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Mumbai, June 2, 2025: This World No Tobacco Day, witness an extraordinary movement led by over 70 adolescent changemakers from the slums of Mumbai. Dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, Munna Bhai, and Circuit, these young leaders are taking to the streets with a powerful message rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence) — using nukkad nataks (street plays) to challenge the deceptive marketing tactics.

These performances are a direct response to the World Health Organization’s 2025 theme for World No Tobacco Day. Through compelling street theatre in 20 underserved communities across Mumbai, the young crusaders are raising awareness about how children and youth are targeted by flashy, misleading advertisements and marketing tricks.

Navin, 15, a Grade 9 Government School student, shares: “Growing up, I saw tobacco all around me in my community. The advertisements were so flashy and tempting. Even I found them interesting. But when a Didi from Salaam Bombay Foundation visited our school, she explained the ill-effects of tobacco. That session broke our ignorance. My friends and I decided that we must raise awareness amongst our community as well. We chose the path of Gandhigiri and Ahimsa, using street plays to raise our voices and educate those around us.”

These plays are not just performances; they are acts of adolescent-led change, education and honed life skills.

Tshering Bhutia, Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Vice President of the Preventive Health Education Programme at Salaam Bombay Foundation, expressed her pride in the students:

“These nukkad nataks are entirely student-led. We are incredibly proud of these young leaders who are turning awareness into action. They are stepping up with purpose, performing powerful dramas that spark conversations and promote healthier choices across their communities.”

Hyderabad, May 30, 2025: His Excellency Dr. Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hyderabad for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, attended the Astana International Forum 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan, as an invited delegate of H.E. Serik Zhumangarin, Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Inaugurated by H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, the Forum convened over 5,000 participants from 50 countries, including more than 80 Heads of State, Ministers, and CEOs, under the theme “Connecting Minds, Shaping the Future.” The platform fostered global dialogue on security, economic transformation, sustainable development, and climate action.

During his visit, Dr. Khan met with his close associate Mr. Yousuf Aljawder, Chairman of Astana International Airport, to discuss the proposed expansion of Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and the launch of direct flights between Hyderabad and Kazakhstan. Both sides acknowledged the strategic importance of strengthening air connectivity to support trade, tourism, and investment.

It was also noted that Astana International Airport has entered into a 25-year operational agreement with Terminal Holding UAE, which is investing USD 1.1 billion to develop and modernize the airport. Additionally, GMR Airport, operator of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, has expressed strong interest in initiating direct flight operations to Kazakhstan.

Dr. Khan praised Kazakhstan’s leadership for hosting a visionary global platform and reaffirmed his commitment to further enhancing Indo-Kazakh relations across sectors.

Gaya, Bihar, 30th May, 2025 – A Microfinance Awareness Program was organized today by SAVE Microfinance (an NBFC-MFI recognized by the Reserve Bank of India) at the auditorium of SAVE Tower, Asha Singh Mod, Gaya. The event aimed to spread awareness about responsible borrowing and the importance of financial literacy among women.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Nikita Kumari, Senior Deputy Collector (Banking), Gaya, emphasized the importance of building a strong credit history by repaying loans on time. She stated that timely repayments enable borrowers to continue receiving financial support in the future, which contributes significantly to improving their economic and social well-being. She also shared details about various government schemes and appreciated the efforts of MFIN and microfinance institutions. Ms. Kumari urged women to take loans strictly based on their needs and repayment capacity.

Mr. Dinesh Bahadur Singh, Station House Officer of Rampur Police Station, Gaya, was also present as a guest and educated the attendees on how to protect themselves from digital fraud.

Mr. Ajeet Kumar Singh, Co-founder and Managing Director of SAVE Group, expressed gratitude to all participants and dignitaries. He remarked, “At SAVE Microfinance, we are committed to empowering rural women by connecting them with income-generating opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.”

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Regional Head of MFIN (Microfinance Institutions Network), informed the audience that 31 RBI-regulated microfinance companies are currently operating in Gaya district. He said, “Financial literacy is a vital part of every individual’s life. Through such initiatives, we aim to help people achieve their financial goals.”

He also warned the audience about unauthorized agents spreading misleading information in recent times and urged them to be cautious. In case of any grievances, customers were advised to contact the customer grievance number mentioned on their loan card.

The program witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 150 women from various blocks of Gaya district, along with representatives from different financial institutions.

This event was a meaningful step toward creating financially empowered and informed women in rural communities.

