All posts by Neel Achary

education

Ariel University to Confer Honorary Doctorate on Grandmaster Boris Gelfand

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Ariel University to Confer Honorary Doctorate on Grandmaster Boris Gelfand

The Ariel University Senate has resolved to confer an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) upon Grandmaster Boris Gelfand, recognizing a career defined by world-class competitive performance, intellectual leadership, and enduring contribution to Israeli and international chess.

Gelfand is a Chess World Cup winner and a World Chess Championship finalist, widely regarded as one of Israel’s most accomplished chess figures and a leading representative of Israeli excellence on the global stage. 

The conferral ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at Ariel University. 

Professor Ehud Grossman, President of Ariel University, said:

“Boris Gelfand is a benchmark for sustained excellence, disciplined preparation, clear decision-making under pressure. By awarding this Honorary Doctorate, the University is recognizing not only extraordinary achievement, but the broader public value of a life that elevates Israel’s standing in the global arena.” 

Professor Albert Pinhasov, Rector of Ariel University, added:

“For me personally, as a chess player, it’s a great privilege to honor Grandmaster Boris Gelfand, not only for what he has achieved, but for how he has achieved it. Across decades his outstanding results while representing Israel in international arena have inspired both established players and young talents, setting and maintaining the highest standards of this intellectual game. In recent years, Boris has become a close friend of the University, supporting our Annual Memorial Chess Championship. His presence reinforced what chess at its best represents: character, responsibility, and the commitment to carry a heritage forward. Ariel University is proud to confer this Honorary Doctorate in recognition of a legacy that continues to inspire.”

business

Indigo Appoints Ilex Content Strategies as its Marketing and Communications Agency of Record

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London, UK, March 19 – Indigo Telecom Group, a strategic partner for critical digital infrastructure, has appointed Ilex Content Strategies, a global B2B marketing and communications agency, as its marketing and communications agency of record. Ilex will support brand and messaging development, account-based marketing, content creation, internal communications, and Borderless PR as Indigo drives global growth.  

Indigo serves critical digital infrastructure providers, from hyperscalers, subsea networks, cloud and OTT players, carriers and fixed and mobile network providers.  It designs, deploys, supports and scales critical digital infrastructure through a unified global operating model that delivers consistency, control and assured performance across operations.

“Indigo has a proven model for delivering critical infrastructure right first time and at scale. As we accelerate our global growth, it’s essential that our story reflects the quality, maturity and operational excellence our customers experience every day,” said Michel Robert, CEO at Indigo. “Ilex understands complex, technical businesses and how to position them with clarity and confidence. Together, we will sharpen our messaging, strengthen our brand presence, and ensure Indigo is recognised not just for what we do, but for the strategic value we bring to hyperscalers, carriers and digital infrastructure leaders worldwide.”

Ilex will work closely with Indigo’s leadership team to undertake a brand and messaging refresh, undertake international media relations and support account-based marketing and sales enablement. Using its Borderless PR model, Ilex will ensure consistent messaging and maximum return on investment across priority markets, without the need for multiple local agencies.  

“Indigo Telecom plays an important role in the global digital infrastructure landscape, and communicating the scale and complexity of that work requires deep sector understanding,” said Lucia Barbato, CEO and Co-Founder at Ilex Content Strategies. “We’re proud to have been selected as Indigo’s agency of record and look forward to helping the business strengthen its market position, support sales and build momentum internationally.”

Founded in 2012, Ilex Content Strategies works with telecoms, cloud, cybersecurity, data centre and digital infrastructure organisations at key moments of growth, repositioning and market expansion. Its clients range from fast-growing regional specialists to billion-dollar global enterprises. It enables organisations to build credibility, visibility and sustained momentum through strategic communications that ultimately drives sales

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New HP Report Highlights SMB Print Security Gap: 51 percent say security is a low priority while trusting printers by default

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New Delhi, Mar 19th: HP Inc. released The Workflow Wakeup report, which takes a comprehensive look at how everyday technologies, including printers, can help small businesses improve security and prepare for the future of work.

