated the combined efforts of TPCI and IEML to spread the word about these revolutionary exhibitions, domestically, internally and even on the grassroot level, to bring together key players, buyers and exhibitors from the respective industries, under one roof and pave the way for fostering new partnerships.

Indusfood AgriTech and Indusfood Manufacturing are concurrent shows under the Indusfood banner. With these exhibitions, in amalgamation with the 8th edition of Indusfood 2025 being held at Expo Centre, Greater Noida, the complete value chain from agriculture and processing to finished food Is established.

January 13, 2025: The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) felicitated His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Titular Head of the Mysuru Royal family Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mysuru & Kodagu Constituency coinciding with their Management Committee meeting held in Mysuru.

The Office Bearers of BCIC, Mr. Vineet Verma, President, Mr. Prashant Gokhale, Sr. Vice President, Mr. K Ravi, Vice President & Dr. S Devarajan, Imm Past President felicitated His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

While thanking BCIC for his felicitation, His Highness Sri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar shared a glimpse of invaluable contribution of Wadiyar dynasty to the Country and the State which still stands testimony of their initiatives in education, CSR, preservation of culture & national heritage and social causes.

While appreciating the activities of BCIC towards enabling industry friendly initiatives, His Highness urged the Chamber and its members to work towards the country’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.

Mr. Vineet Verma, President, BCIC expressed his gratitude to His Highness for gracefully accepting the Chamber’s request to be the Hon. Patron Member of BCIC. He further said that BCIC is blessed & will benefit by Maharaja’s guidance to make Karnataka the most preferred destination for investment & growth of Industry.

Mr. Verma emphasized on the Chamber closely working with the office of His Highness towards strategic alliance in developing and implementing programmes across diverse initiatives in making Karnataka the most sought investment destination.

The meeting was attended by Industry Captains from Bangalore, senior management representatives from member companies in Mysuru and Office Bearers of Mysuru Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

January 13, 2025 – IIT Roorkee has recently signed three significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), all aimed at driving transformative initiatives in craft revitalization, tourism, and public art. These collaborations align with the Institute’s broader vision of integrating design, technology, and culture to create societal impact and foster sustainable development.

One of the key MoUs, signed with the IGNCA (Ministry of Culture), for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design (ABCD), specifically targets Craft Incubation and Revitalization. This initiative, particularly concentrating on the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, aims to empower local artisans, preserve traditional crafts, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Through innovative design techniques and cultural storytelling, IIT Roorkee and IGNCA are working to create a unique ecosystem that blends tradition with modernity. This partnership is aligned with national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, and will help drive community-led development while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration reflects IIT Roorkee’s commitment to integrating academia, government, and local communities to foster socio-economic growth.

In another significant partnership with UTDB, IIT Roorkee has contributed to the Revitalizing Tourism in Uttarakhand through Unique and Culturally Rich Designs project. The collaboration focused on creating G20 creatives that highlighted the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty of the state during India’s G20 Presidency. These creatives, which gained visibility across social and print media, served to create a distinctive visual identity for Uttarakhand, helping to elevate the state as a premier tourist destination. This project exemplifies how government-academia collaborations can harness transdisciplinary design to promote tourism and sustainable livelihoods, benefiting both the local communities and the nation as a whole.

Additionally, IIT Roorkee’s ongoing partnership with UTDB focuses on the development of a Public Art Project in Uttarakhand. The project aims to create public art installations in five key locations across the state: Danya Bazaar in Almora, Thal in Pithoragarh, Bhateliya and Chhoti Haldwani in Nainital, and Jauljibi in Pithoragarh. The project intends to reflect each location’s cultural ethos, natural beauty, and historical significance, establishing a unique identity for these areas. The installation of visually captivating public art will not only engage local communities but also attract tourists, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the region.

These three MoUs, championed by the Department of Design (under the headship of Prof. Apurbba Sharma and Prof. Inderdeep Singh), and initiated by Prof. Smriti Saraswat demonstrate IIT Roorkee’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, government, and local communities to drive sustainable development. These initiatives are exemplary illustrations of bringing diverse stakeholders together; telling immersive stories through transdisciplinary overlaps and narrative design; creating unique identity for the Himalayan State of Uttarakhand, focusing on tourism, through diverse lenses, such as – craft; culture; architecture; design; sustainable livelihoods; smart villages; and, vibrant villages.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “These MoUs reflect IIT Roorkee’s commitment to leveraging innovation, culture, and technology to advance societal goals. Initiatives like craft revitalization, public art, and culturally rich designs underscore our alignment with national priorities such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Dekho Apna Desh, and Vocal for Local. By fostering collaborations between academia, government, and local communities, we aim to preserve heritage, empower artisans, and promote tourism, contributing meaningfully to the sustainable development of Uttarakhand and the nation.”

Through these initiatives, IIT Roorkee continues to make strides in merging tradition with innovation, with the goal of empowering local communities, preserving heritage, and driving the sustainable development of Uttarakhand. The Institute’s continued collaboration with UTDB and IGNCA represents a model for how universities can partner with government and industry to create lasting societal impact.

January 13, 2024: Northeast India’s largest dairy cooperative, Purabi Dairy, organized a pre-Magh Bihu celebration at its state-of-the-art dairy processing plant in Panjabari, Guwahati on Saturday.

On the occasion, Purabi Dairy outlined its ambitious plans for the development of Assam’s dairy sector in 2025. Addressing the media persons during the event, West Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (WAMUL) Managing Director Sameer Kumar Parida, highlighted the different initiatives taken by the dairy cooperative to strengthen the dairy-based economy of the state.

“Purabi Dairy has been at the forefront of farmer empowerment and sustainable development. We have been consistently working to improve milk production, provide fair remuneration to farmers, and offer quality dairy products to our consumers. Our focus is to create a robust and self-sufficient dairy ecosystem in Assam,” said WAMUL Managing Director Sameer Kumar Parida.

He thanked the Assam government for the important Cabinet decisions taken on January 10 for the upliftment of the dairy sector.

The Assam Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, on January 10 took some important decisions related to the dairy sector in the state.

After the meeting, chief minister Sarma shared that approval was given for two new milk processing plants in Jorhat and Dibrugarh with a capacity of 100 thousand litre per day (TLPD) each, worth Rs 150 crore. Also, two similar plants are also being planned in Dhemaji and Cachar in the coming days.

In a bid to boost the livelihood of thousands of dairy farmers of the state, the Assam Cabinet also approved an incentive of Rs 5 per litre through Direct benefit Transfer (DBT) for dairy farmers who sell their produce through cooperative societies.

The chief minister said the initiative will benefit farmers associated with dairy cooperatives like Purabi (WAMUL and EAMUL), among others.

The Purabi Dairy official further mentioned several new initiatives for 2025, including the expansion of milk procurement networks, and introduction of newer products. Parida emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of thousands of dairy farmers associated with WAMUL and increasing their income through capacity-building programmes and better market linkages.

As Magh Bihu celebrates the harvest season, the approval of the state cabinet for Rs 5/- per kg as an incentive to cooperative dairy farmers, has brought cheers to all the milk pourers of Purabi. We are thankful to the state government and especially our Honourable Chief Minister. This decision will go a long way in strengthening the cooperative dairy sector in Assam. With unwavering support from the Government of Assam and guidance from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Purabi has emerged as a trusted and beloved brand. “We now have the East Assam Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union Ltd (EAMUL) following a similar path of transformation in the lines of WAMUL. With a new dairy sanctioned for Silchar, by the Govt of Assam, development activities under the Purabi umbrella is slated to be taken up in Barak Valley as well. The North East Dairy and Foods Ltd (NEDFL), a joint venture between the Government of Assam and NDDB, is set to add new wings to Purabi’s journey ahead by integrating all these cluster cooperatives,” said Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director, NEDFL.

During the celebration, Purabi Dairy showcased its diverse range of dairy products, including curd, cream, flavored milk, lassi, ice cream, and more. These dairy products, which pair perfectly with traditional Assamese pitha and jolpaan, added to the festive aroma. Purabi products have become a must-have during Bihu celebrations over the years.

The pre-Magh Bihu event also included cultural performances. Attendees expressed their appreciation for Purabi Dairy’s efforts in creating a positive impact on rural livelihoods and the state’s economy.

Purabi Dairy has been pivotal in transforming Assam’s dairy sector by promoting modern practices, improving milk quality, and fostering farmer-centric growth. The cooperative’s vision for 2025 includes making Assam a leading dairy hub in Eastern India while contributing significantly to the nation’s dairy industry.

The event concluded with a festive spirit, symbolizing the unity and resilience of Assam’s dairy farming community, and a promise from Purabi Dairy to continue driving innovation and progress in the years to come.

13th Jan 2025: In a pioneering initiative that underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and community well-being, IHCL Goa Resorts has partnered with Bisleri International on their inspiring ‘Bench of Dreams’ project. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with IHCL’s forward-thinking Paathya framework, which focuses on sustainability, social impact, and creating holistic experiences for guests and the larger community.

The partnership between IHCL Goa Resorts and Bisleri International reflects a mutual vision of promoting a sustainable future. The ‘b’ project involves the creation and installation of benches crafted entirely from recycled plastic. This initiative highlights a strong commitment to reducing plastic waste while delivering meaningful community impact. Each bench stands as a symbol of environmental responsibility and serves as a functional asset for guests at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.

Commenting on the collaboration, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, in Goa, said, “Sustainability is at the core of IHCL’s Paathya initiatives, and our collaboration with Bisleri International exemplifies our dedication to creating tangible change. Through the ‘Bench of Dreams’ project, we aim to inspire individuals and organizations to think innovatively about recycling and to join us in building a greener tomorrow.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “At Bisleri International, we are honoured to partner with IHCL on our ‘Bench of Dreams’ initiative. This project highlights our commitment to closing the loop in plastic waste management and showcases how innovative solutions can drive sustainable development and a circular economy. Through this collaboration, IHCL and Bisleri International invite all stakeholders, guests, and residents to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we aspire to create a future where sustainability is an integral part of everyday life.”

Crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottle caps, the benches are a testament to hope, responsibility, and collective progress. Adding to their aesthetic appeal, the benches feature backdrops painted by artists from Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). The initiative leverages Bisleri International’s expertise in plastic recycling and IHCL Goa Resorts’ commitment to sustainable practices, delivering a product that is environmentally friendly and community-centric.

Strategically placed in prominent locations across Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, these benches not only provide functional seating solutions but also create awareness among in-house guests and staff about the importance of recycling and reducing environmental impact.

13 January 2025: The DP World ILT20 Season 3, broadcasting exclusively on ZEE launched in spectacular fashion at the Dubai International Stadium. The star-studded trio of Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa headlined a blockbuster opening ceremony as fans packed the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ for the double-entertainment offer – opening ceremony and the tournament opener – for the region’s premier T20 tournament.

The festivities culminated in a stunning fireworks display signalling the start of the season. Bollywood actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and popular host Ridhima Pathak kept the crowd engaged as emcees for the evening.

Following the opening ceremony, anticipation soared for the season opener that will see Dubai Capitals host defending champions, MI Emirates in a thrilling rematch of last year’s final. The opening ball of the season was bowled at 8:45 pm IST with MI Emirates winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.

Audiences from around the world can catch the action live on the Zee Network and its syndication partners through both linear and digital platforms.

Commenting on the ceremony, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue – Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited, said, “The electrifying opening of the DP World ILT20 Season 3 exceeded all expectations! We’re incredibly proud to have brought this thrilling fusion of world-class cricket and entertainment to fans worldwide. The combination of superstar performances, nail-biting cricket, and the passion of fans watching on ZEE platforms resulted in unforgettable evening. It has solidified our intent to deliver premium sports and entertainment content. We are now excited to see what the rest of this season holds.”

Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on ZEE’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD. It’s also free to view on one of India’s leading OTT platform – ZEE5.

The month-long cricket fest will see some of the world’s finest cricketers in action, including Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Sikandar Raza (Dubai Capitals), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), James Vince (Gulf Giants), Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Phil Salt (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sharjah Warriorz), Sam Curran (Desert Vipers), Jake Fraser-McGurk (Dubai Capitals), Tim David (Gulf Giants), Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), and Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants)

January 13, 2025: The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) today awarded the winners of the Infosys Prize 2024 at a felicitation ceremony in Bengaluru. In its 16th year, the prize changed the eligibility criteria and is recognizing researchers under the age of 40, underscoring the importance of early recognition for exceptional talent. The winners were conferred the prize for their stellar contributions across six categories—Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. The winners were felicitated by Chief Guest Prof. Peter Sarnak, Gopal Prasad Professor of Mathematics, Institute for Advanced Study, and Eugene Higgins Professor of Mathematics, Princeton University, with a pure gold medal, a citation, and a prize purse of USD 100,000.

The event was attended by distinguished scientists and academicians from around the globe, business leaders, young researchers, and students. Trustees of the Infosys Science Foundation—Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan (President, Board of Trustees), Mr. Narayana Murthy, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Mr. Srinath Batni, Mr. K. Dinesh, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, Mr. Mohandas Pai, Mr. Salil Parekh, and Mr. S.D. Shibulal were present at the award ceremony.

Commenting on the occasion, Chief Guest Prof. Peter Sarnak, said, “It is a great honor for me to be part of the Infosys Prize 2024 ceremony recognizing the achievements of these young scholars whose brilliant research has advanced and helped shape their fields from mathematics, physics and computer science to the life sciences, economics, social sciences and humanities. Over the years I have witnessed firsthand the immense talent and impact of Indian mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists and as clear from the descriptions of this year’s prize winners this tradition extends across all these disciplines and to all of the 2024 prize winners. The annual recognition of such world leading scholars by the Infosys Science Foundation is an inspiration to students both in India and globally.”

Highlighting the new direction, Kris Gopalakrishnan, President, of Infosys Science Foundation, said, “As the Infosys Prize marks its 16th year, we are proud to celebrate early career researchers whose work embodies the progress and potential of science today. Recognizing early-career talent is crucial for driving innovation and inspires the next generation to address the challenges of tomorrow. This year’s laureates have demonstrated exceptional dedication and ingenuity, contributing solutions to critical global challenges. Their achievements highlight the strength of the scientific ecosystem and reaffirm our belief that science is on the right path to creating a better, more sustainable future. In an attempt to establish meaningful research collaborations, from this year onwards we have asked winners from outside India to spend a month in Indian institutions of their choosing as part of a new Infosys Prize Residency program.”

As part of the Infosys Prize Residency program, a laureate of the Infosys Prize in any category, not residing in India, is required to spend 30 days of their choosing in the calendar year following the announcement of the award in an Indian institution of their choice. This is done with an aim to encourage collaboration among the laureates and the science community in India.

On January 10, the fourth edition of the Infosys Prize Winners’ Symposium was held at the Taj West End. The laureates presented their award-winning work to an invited audience of their peers and senior members of academia.

The winners were chosen by jury panels headed by eminent academics: Prof. Jayathi Y. Murthy (President, Oregon State University) for Engineering and Computer Science; Prof. Akeel Bilgrami (Columbia University) for Humanities and Social Sciences; Prof. Mriganka Sur (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) for Life Sciences; Prof. Chandrashekhar Khare (University of California, Los Angeles) for Mathematical Sciences; Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni (California Institute of Technology) for Physical Sciences; and Prof. Kaushik Basu (Cornell University) for Economics.

The winners of the Infosys Prize 2024 in the six categories are:

Economics

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Economics is awarded to Arun Chandrasekhar, Professor, Department of Economics, Stanford University, for his contribution to the study of social and economic networks, using innovative data sets and drawing on theoretical methods from machine learning and computer science. His collection and mapping of networks data, from multiple villages in Karnataka, provides a testbed for studying important questions in development economics. Prof. Chandrasekhar’s work sheds light on the role of networks in the functioning of modern economy. His work provides critical ingredients for better policy making.

Engineering and Computer Science

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Engineering and Computer Science is awarded to Shyam Gollakota, Professor, School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington for his impactful research and technology translation spanning multiple engineering domains in societally relevant areas such as smartphone-based affordable healthcare tools for low- and middle-income countries, battery-free computing and communication, and augmentation of human auditory sensing with artificial intelligence.

Humanities and Social Sciences

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Humanities and Social Sciences is awarded to Mahmood Kooria, Lecturer, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, for his truly outstanding and seminal contributions to the study of maritime Islam in a global perspective, with particular focus on Kerala in the pre-modern and early modern eras. His pioneering studies have revealed the role of Islamic law in shaping economic, political, and cultural transformations on the Indian Ocean littoral.

Life Sciences

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Life Sciences is awarded to Siddhesh Kamat, Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, for his discoveries concerning bioactive lipids and their receptors, and their metabolic and signaling pathways. His research, using advanced methods to understand the function of lipids, a key component of cells, has important implications for understanding the role of these molecules in a range of cellular functions and human diseases.

Mathematical Sciences

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Mathematical Sciences is awarded to Neena Gupta, Professor in the Theoretical Statistics and Mathematics Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, for her work on the Zariski Cancellation Problem, a fundamental problem in algebraic geometry first posed in 1949 by Oscar Zariski, one of the founders of modern algebraic geometry. In 2014, she proved the striking result that Asanuma’s 3-dimensional affine variety yields a negative answer to Zariski’s original Cancellation Problem in positive characteristic.

Physical Sciences

The Infosys Prize 2024 in Physical Sciences is awarded to Vedika Khemani, Associate Professor in the Physics Department at Stanford University, who has made wide-ranging and groundbreaking contributions to theoretical and experimental non-equilibrium quantum matter, most notably the discovery of time-crystals. This could have important implications for the future of quantum computing and other technologies.

13th January 2025: Stovekraft, India’s leading provider of home, kitchen, and lighting solutions, is delighted to announce a unique franchise opportunity with its flagship brand – Pigeon; to offer aspiring entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to join the retail sector through an innovative, zero-capital-expenditure (COFO) model and Franchise Owned and Operated (FOFO) model designed to maximize profitability while minimizing capex invested.

The Pigeon franchise models offer a highly attractive proposition and franchisees can expect a payback period of less than 2 years, thanks to a simple investment and earnings structure. With no/limited upfront investment required for store interiors, furniture, or branding, and all stocks are provided on a consignment basis, the model ensures a risk-free entry into the retail market. The company also supports franchisees with property selection, staff training, and comprehensive 360-degree marketing efforts, including digital campaigns. This model is focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, and fostering financial independence while providing the necessary support to ensure seamless management and success.

“Pigeon’s franchise model is a testament to our commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and expanding our brand footprint across the country,” said Mr. Rajendra Gandhi, Managing Director of Stove Kraft Limited. “By offering a zero/low-capex, high-margin opportunity, we aim to make business ownership accessible while driving Pigeon’s reach across the country. Together, we can bring innovative and affordable kitchen solutions to every Indian home.”

With a strong focus on customer experience, product quality, and brand excellence, Pigeon’s franchise model offers a compelling proposition for those looking to establish a successful business venture. Franchisees can achieve quick breakeven and sustained profitability, making it an attractive proposition for anyone looking to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.

Mayank Gupta, Chief Growth Officer of Stove Kraft Limited, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, saying, “The Pigeon franchise opportunity is more than just a business model; it’s a partnership. We are offering aspiring entrepreneurs the tools, guidance, and support needed to build a thriving retail business. Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs and business partners to deliver exceptional customer experiences while building a successful and sustainable business. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark in the kitchen solutions industry.”

Pigeon launched its first store in June 2022 and impressively reached its 100th store milestone in under 14 months. Today, the company proudly operates 227 stores across the country. Through this initiative, Pigeon seeks to further expand its presence to new cities while empowering individuals to achieve success as business owners.

January 13, 2025:Hyderabad Youth Chapter of PURE – People for Urban and Rural Education, NGO launched in a brief function held at Prestige Royal Wood Club House in Kismathpur in city on Saturday morning.

The event marked a significant milestone as young leaders gathered to ignite a movement for social change. Led by Mentor Ms. Raghavi Reddy and Director Krish Kore, an enthusiastic 6th grader, this chapter joins a network of over 50 PURE Youth Chapters worldwide.

Several youth and their parents Kallem Raghava Reddy, Rakesh Reddy, Santosh Kumar, Veena Reddy, and Sameera Nimmagadda joined in the launch.

The launch event was graced by esteemed Chief Guest Dr. Archana Ravikiran, renowned for her pioneering work in pediatric palliative care.

Dr. Shyla Talluri, Founder and CEO of PURE, also addressed the gathering, inspiring the young Ambassadors with her vision of fostering empathy, leadership, diversity, innovation, sustainability, and social impact.

It is the first chapter in Telangana, second in India and 51st in the world said Ms. Shyla Talluri, founder and CEO of PURE.

The Chapter goals are aligned with United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 500 plus members across these 46 chapters are sensitised about SDGs, she said.

Each of these chapters works on three local projects, mingling with local communities. They will also be involved in one national and one international project each year. Thus we provide them an opportunity to learn by doing.

As part of the international project couple chapters will be taken to World Economic Forum to be held this month from January 20 to 24th at Davos, Ms Shyla Talluri stated.

PURE Youth Chapters, designed for leaders aged 11 to 18, align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), providing a platform for Ambassadors to address pressing social issues and develop practical solutions. Many PURE Youth Ambassadors have distinguished themselves as TEDx speakers, representatives at global forums like One Young World, and recipients of prestigious awards.

PURE is a volunteer-led organization. Founded by an NRI, Ms. Shyla Talluri, founder and CEO, PURE focuses on Education, Girl children, Shelter homes, Special Assistance, Indigenous populations, Livelihoods and Youth leadership. It works in India and the USA. It has made footprints in Uganda, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Kenya, Barbados, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago.

PURE has impacted over 100,000 children and 500 public schools in India, with influence in numerous other countries – and counting.

On the occasion a repurposed Laptop was presented to a poor girl Marampelli Madhumitha who is pursuing Diploma in Polytechnic at Princeton Institute of Engineering Technology for Women studying in second year in Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning(AIML)diploma. The girl parents could not be able to provide her a laptop. PURE has come forward and donated the second hand hi-end laptop.

Madhumita the recipient said it would go a long way in the empowerment of the girl students from rural Telangana.

Many companies have unused devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones or desktops in usable condition. Such devices, if donated, can be repurposed and put to good use. Such devices will enable online education for children from low-income backgrounds said Venkat, uncle and the guardian of Madhumita.