By Surinder Bhagat, Founder and CEO, Gigin AI

In today’s jobs market, job seekers require protection in addition to their ambition. Thousands of prospective employees are being deceived, taken advantage of, and cheated out of their money as employment scams proliferate on sites like LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and obscure job boards. Job searching has become an emotionally and financially risky process due to the increase in phishing tactics, impersonating recruiters, and fraudulent job postings. This is especially true for blue- and grey-collar workers who are already dealing with uncertainty.

But quietly and powerfully, AI is becoming their shield.

From identifying fake job postings in real time to automating employer verification and learning from community feedback, AI is no longer just a tool for hiring—it’s a safeguard for job seekers.

Here are five ways artificial intelligence is changing the game in fraud prevention—making the job search safer, smarter, and more human.

1. AI-Powered Job Posting Scanners

Fraudulent listings often share red flags: possible grammatical errors, inflated salaries for minimal work, or requests for upfront payments. AI tools now can analyze job descriptions in real-time using Natural Language Processing (NLP), cross-checking employer details against verified databases. For instance, if a post claims to represent an established company but uses a generic email domain (@gmail.com), the system can flag it instantly. AI algorithms can also learn from historical scam patterns—like past “resume fee” scam incidents and reports—to pre-emptively block similar cons.

2. Automated Employer Verification

Impersonation of legitimate companies remains a prevalent tactic in job scams across India. Recently, a group of fraudsters duped over 1,000 individuals by posing as recruiters for one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, utilizing forged documents and fake email IDs to lend credibility to their fraudulent offers. To combat such deceptive practices, AI-driven systems can now perform layered verification checks: matching company domains with official websites, validating tax identification numbers, and scanning employee review platforms for inconsistencies. If a purported recruiter cannot provide a corporate email or lacks an online professional footprint, these AI systems can promptly flag or suspend the profile for further investigation. This automation accelerates the verification process, reducing the time from days to mere minutes, and minimizes human error or bias.

3. Phishing Email Detection

Job seekers are frequently targeted through deceptive emails that appear to be from legitimate companies but are designed to steal personal or financial information. These may include fake interview invitations, urgent document submission requests, or fraudulent job offers. AI systems trained specifically for recruitment and employment contexts now monitor these communications in real time. They analyze sender domains, flag mismatches between display names and actual email addresses, detect suspicious URLs or attachments, and recognize psychological manipulation tactics like urgency or threats (“Submit your Aadhar number within 24 hours to avoid disqualification”). Unlike generic spam filters, these AI tools are calibrated to spot red flags unique to hiring workflows—making them more effective in preventing phishing attempts before they escalate.

4. Behavioral Analysis in Interviews

AI can spot scam interviews by analyzing behavioral patterns. Virtual meetings where the “interviewer” keeps their camera off, avoids skill-based questions, or offers a job too quickly (common in “money mule” scams) trigger warnings. AI platforms can also transcribe interviews to flag inconsistent responses (for instance, a company’s representative who can’t name the company’s core products). These subtle cues—often missed by humans—are quantifiable red flags for AI.

5. Community-Driven Fraud Prevention

As scammers adopt new techniques, AI-powered platforms stay one step ahead by learning from real-time user feedback. Every time a job seeker flags a suspicious message— e.g., a recruiter asking for passport scans prematurely or the recent case where credit card was mentioned as a prerequisite —the system treats it as valuable training data. This feedback is fed into machine learning models, enabling them to recognize emerging scam trends early and act preventively. Over time, this creates a community-shield effect: the more job seekers contribute by reporting red flags, the smarter and more responsive the AI becomes—protecting thousands of others from falling into the same traps.

Employment scams exploit the job seekers that are striving to change their life, but AI is shifting the balance. By combining real-time detection, employer vetting, and collective vigilance, AI platforms are making job searches safer. As threats grow, so will the tech—because landing a role shouldn’t mean risking your security.

Vijayawada: 28th May, 2025: In a remarkable display of medical expertise and teamwork, a 32-week preterm baby weighing just 1.6 kg, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition—Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)—was successfully treated and discharged in stable condition from Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Vijayawada.

The chest region contains vital organs such as the heart and lungs, while the abdomen holds organs involved in digestion, including the liver, spleen, and intestines. The chest and abdomen are separated by a sheet-like muscle called the diaphragm. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a serious birth defect in which a baby is born with an underdeveloped or defective diaphragm. This defect allows the intestines to move into the chest cavity, interfering with lung development. The condition carries a high risk of mortality, especially in preterm and low birth weight babies.