As Indian small and medium businesses (SMBs) modernize their workplaces, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a boardroom priority. However, the Report finds that print security remains a critical gap within many SMB’s cyber defense strategies.  A new study of 200 IT Decision Makers and 600 knowledge workers in India shows that 51% of SMBs say print security is a low priority in cybersecurity strategies.

Ipsita Dasgupta, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, HP India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, said, “As India’s MSMEs digitize and adopt hybrid ways of working, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it is a business risk. To compete globally, our MSMEs need to move toward an ecosystem where security is built in by design and integrated across every touchpoint, from the cloud to devices in the workplace, including printers. As technology partners, we have a critical role to play in helping MSMEs embed security across their technology environments, enabling them to reduce risk and build resilient businesses with confidence.”

Key findings from HP’s SMB study include:

  • Policies don’t work or are bypassed: Over half (52%) of SMBs see users trying to bypass print rules or restrictions, while 52% worry existing document processes could lead to a data or privacy issue. A further 49% lack visibility into who prints what and where, while 40% are unsure if print security meets industry compliance standards.
  • Print security assumed: 75% of knowledge workers assume printers on the office network are secure, while 48% don’t think of printers as a security threat. However, 49% do worry about printing confidential information and the wrong person finding it.

Despite low prioritization, 71% of SMBs acknowledge that print security needs improvement, and 61% frequently worry about the security risks that outdated systems pose. Their top five printer security concerns include:

  1. Cybersecurity risks linked to connected printers
  2. Employees misprinting, misfiling and mishandling sensitive materials
  3. Keeping the organization’s entire fleet of printers secure
  4. Unauthorized access to print files or queues
  5. Cloud vulnerabilities related to scanned documents

The data also suggests these risks are addressable when organizations put the right controls in place. Of SMBs that have adopted smart printing technology, 88% say that smart printing has made their organization more secure. Respondents cite three key reasons: providing clearer visibility into printing and scanning activity across users and locations (90%), meeting compliance and security standards (85%), and enforcing smart rules and restrictions more effectively (83%).

“Printers today operate as connected endpoints within modern IT environments. Without the right visibility, access controls and policy enforcement, they can introduce risk into everyday document workflows. Smart printing technology helps strengthen printer security, enhance compliance, and protect sensitive information — while maintaining operational efficiency”, Satish Kumar, Senior Director,  Print Category, HP India added.


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Vikram Doraiswami Named New Envoy to China

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New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed senior diplomat Vikram Doraiswami as the next Ambassador to China, marking an important diplomatic posting at a time when both countries are working to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.

Doraiswami, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, is currently serving as the Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He is expected to assume his new role in Beijing shortly, according to an announcement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

He will succeed Pradeep Kumar Rawat, who previously held the post.

The appointment comes at a sensitive and significant phase in India–China relations, which have been strained in recent years following the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Both sides have since engaged in gradual diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring dialogue and improving cooperation.

By assigning a seasoned diplomat with extensive international experience, India signals its intent to maintain steady engagement with China while addressing key strategic and economic concerns through diplomatic channels.

Doraiswami’s earlier postings and experience in key global capitals are expected to play an important role as he takes charge of one of India’s most crucial diplomatic assignments.

The Ministry of External Affairs has stated that he will take up his new assignment shortly.

news

Odisha Captain Steers Indian Vessel to Safety Amid Gulf Tensions

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Bolangir: In a story of courage and composure at sea, an Indian gas carrier has safely returned home from the volatile waters of the Middle East, bringing recognition to its Odia captain, Dheeraj Agrawal.

Captain Agrawal, who hails from Kantabanji in Odisha’s Bolangir district, has earned widespread praise for his steady leadership during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. His efforts ensured the safe navigation of the vessel and the well-being of its crew under extremely challenging circumstances.

The Indian gas carrier Nandadevi, along with another vessel, Shivalik, had been caught in a tense situation in the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. The region witnessed escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, leading to restrictions on maritime movement and creating uncertainty for ships operating in the area.

Reports indicate that the narrow sea corridor saw intense military activity, including missile strikes and aerial surveillance, making navigation both risky and unpredictable. Despite these conditions, the Nandadevi successfully charted a safe course and reached the Gujarat coast earlier this week, following diplomatic efforts that helped ease restrictions in the region.

The vessel had set sail from a port in the United Arab Emirates nearly two weeks earlier, before becoming entangled in the unfolding crisis. Throughout the ordeal, Captain Agrawal’s calm decision-making and professional expertise played a crucial role in ensuring that the crew remained safe and the vessel stayed on course.

Back home in Kantabanji, his return has been met with pride and celebration. Family members and well-wishers gathered to welcome the achievement, while messages of appreciation have poured in from across the state.

Born to late Ramesh Chhapadia and Santosh Devi, Agrawal completed his schooling in his hometown before pursuing nautical science in Mumbai. Since 2017, he has been actively serving in India’s maritime sector and is currently associated with the Shipping Corporation of India.

His mother expressed immense joy at his safe return, describing it as a moment of pride for the family. There is also growing excitement over the possibility of him being recognised at the national level, with reports suggesting he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the near future.

Captain Agrawal’s journey stands as a reminder of the resilience and professionalism of Indian seafarers, who often operate far from the spotlight, navigating not just oceans but also moments of global uncertainty.

education

BITS Pilani Alumnus Agendra Kumar Establishes INR 2.5 Crore Fellowship Fund for Interdisciplinary Research

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Mar 19: Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, announced the donation of ₹2.5 crore by Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India and distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1977, to establish the Agendra Kumar Fellowships Fund. The fund will support 10 PhD scholars over the next decade, further strengthening BITS Pilani’s commitment to advancing research and nurturing future innovators.

BITS Pilani Alumnus Agendra Kumar Establishes INR 2.5 Crore Fellowship Fund for Interdisciplinary Research

 The fellowship fund will support purposive and relevant research to advance high-impact through technology and engineering solutions to critical problems in climate & sustainability, healthcare & biotech, cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, geospatial intelligence, water resource management, cancer research using computational methods, and precision agriculture, where BITS researchers can make a meaningful difference.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said,

“Agendra Kumar’s commitment reflects the finest tradition of BITSian giving – purposeful, forward-looking, and rooted in a genuine desire to see the institution grow. PhD research is the engine of long-term innovation, and fellowships of this kind make it possible for talented young researchers to pursue ideas that matter without being held back by financial constraints. We are deeply grateful to him for this generous and well-considered gift.”

Agendra Kumar said,

 “BITS Pilani gave me the foundation to build a career at the intersection of technology and real-world impact. Esri India’s work in geospatial intelligence has shown me, time and again, how research translates into solutions that change lives on the ground and create value. Through these fellowships, I hope to enable the next generation of researchers at BITS to do exactly that – work on problems that matter for India and do so with the freedom and support to think boldly.”

Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean Alumni Relations, said,

 “Agendra Kumar’s fellowship fund is a natural extension of his belief in the power of research to address real challenges. The focus areas he has chosen align closely with the nation’s most urgent priorities, and we are confident that the scholars supported through this fund will go on to make significant contributions by coming out with innovative solutions to critical problems.”

The research shall be undertaken in the aegis of School of Interdisciplinary Research and Entrepreneurship (SIRE) at BITS Pilani, which offers multiple programs for students and faculty. Most notable program is PhD DRIVE, which provides innovators an opportunity to earn a PhD Degree, while working on their deep-tech and deep-science venture.

BITS Pilani has set up a USD 100 million Endowment Fund to support its transformation into a globally ranked institution. The fund is aimed at strengthening faculty excellence, research capacity, student scholarships, and global engagement, with strong support from its worldwide alumni community.

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Basantika Navaratra Begins at Maa Samaleswari Temple Amid Devotion and Festive Fervour

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Thousands of devotees throng Bargarh shrine as rituals mark the spiritual onset of spring festival

Bargarh: The spiritually significant festival of Basantika Navaratra commenced with great devotion at the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple on Thursday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Amavasya.

From early morning, a large number of devotees gathered at the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival that celebrates the divine feminine energy in its various forms. The temple परिसर resonated with chants, conch sounds, and devotional hymns, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality.

On the first day, the presiding deity was adorned as Goddess Shailaputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolising strength and new beginnings. Devotees offered flowers, coconuts, and prayers, while priests conducted elaborate rituals following traditional customs.

A key highlight of the opening day was the lighting of the Akhand Dipa (eternal flame), which will continue to burn throughout the Navaratra period. This sacred ritual signifies uninterrupted devotion and the continuous presence of divine energy.

Rituals and Significance

Basantika Navaratra, observed during the Chaitra month, marks the transition into spring and is considered a time of renewal and spiritual awakening. The festival begins with Kalash Sthapana, invoking the goddess, followed by daily worship of the nine forms of Durga. Devotees often observe fasts, participate in bhajans, and engage in prayers seeking strength, prosperity, and protection.

Each day of the festival carries its own significance, with the goddess worshipped in different forms, reflecting various aspects of power, wisdom, and compassion.

Recent Developments and Arrangements

This year, temple authorities and local administration have made special arrangements to manage the surge in footfall. Crowd management systems, queue arrangements, and safety measures have been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe darshan experience for devotees.

The festival holds deep cultural and religious importance across western Odisha, where Maa Samaleswari is worshipped as a form of the universal mother. The temple, historically associated with the region’s spiritual identity, continues to attract thousands of श्रद्धालु during major festivals like Navaratra. ()

As Basantika Navaratra progresses, the temple is expected to witness even larger gatherings, with devotees coming together in faith, tradition, and celebration—making it not just a religious observance, but a vibrant expression of community and devotion.

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Odisha to Launch Statewide Census Drive from April 16

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Bhubaneswar, March 19: Odisha is set to launch the first phase of its census exercise from April 16, marking a significant step in updating the state’s demographic data. The process will continue until May 15, covering households across the state through a structured and coordinated effort.

During this phase, trained enumerators and supervisors will visit homes to collect detailed information. Officials have emphasized that the exercise will be carried out systematically to ensure accuracy and comprehensive coverage.

Ahead of the field survey, residents will have the option to participate through a self-enumeration process from April 1 to April 15. Using a dedicated online portal, individuals can submit their own details, making the process more convenient and reducing the workload during the physical enumeration phase.

According to Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, Director of the Census Directorate, the initiative combines technology with on-ground efforts to make the census more efficient and accessible. Speaking at a press briefing, he also highlighted efforts to raise public awareness, noting that internationally acclaimed sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarshan Pattnaik has agreed to serve as the brand ambassador for the campaign.

The census operation will be conducted under a well-defined administrative framework. District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners will serve as Principal Census Officers, while Additional District Collectors will take on the role of District Census Officers. At the grassroots level, tahsildars and executive officers of urban local bodies will function as charge officers, overseeing implementation in their respective areas.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has been designated as the nodal department for the exercise. In a notable move, primary school teachers will be deployed as enumerators, while high school teachers will act as supervisors, ensuring both manpower availability and accountability.

Enumerators will collect information by asking household heads a set of 33 questions, covering key socio-economic indicators. Officials believe this data will play a crucial role in shaping future policy decisions and development planning.

Looking ahead, authorities have indicated that the second phase of the census is scheduled for February 2027, which will further build on the data collected during this initial phase.

With preparations in full swing, the state administration is calling on citizens to actively participate—either digitally or in person—to ensure the success of this important exercise.

business

Odisha’s Investment Surge Powers Jobs, Growth, and a Brighter Economic Future

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With fresh approvals worth over ₹4,500 crore and a strong policy push, Odisha is turning industrial investment into real opportunities for its people

Odisha is quietly but confidently reshaping its economic narrative. What was once seen primarily as a resource-rich state is now evolving into a dynamic investment hub—where policy intent is translating into real progress on the ground.

This shift is not accidental. It reflects sustained efforts by the state government to create an environment where businesses can invest with ease and confidence. The results are now visible. In a recent development, the Single Window Clearance Authority approved 23 new projects, bringing in investments exceeding ₹4,500 crore. More importantly, these projects are expected to create employment opportunities for over 10,000 people—an outcome that directly impacts families, communities, and local economies.

Behind these numbers lies a deeper story of governance and reform. Odisha’s focus on simplifying procedures and improving transparency has made a tangible difference. The Single Window system, designed to reduce delays and eliminate complexity, signals a shift toward a more responsive and efficient administration. For investors, this means fewer hurdles; for the state, it means faster execution and stronger industrial momentum.

The Odisha Budget reinforces this direction. By prioritizing infrastructure, industrial growth, and skill development, the government is not just encouraging investment—it is preparing the state to sustain it. Roads, logistics networks, and industrial corridors are being strengthened, while parallel investments in education and training aim to ensure that the workforce is ready for new opportunities.

What makes this growth story particularly meaningful is its human dimension. Industrial expansion is often discussed in terms of capital and output, but in Odisha, it is increasingly about livelihoods. Each new project carries the promise of jobs, stability, and upward mobility for thousands of individuals. The emphasis on skill development further ensures that these opportunities are accessible to the local population, creating a more inclusive growth model.

Odisha’s journey is still unfolding, but the direction is clear. The convergence of investment, policy reform, and employment generation is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and diversified economy. As these projects move from approval to implementation, they will not only strengthen industrial capacity but also deepen the state’s social and economic impact.

In many ways, Odisha today represents a model of steady, purposeful progress—where ambition is matched by execution, and growth is measured not just in numbers, but in the lives it touches.

 
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Modis Navnirman Limited Marks Bhoomi Poojan of ‘Rashmi Avenue’ Mixed-Use Project in Mumbai

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Mumbai, Mar 19: Modis Navnirman Limited announced the successful Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of its upcoming residential and commercial project, Rashmi Avenue, located at Dahisar (West), Mumbai. The ceremony marks the formal commencement of construction for the thoughtfully planned mixed-use development.

Strategically situated at Village Eksar, Kandarpada, Rashmi Avenue is envisioned as a modern, community-centric development spread across approximately 4,836.25 sq. metres. The project will feature 225 residential apartments, 18 commercial shops, and 1 commercial office, catering to the evolving lifestyle and business needs of the locality.

The redevelopment project will replace the existing structure comprising 119 residential flats and 17 commercial shops, enhancing both the functionality and overall value of the space while contributing to the area’s urban transformation.

With its prime location in Dahisar (West), the development offers excellent connectivity to key parts of Mumbai along with proximity to essential social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial hubs, making it an attractive destination for both homebuyers and businesses.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahek Modi, Whole-Time Director & Chief Financial Officer, said,

 “Rashmi Avenue represents our continued focus on redevelopment-led growth and our commitment to transforming existing communities into modern, future-ready living spaces. The Bhoomi Poojan marks an important step forward, and we remain dedicated to delivering high-quality construction, efficient design, and long-term value for our residents and stakeholders.”

Rashmi Avenue further strengthens Modis Navnirman Limited’s expanding footprint in Mumbai’s redevelopment space and reinforces its vision of creating sustainable, well-planned, and community-driven developments.

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