Despite the odds, the skilled medical team at Ankura Hospital rose to the challenge. The Neonatology team—Dr. Raja Ashok, Dr. Indusree, and Dr. Srimukhi—along with the dedicated NICU nursing staff, worked tirelessly to medically stabilize the baby, providing expert neonatal intensive care. Once stabilized, Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Varunkumar M performed the delicate and high-risk surgery to repair the diaphragmatic defect. The baby was safely delivered by Dr. Sowmya from the Obstetrics team.

Equally vital to the success of the surgery was the expert anesthesia management by Dr. Nagaraj, whose careful handling of the delicate anesthetic requirements in such a high-risk new-born made the operation both possible and safe. The baby responded well to both medical and surgical interventions and made a steady recovery. After weeks of dedicated care, the infant was discharged in a healthy and stable condition.

The parents expressed profound gratitude to the entire team at Ankura Hospital. “We are overwhelmed with joy and relief. Watching our baby recover and return home safely is nothing short of a miracle,” they said.

This case highlights the exceptional capabilities of the neonatal and pediatric surgical team at Ankura Hospital, reaffirming their commitment to delivering advanced care even in the most critical and challenging neonatal conditions.

Ankura Hospital has a multidisciplinary team with dedicated services for women and children. The hospital offers a wide range of pediatric and women’s health services, committed to providing compassionate and specialized care for both women and children.

Pune, May 28th, 2025: In the face of rising cross-border cyber threats and increasing digital footprint among citizens, Quick Heal Technologies Limited, India’s most trusted name in cybersecurity, has announced a strategic move to offer its flagship fraud prevention solution AntiFraud.AI’s Freemium version. This bold and timely decision comes amid heightened cyber warfare activity, especially in the backdrop of escalating India-Pakistan tensions, where the digital front is as critical as the physical.

Amongst a host of features, AntiFraud.AI’s unique ability to detect not only malicious apps that are visible on the phone but also hidden or “invisible” apps sets it apart in the cybersecurity landscape. These hidden apps often operate without the user’s awareness and are commonly exploited in phishing, spyware, and financial fraud attacks. AntiFraud.AI alerts users about such apps, and helps them take corrective actions, making it an essential layer of defense for every mobile user.

Recognising the urgency of protecting citizens from scams, spyware, and cyber fraud, Quick Heal has extended this solution as a Freemium offering, ensuring access to essential protection tools at no cost to ensure consumers can go digital fearlessly. The offering includes features like:

• Fraud App Detector to uncover harmful apps (both visible and hidden),
• Scam Protection,
• Risk Profile Assessment to gauge fraud exposure,
• Call Forwarding Alert, Banking Fraud Alert, Payee Name Announcer, Fraud Protect Buddy, and Unauthorized Access Alert among others.

Speaking about this significant initiative, Vishal Salvi, CEO of Quick Heal Technologies Limited, said:

“At Quick Heal, we believe cyber safety is a fundamental right for all. In these tense times where, digital threats often mirror real-world conflict, it is our duty to stand with the nation. By making AntiFraud.AI’s Freemium version available to everyone at no cost, we’re reinforcing our commitment to national interest — helping every citizen stay protected against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and fraudsters.”

This initiative aligns with the urgent need to safeguard India’s digital ecosystem, especially as the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported cyber fraud losses reaching ₹1750 crores in early 2024, with over 740,000 cases registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Quick Heal’s move to empower users helps bridge the digital safety gap at a critical juncture.

For users seeking enhanced protection, a premium version is also available via subscription.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, who led the opening yoga session. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Harit Yoga is not just an exercise, but a lifestyle. It encourages a deeper connection with our body, mind, and the environment. Through this initiative, we hope to nurture mindfulness and ecological awareness in every participant.”

Ms. Samantha Kochhar, Managing Director, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies,, emphasized the importance of wellness in the creative industry. She remarked, “At BKCCAD, we believe creativity blossoms in a healthy, conscious body. Harit Yoga is a timely reminder that balance and self-care are essential companions to artistic expression.”

Representing FHRAI, ayal SwaMs. Pmi, Assistant Secretary General, highlighted the significance of wellness within the hospitality sector. She noted, “With increasing stress and lifestyle-related issues, initiatives like Harit Yoga play a key role in encouraging hospitality professionals to prioritise their well-being and that of their guests.”

Instagram’s intuitive design has transformed how brands engage with their audiences—but that same ease of access has opened the door to a rising cyber risk: impersonation scams. Cybercriminals are increasingly setting up fraudulent accounts that mimic real businesses or their executives, damaging trust and putting both reputation and revenue at risk. While Meta, Instagram’s parent company offers tools to report these impersonators, businesses often face slow response times and inconsistent enforcement, with fake profiles sometimes left active for extended periods.

According to a report from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) this year, there were a total of 19,800 complaints of Instagram-related cyber fraud in India during the first three months of 2024.

The scope of this problem is vast. Approximately one in ten Instagram accounts is believed to be fake, with some impersonator accounts amassing tens of thousands of followers. This level of reach gives bad actors significant influence and credibility, making their deceptive activities even more dangerous for businesses and their stakeholders.

Financial and Reputational Damage

The impact of Instagram impersonation extends far beyond mere nuisance. These fake accounts serve as vectors for sophisticated cyber attacks that can cause substantial harm to businesses. One common scheme involves using impersonated accounts to collect sensitive information. When cybercriminals pose as trusted businesses, they can convince unsuspecting users to share personal information, login credentials, or other confidential data.

Malvertising represents another serious threat. Fake business accounts may distribute advertisements containing malware or links to malicious websites, potentially compromising users who believe they’re interacting with legitimate company content. This not only puts customers at risk but can severely damage a business’s reputation when these attacks are discovered.

Perhaps most concerning is the use of fake accounts for fraudulent job posting schemes. Cybercriminals impersonating legitimate businesses post false job opportunities as part of elaborate scams designed to facilitate identity theft, money laundering, or other criminal activities. These schemes can result in both financial losses and severe reputational damage when job seekers realize they’ve been deceived by what appeared to be a legitimate company presence.

The Challenge of Prevention

What makes Instagram impersonation particularly challenging for businesses is the platform’s structure. While Instagram offers reporting mechanisms for fake accounts, the process is often slow and unreliable. Some businesses report that their legitimate accounts have been accidentally suspended when trying to report impersonators, creating additional operational disruptions.

The automated nature of Instagram’s decision-making systems compounds these challenges. When mistakes occur in the reporting process, businesses often find themselves without clear recourse for swift account recovery. This can leave organizations vulnerable during critical periods when impersonator accounts remain active while legitimate business accounts are suspended.

Protective Measures for Businesses

While completely preventing Instagram impersonation may be impossible, businesses can implement several strategies to protect themselves and their stakeholders:

In addition to internal security measures, raising public awareness is vital in combating social media impersonation. Last year, Meta launched its ‘Scams Se Bacho’ campaign in India—endorsed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)—to educate users about online frauds across platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. Featuring actor Ayushmann Khurrana, the campaign promotes digital safety through tools such as two-factor authentication, privacy settings, and scam reporting. Businesses can align their employee and customer education efforts with such high-visibility initiatives to reinforce scam awareness and digital literacy.

Continuous monitoring represents another essential strategy. While manual monitoring is impractical at scale, businesses can leverage specialized Instagram monitoring software to automatically track mentions of their brand name, domain names, employee names, and logos. This proactive approach helps organizations identify potential impersonation attempts before they cause significant damage. Monitoring should also focus on all inappropriate usages related to the company, including domain names, logos and names of employees. 

When impersonation is detected, swift action becomes critical. Rather than relying solely on Instagram’s standard reporting procedures, businesses should consider partnering with takedown service providers who maintain direct relationships with Instagram’s team. These partnerships can dramatically reduce the time required to remove malicious accounts, with some providers achieving average takedown times of 24 hours.

Looking Forward

As Instagram continues to grow as a business platform, the threat of impersonation is likely to persist and evolve. Organizations must recognize that protecting their brand on Instagram requires the same level of vigilance as other cyber security efforts. By implementing comprehensive monitoring systems, maintaining strong relationships with takedown service providers, and continuously educating stakeholders about potential risks, businesses can better protect themselves against the growing threat of Instagram impersonation.

Success in this area requires viewing Instagram security not as a one-time effort but as an ongoing process of monitoring, response, and adaptation. As impersonators develop new techniques, businesses must remain agile in their protective measures, ensuring they stay one step ahead of those who would abuse their brand identity for malicious purposes.

May 26, 2025: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from conception to their second birthday—are widely recognized as the most critical period for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) has championed this vital cause through its flagship initiative, the Born Learning Campaign (BLC).

More than just a program, “1st 1000 Days” is a nationwide movement under BLC, built on the belief that early childhood care not only shapes individual lives but also defines the future of our society. In alignment with key government frameworks such as the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), Poshan 2.0, Saksham Anganwadi, and the Aspirational Districts Program, the campaign is transforming how communities nurture their youngest members.

Transformative Impact at Scale

With over 20 lakh lives touched and 11,000+ Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) impacted across Bengaluru, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the campaign’s targeted interventions ensure every child gets a fair start in life:

Key Interventions:

Maternal Health & Nutrition: Hygiene awareness, exclusive breastfeeding education, and immunization drives.

Community Education: Engaging parents—especially mothers—in their child’s growth through regular health and nutrition meetings.

Frontline Worker Training: Empowering Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Helpers (AWHs) with Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) best practices.

Tangible Health Support: Distribution of nutrition kits, neonatal kits, and essential teaching-learning materials to improve care environments.

Fast Facts:

Geographic Reach: Bengaluru Urban (Karnataka), Patna (Bihar), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Osmanabad (Maharashtra)
AWWs Trained on First 1000 Days: 1,122
Neonatal Children Reached (0–3 months): 4,264
Parents Engaged in Child Development: ~84,000
AWWs and AWHs Trained in ECCE: 5,189
Nutrition Kits Distributed: 589
Neonatal Kits Distributed: 5,555
Anganwadis Equipped with Teaching & Learning Materials: 1,649

“Every Anganwadi transformed, every mother empowered, and every child supported marks a step toward a healthier, brighter future. When we nurture our youngest, we build a stronger tomorrow,”

United Way Bengaluru’s “1st 1000 Days” campaign proves that collective action, aligned with policy, and driven by grassroots involvement, can shape generations.

Pune, May 26, 2025: Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune (Deemed to be University) commemorated its 16th Convocation Ceremony with great splendour on May 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the prestigious Vidyapeeth auditorium.

Distinguished dignitaries who attended the ceremony included Hon’ble Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune; Hon’ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune; Hon’ble Dr. N. J. Pawar, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune, Hon’ble Dr. Somnath Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dnyan Prasad University, Pimpri, Pune; Hon’ble Dr. Smita Jadhav, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune; Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, Treasurer and Trustee, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Society, Pune. Faculty members, students, and proud parents gathered in large numbers to celebrate this monumental academic occasion.

Hon’ble Shri. Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Telangana State, was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa) during the ceremony. Following this, he delivered an inspiring address to the students, stating, “Your real journey begins now. Always carry a learning mindset and never forget your roots and the relationships that shaped you. Believe in the five Cs—Character, Courage, Courtesy, Commitment, and Conviction —as guiding principles in life. I hope you all find your purpose and follow it with passion.”

Hon’ble Dr. P. D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune, “Convocation marks a moment of reflection and renewal. Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth was built on the belief that education is the foundation of a strong and progressive society. Over the years, this vision has taken shape through the dedication of our students, faculty, and academic leaders. As we move forward, our focus remains clear to nurture individuals who bring knowledge, character, and purpose to every step they take.”

Hon’ble Dr. (Mrs.) Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pimpri, Pune, addressed the students and parents, saying, “Education is not merely about degrees; it is about transformation of lives, of communities, and of the nation. At Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, we nurture not only minds but values, not only skills but dreams. Today, as our students soar into the world, I urge them to carry with pride the legacy of compassion, courage, and character. May you rise high, stay rooted, and always strive not just to succeed, but to serve. This is not just your convocation—it is your call to lead, to heal, and to humanize our world.”

The ceremony commenced with the melodious rendition of Vidyapeeth Geet followed by the National Anthem. Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. P. D. Patil illuminated the ceremonial lamp, symbolising the light of wisdom. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Dr. N. J. Pawar then presented the Vidyapeeth Report, highlighting the institution’s remarkable academic achievements and its profound contributions to education.

In recognition of their exemplary contributions to society and academia, Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. P. D. Patil felicitated distinguished guests. Hon’ble Dr. Bhagyashree Patil delivered a powerful and inspiring exhortation, urging graduates to embrace excellence, pursue innovation, and strive to become transformative leaders in their chosen fields.

The convocation witnessed the conferral of degrees and diplomas upon an impressive 12,244 graduates spanning eight faculties. Among them, 73 scholars earned the prestigious Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees, 10,884 secured postgraduate qualifications, 1,276 received undergraduate degrees, and 11 were awarded diplomas. Moreover, 31 students demonstrating outstanding academic merit were honoured with gold medals, recognising their dedication and scholarly brilliance.

The convocation concluded with the formal declaration of closure by Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor, Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, marking the end of a truly memorable and dignified event that added another glorious chapter to the academic legacy of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth.