Archives August 2024

By – Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor of NMIMS University

“At NMIMS University, the safety and well-being of our students, especially our female students, is of paramount importance. We are deeply committed to ensuring that our campus provides a secure and supportive environment for all.

The comprehensive CCTV coverage, stringent access control system, dedicated female counselling resources, active Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee, vigilant Student Council, and close collaboration with the local police station are all measures that reflect our unwavering dedication to creating a safe space for our students to learn and thrive. Police have agreed to do patrolling every 2-3 hours in and around all SVKM institutions and hostels, with additional security deployed to take rounds outside the gates of the colleges. Students, faculty, and staff are requested to come forward if they are troubled or are made uncomfortable by any untoward incident.

At NMIMS University, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding our core values of respect and equality. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our female students feel empowered, supported, and confident that their safety is our top priority.”

Mumbai, August 23: Taiwan Excellence again captured significant attention at the Automation Expo 2024, held from August 21st to 24th at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai. This year’s pavilion showcased the latest advancements in factory automation from 17 leading Taiwanese brands in the field of Machinery, Automation, Equipment & Components, Industrial PC, and IOT devices.

The event featured a dedicated product launch session, “Together for Automation Excellence,” where top brands including Advantech, HIWIN, Jumbo Laser, Mean Well, and Planet, unveiled their most innovative solutions. Highlights were Modular TPC Series, eco-friendly solutions, robotic automation advancements, and cutting-edge power supplies. Experts from these companies engaged with attendees, providing insights into how smart automation can revolutionize manufacturing processes and build smart factories.

Taiwan’s commitment to digital and sustainable manufacturing took center stage. Homer Chang, Director General of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Centre, emphasized Taiwan’s role in addressing India’s automation challenges. “Taiwanese automation and machinery solutions offer a perfect blend of digitization, customization, and affordability,” Chang said. “By integrating AI, robotic vision, and IoT, our companies are driving intelligent and efficient manufacturing. We are confident that Taiwan can be a strategic partner for India’s industrial transformation.”

The strong economic ties between Taiwan and India were highlighted by the substantial growth in Taiwan’s exports to India. Taiwan’s exports to India surged with a remarkable double-digit growth of 28.1% from January to May 2024. For the same period, chip exports alone surged by 49.4%, accounting for over 36% of Taiwan’s total exports to India. This reflects the growing reliance on Taiwan for advanced technologies.

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion this year showcased products from the top Taiwanese brands, including AAEON, Advantech, APLEX, C&T, Hiwin, ICP DAS, KANFON, KSS, Main Drive, Mean Well, PLANET, Syntec (Leantec, Jumbo Laser), Techman Robot, Toyo Robot, Unitec, and Winmate. Taiwan demonstrated its dedication to innovation and collaboration with India’s thriving manufacturing sector. As India solidifies its position as a global manufacturing hub, the partnership between Taiwan and India promises to drive mutual growth and development.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 23, 2024—The New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2024 will shine a global spotlight on the recent announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to partner with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia for 12 years to host the Olympic Esports Games.

The conference, which will welcome 60 global speakers and more than 1,200 visionary leaders from the esports, gaming, business, entertainment, and mainstream esports realms, including over 200 of the world’s most prominent CEOs, will feature a groundbreaking panel discussion titled ‘A Historic Convergence of Esports,’ which will explore the transformative integration of esports into the Olympic movement.

The panel will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Ser Miang Ng, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee; David Lappartient, IOC Member & Chair of the IOC Esports Commission, President of Union Cycliste Internationale; Abdulaziz Baeshen, Secretary General and CEO of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee; and Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.

Ser Miang Ng, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee, said: “The decision to create the Olympic Esports Games marks a historic moment that will profoundly impact both the Olympics and the world of esports. This is a recognition of the skill, dedication, and athleticism of esports players, who will have the opportunity to write their names in history as the first winners of the Olympic Esports Games next year in Saudi Arabia. The world will witness esports’ true impact as players across the globe come together to compete at the highest level, showcasing their talents on the grandest stage.”

David Lappartient, IOC Member & Chair of the IOC Esports Commission, President of Union Cycliste Internationale, said: “I look forward to speaking at the New Global Sport Conference to discuss the historic decision to create the Olympic Esports Games. This decision reflects our commitment to innovation while upholding the values the Olympics have always stood for. Esports is a rapidly growing field that resonates deeply with younger generations worldwide, and it is only fitting that it takes its place on the Olympic stage, where the world’s best athletes come together in the spirit of excellence and fair play.”

“Our Commission has worked tirelessly to design a program that honors the interests of the esports community while staying true to Olympic values. We are thrilled to have Saudi Arabia as the host of this groundbreaking event, especially when looking at the Kingdom’s remarkable growth in esports, sports, and entertainment, which is a testament to its readiness to host such a spectacular event,” added Lappartient.

Abdulaziz Baeshen, Secretary General and CEO of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “The creation of the Olympic Esports Games represents a monumental opportunity in sports and gaming and marks a historic step forward for the Olympic movement, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront as an important driving force. It also aligns perfectly with the Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, and is set to continue the sector’s rapid growth within the country. Beyond giving esports athletes a chance to represent something much bigger than themselves by competing for their countries in 2025, this is also an opportunity for Olympic values to reach and inspire an entirely new audience.”

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games is a true testament to the global impact of esports and its status as a new and serious global sport. This historic milestone gives our players the recognition they deserve and provides fans another thrilling global championship to support their countries and teams.”
“The first New Global Sport Conference in 2023 proudly unveiled the Esports World Cup – currently being hosted to global acclaim in Riyadh –, so it is fitting that this year’s edition provides another momentous step on Saudi Arabia’s esports journey. I look forward to hearing our speakers discuss this exciting future during the New Global Sport Conference”, added Reichert.

The announcement of the Olympic Esports Games last month made headline news worldwide, and the second edition of NGSC will provide the perfect opportunity for the global gaming community to converge in Riyadh for impactful creativity and discussion. The session will explore the profound implications of this convergence, celebrating the athletes redefining what it means to compete at the highest levels and shaping the future of global sports culture.

The discussion will highlight Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in hosting the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, a milestone that signals a new direction for traditional and digital sports. The panelists will also address the strategic vision behind integrating esports into the Olympics and the opportunities and challenges of merging the dynamic world of esports with the storied tradition of the Olympic Games. This session represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of global sports culture as esports and the Olympics redefine the future of athletic achievement.

Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Centre on August 24-25, NGSC’s second edition, The Future of Fandom,’ is the ideal platform to discuss the work achieved and what is still required for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. The conference will focus on critical themes such as fan engagement in sports and esports and explore the latest trends and strategies in fan engagement.

By: Aadeesh Sharma and Prof. PB Sharma

23rd August 2024: As India celebrates the National Space Day today to mark the epoch-making success of ISRO for its highly successful mission Chandrayan – 3, let us pay our greatest respect to the scientists and technologists of our great country who continue to bring added glory to Mother India, notwithstanding the limited financial resources that the nation allocates for scientific research.

Launch of Chandrayan – 3

It was at 18:03 hours on this day, 23rd August 2023 when the smart and intelligent lander, Vikram smoothly descended on the south pole of moon, even more swiftly than its mission directors may have imagined. What more, soon thereafter the little bright moon buggy, the autonomous and intelligent vehicle, code-named, Pragyan rolled out to walk on the moon’s surface with great pride in India’s science and technology prowess, waving the Indian Flag on the moon’s soil. Chandrayan-3- 3 celebrated the grand success of India’s space mission and its brilliant scientists and technologists who work together in ISRO with focused attention to ‘integrative science and inter-disciplinary engineering’ that enables them to provide major breakthroughs and successfully carve out epoch-making technology innovation to score such a stupendous success that the whole world today is proud of.

Integrative Science and Interdisciplinary engineering create Mission Success:

As the world is rapidly evolving towards scoring phenomenal success on the fronts of economic growth as well as taking head on the global challenges to pave the way for Net Zero Emissions, and creating a new high for the advent of futuristic science and technology that shall empower the global humanity with great capabilities, even making ‘impossible, possible’. R&D organizations like ISRO, DRDO, BARC stand in India at the brightest lighthouse for glowing their S&T eminence of interdisciplinary engineering and integrative sciences.

University Leadership to imbibe Best Practices of S&T Research for Development:

The universities in India and for that reason, around the globe, are called upon to join hands with the industries and R&D organizations in their respective countries and even on the global stage to foster an integrated environment of learning and research to create both the talent powerhouse as well as the rich reservoir for path-breaking technology innovations, so vital for our success to achieve the SDG goals committed by the community of nations to wipe out poverty, hunger, unemployment and address with courage and conviction the monster of climate change so that the Mother Nature could bless its new generation of global citizens, who today have faith in ‘World is One and One Family’, akin to the Vedic proclamation of ‘Vasudhaiv Kutumbakum’, the Vedic way of life in harmony with nature and with peaceful coexistence with the world community.

Glory in Space and Grand Success of Mission Viksit Bharat @2047 is the National Agenda:

It is all the more important for a Nation like India to fly high and saik with courage, confidence and conviction in scoring grand success in its space exploration missions, but also equally important it would be to transplant the best practices of mission-oriented inter-disciplinary and integrative science and engineering on the ground in the research centers and incubation facilities that are fast coming up in the universities in India as India for Innovation Infinite is the mantra today.

Let us, the people of India, celebrate National Space Day for our great nation today, and pay our greatest respect to the founding fathers of modern science and technology in India, the Bharat, which includes Sir CV Raman, the most celebrated Noble Laureate whose Raman effect continues to inspire the generation of scientist and technologists around the globe to develop the newer applications of his epoch-making discovery that brought great honor for Mother India and the global scientific community at a time when the facilities for science and scientific explorations were not so developed. Equally important it is, not lose sight of the great engineering and technology eminence of Sir M Visveswaraya whose monumental contributions to engineering and technology development brought great glory to mother India. Hirakund, Bhakara Nangal, and Krishna Sagar hydropower and irrigation dams stand testimony to the engineering and technology brilliance of Sir Visvesvaraya. But the day today is to pay our greatest respect to the founding fathers of ISRO Dr Vikram Sarabhai, Dr Satish Dhawan, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and the successive leaders of eminence including the present ISRO chairman Dr Somanath, and his brilliant team of scientists and technologists and their collaborators in the IITs and reputed universities who all deserve our greatest respect and deep appreciation of their relentless pursuit of excellence to bring great eminence to India’s space exploration mission and missionary zeal for ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in S&T development.

Aadeesh Sharma is pursuing his undergraduate degree in computer science at ASU, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, and has been a Dean’s Scholar throughout his studies. Professor PB Sharma is an eminent academician, a former Professor of IIT Delhi, former Director of DCE, founder Vice Chancellor of DTU, past President of the Association of India Universities (AIU), and currently Vice Chancellor at Amity University Gurugram.

Kochi, August 22, 2024 – Aster Medcity celebrated the 2nd anniversary of its life-saving initiative, BeFirst, with the milestone of its 400th training session at St. Teresa’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam. The 400th session was inaugurated by Kerala Opposition Leader, V.D. Satheesan. The event was held in association with CSR wing of Aster DM Healthcare, Aster Volunteers’ and the NSS unit of the college and witnessed the participation of 400 students who received critical training in First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), and other essential emergency response skills.

“The BeFirst program shows how community-based healthcare can make a big difference. Aster Medcity is imparting the most essential skill of the time- saving lives. By teaching people in Kerala how to handle medical emergencies they are creating a culture where everyone is ready to help and cares about their neighbours,” said V.D. Satheesan during his inaugural address.

Launched on Independence Day, August 15, 2022, the BeFirst campaign has trained over 30,000 people across the state, including college students, corporate professionals, NGOs, Kudumbasree members, NCC cadets, police personnel, and traffic police etc.

Aster Medcity’s BeFirst initiative aims to significantly reduce pre-hospital deaths by training individuals to handle medical emergencies with confidence and precision. The program’s offerings include specialized workshops conducted by Aster’s expert doctors on First Aid, BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

“To the dedicated healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and support staff, we extend our gratitude. It is your tireless efforts, day in and day out, that have brought this milestone in the service of humanity. BeFirst is your unwavering dedication to providing the best care at the right time and save life. This thoughtfulness is the backbone of the success of this venture. Thank you for your compassion, expertise, and the countless lives you’ve touched and saved over the past two years, said Dr. Sr. Vinitha CSST, Provincial Superior and Manager -St. Teresa’s College , Ernakulam.

Taking the efforts to the next level , Aster Medcity is also launching Rapid Response Teams (RRT) as part of the BeFirst initiative. These teams will consist of a minimum of 10 individuals from various communities, trained to identify and respond to early signs of clinical deterioration. The RRT will play a crucial role in preventing respiratory or cardiac arrests and reducing pre-hospital deaths. Their training will include advanced life support techniques, and they will also be responsible for educating others within their communities with the support of Aster’s Emergency Medicine experts,” said Dr. Johnson K Varghese, Consultant – Emergency Medicine, Aster Medcity-Kochi.

The primary goal of the RRT is to bring critical care expertise directly to the patient’s location, whether it be at home, in the community, or during transport between hospitals. Some of the medical conditions for which the RRT can be called are – uncontrolled blood pressure, acute change in mental status, breathing difficulties, unresponsiveness, unrelieved chest pain, seizures, choking, uncontrolled bleeding, etc.

Dhanya Syamalan, Head of Operations, Aster Medcity-Kochi, doctors from the Emergency Department, Aster Volunteers team and college staff members attended the event.

Mumbai, August 22, 2024: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the new Audi Q8 in India. The new Audi Q8 is a perfect fusion of dynamic sportiness and refined elegance where every detail embodies sophistication and power. The short overhangs and long wheelbase lend a stance that’s as dynamic as it is elegant. The design is an interplay of clear volumes and crisp details that have been further enhanced on this fully-loaded, new Audi Q8.

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “The new Audi Q8 sits right at the top of our Q-range, embodying the brands unwavering commitment to progress through technology. This launch not only reinforces our dedication to the Indian market, but also our promise to continually exceed the expectations of luxury car enthusiasts and our customers. With its striking new design, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched performance, we are confident the new Audi Q8 will excite our customers who seek nothing but the best.”

In addition to the launch of the new Audi Q8, Audi India is also celebrating a momentous occasion of selling 100,000 cars in India, in just over fifteen years. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has a 100-day celebration benefit for Audi customers – this includes loyalty benefits on any purchase, service plans, Extended Warranty, Audi Genuine Accessories, Audi Genuine Merchandise and Collections and attractive corporate and trade-in benefits.

Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India said, “Reaching the significant milestone of 100,000 Audi cars sold in India is a profound testament to the trust our customers place in the Audi brand. It is a milestone that has filled our hearts with joy and pride. Audi is loved and admired. The brand with the four rings – synonymous with progressive design, first-class quality, path-breaking technology and of course performance – is built on human centricity. People and their needs are at the center of our universe. This approach to all that we do has earned Audi a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and customers. Today, one in every fourth car we sell in the country is to a repeat Audi customer – this tells us that our customers love our cars and are loyal to our brand.”

Highlights:

Drive and Performance:

· Powered by a 3.0 L TFSI engine delivering 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque, enhanced with a 48V Mild Hybrid technology for superior performance and efficiency.

· Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, with an impressive top speed of 250 km/h.

· Equipped with a fast and smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission ensures a seamless and responsive driving experience.

· quattro permanent all-wheel drive provides exceptional traction and stability across all driving conditions.

· Suspension with damper control offers a balanced and comfortable ride.

· Electromechanical power steering delivers precise handling and enhanced driving dynamics.

· Audi Drive Select with six customizable driving modes – including an ‘Individual’ mode allows one to tailor the Q8’s performance.

Exterior:

· Features a bold new single-frame grille with a distinctive vertical inlay design in a droplet shape that adds to its commanding and elegant presence on the road.

· New air intake grille and spoiler enhance the aerodynamic profile and dynamic appearance of the new Q8.

· New two-dimensional design of the four rings on the front and rear.

· Panoramic sunroof and frameless doors offer a sleek, modern design that enhances both comfort and style.

· Equipped with advanced HD Matrix LED headlights with laser beam featuring an X-shaped design, along with dynamic indicators for enhanced visibility and a distinctive look.

· Four customizable digital light signatures add to the visual drama of the beautiful new Audi Q8.

· New R21 alloy wheels featuring a five-segment spoke design in graphite gray add a sophisticated touch to the dynamic exterior.

· New red brake calipers add a bold and sporty flair to the alloy wheels.

· Available in eight striking colors – Waitomo Blue, Mythos Black, Samurai Grey, Glacier White, Satellite Silver, Tamarind Brown, and Vicuna Beige and an exclusive new shade of Sakhir Gold.

Comfort and Technology:

· New Park Assist Plus provides advanced parking assistance for effortless and precise parking.

· 360-degree surround view camera offers comprehensive visibility and enhanced safety by providing a complete view of the surroundings.

· Power latching for the doors ensures a smooth and secure closure with a touch of convenience.

· Electrically opening and closing tailgate provides effortless access to the spacious cargo area with just the push of a button.

· New 4-zone climate control system allows individual temperature settings for each section of the cabin.

Interior and Infotainment:

· Dual-screen setup with a primary 25.65 cm display and a secondary 21.84 cm screen offer seamless access to navigation, entertainment, and the vehicle’s function.

· High-quality cabin with advanced aero-acoustics ensures a serene and quiet driving environment by minimizing external noise.

· Enhanced user interaction with haptic and acoustic feedback.

· New B&O premium 3D sound system with powerful 17 speakers and a total output of 730 watts, delivers an unparalleled audio experience with crystal-clear sound and immersive clarity

· Fully 31.24 cm digital Audi Virtual Cockpit displays all essential driving information in a sleek, customizable format.

· Button-less MMI Navigation plus system with touch response.

· Natural language interaction with the voice dialogue system.

· Advanced handwriting recognition – whole word recognition.

· Electrically adjustable front seats feature a driver memory function that allows for a personalized seating position.

· Electronic lumbar support for the front seats provides customisable comfort and optimal support.

· Premium leather and leatherette seat upholstery provide a feel of utmost luxury.

· Audi Phone Box light with wireless charging keeps the mobile device charged on the go.

· Four attractive interior color options—Okapi Brown, Saiga Beige, Black, and Pando Grey—allow customers to choose a style that perfectly matches their taste.

Safety:

· Audi pre-sense basic initiates preventive protection measures in the event of emergency braking or handling on the limit.

· Equipped with eight airbags for utmost safety.

· Electronic Stabilization Program enhances the overall vehicle stability and control by automatically adjusting power and braking to maintain traction in challenging conditions.

Honorable Nand Gopal Gupta, Cabinet Minister of the Uttar Pradesh government, assured full support from the state’s Micro and Small Industries Ministry.

22nd Aug, 2024; Summercool, a renowned name in the home and kitchen appliances industry is set to inaugurate its latest manufacturing plant in the Naini Industrial Area, Prayagraj. Spanning 5000 square meters, this state-of-the-art facility is set to showcase a significant step towards the brand’s upward slope and its commitment to boosting economic development.

With an initial investment of 10 Cr, this unit is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing the company’s manufacturing and production capabilities. This new plant is set to employ around 100-150 people, catering to the growing demand for Summercool’s products in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring regions, including Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand and Nepal.

Summercools recent establishment of the manufacturing facility in Prayagraj has garnered significant support from the Uttar Pradesh government as a strategic step towards boosting industrial development in the region. During a notable event, Honorable Nand Gopal Gupta, Cabinet Minister of the Uttar Pradesh government, assured full support from the state’s Micro and Small Industries Ministry. The event brought businesses together to underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing local businesses while ensuring seamless project implementation. This partnership is set to speed up Summercools growth strategies and play a role in boosting the economy.

The construction of the Prayagraj plant is expected to be completed in the next 1-2 years, with operations slated to begin shortly thereafter. The brand has outlined a detailed investment plan to continue expanding the plant’s capacity and product range over the coming years, ensuring that the facility remains at the forefront of manufacturing excellence.

Commenting on it, Mr Sanjeev Kr Gupta, the Managing Director of Summercool Home Appliances said, “Our new plant in Prayagraj is a testament to our commitment to growth and innovation. We are excited to increase our manufacturing scale and capacity, which will enable us to introduce new products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This expansion not only strengthens our presence in Uttar Pradesh but also aligns with our broader vision of tapping into new markets with reduced logistics costs.”

This new manufacturing plant marks a significant milestone in Summercool’s journey, as the company continues to invest in innovation, product development, and market expansion. Summercool is poised to not only meet the current demands of its customers but also to anticipate and cater to future needs, solidifying its position as a leader in the home appliances industry.

New Delhi, August 22nd, 2024: Socomec, a global specialist in the availability, control, and safety of low voltage electrical energy, has announced the appointment of Amit Jain as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer for its Greater India operations. With a career spanning over 25 years, Amit Jain brings a wealth of experience in financial management, strategic planning, and transformation across diverse industries and geographies.

Amit Jain‘s professional journey includes global leadership roles at renowned organizations such as Vodafone, CPA Global, Timex, KPMG, and PWC, along with his involvement in dynamic startups and entrepreneurial ventures. His credentials as a Chartered Accountant and an Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta complement his extensive experience, making him a strategic addition to Socomec’s leadership team. Amit’s business acumen and functional expertise uniquely position him to drive and lead the finance function with vision and precision.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director of Socomec, Greater India said, “We are glad to welcome Amit Jain to the Socomec family. His vast experience and proven track record in financial management and strategic leadership make him an invaluable addition to our team. Amit’s expertise will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our financial foundation and pursue our growth ambition in the region.”

Amit Jain also shared his thoughts on joining Socomec: “I’m honored to be part of the Socomec family and to join Meenu Singhal in continuing Socomec’s growth journey in the Greater India region. Our business priority is to expand our footprint in this region, and I believe finance can play a key role in this journey. The finance team will focus on supporting critical infrastructure developments within Socomec, empowering sales through strategic initiatives, and building strategies aimed at increasing the value we bring to our customers while ensuring sustained growth for Socomec.”

Amit Jain’s appointment reaffirm Socomec’s commitment to bringing in right talent to lead its financial strategy in a dynamic and competitive market. His leadership will be critical in ensuring the company continues to achieve its ambitious goals.

New Delhi, August 22, 2024 – Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, and Arizona State University, U.S., have established an ambitious academic partnership that will enable them to offer innovative degree programs and a variety of collaborative initiatives in the coming years. The programs will be delivered through Shiv Nadar University in partnership with Arizona State University, ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation by U.S. News and World Report for nine consecutive years, 2016 – 2024.

Designated as an Institution of Eminence by the Government of India, Shiv Nadar University has a mandate to foster international collaborations and open up new avenues for global education to Indian students. The partnership has commenced with two undergraduate dual degree programs in Computer Science and Business Data Analytics. Students in these four-year programs will study at Shiv Nadar University for the first two years and at Arizona State University for the next two years. Students will earn dual degrees in Bachelor of Science from the two prestigious universities at the end of the four years of study.

Regarding the partnership, Professor Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR, said, “This is the beginning of a new strategic collaboration with one of the top 1% universities in the world. We aim to produce graduates with a unique perspective to imagine a new world. We believe such international collaborations are essential in preparing students to become global leaders and innovators. ASU’s commitment to interdisciplinary and experiential education and its focus on sustainability are extremely valuable to this partnership”, she said.

With this partnership, Shiv Nadar University is also part of the ASU-Cintana Alliance, a growing global network of innovative universities spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. This alliance was established through a partnership between Arizona State University and Cintana Education. As a result of this partnership, students at Shiv Nadar University will gain access to unique international exchange programs, student competitions, summer immersion experiences, and the opportunity to learn in global classroom environments at ASU and other universities worldwide.

“ASU is engaging with the intention of being part of a movement around the world to expand access to higher education and to expand high-quality outcomes,” said Arizona State University President Michael Crow. “Our work with Cintana is focused on taking educational attainment and helping it to become more ubiquitously available. Wisdom is considered rare, something to be granted to other people, and scarcity is considered to be good. That will not get us where we need to be as a species and as a global society. Our goal is to do something about that, at scale, and that’s exactly what we are doing.”

The 2+2 arrangement will enable more Indian students to pursue the opportunity to experience international learning as students will now only need to complete the remaining two years of their study in the U.S. Upon graduation, students will have the option to work and live in the U.S. for up to three years under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for STEM graduates. Yet another highlight of the program is an optional ASU Summer Experience at the Tempe, Arizona campus, focusing on developing leadership skills and learning about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Amit Jain- Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre Indore

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only enhances overall well-being but also plays a crucial role in preventing and managing various health conditions. In this context, breast cancer stands out as one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women worldwide. Among the various treatment modalities available, radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive management of breast cancer. Understanding the importance of radiation therapy can empower patients and healthcare providers alike in making informed decisions about treatment.

Role of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. In the context of breast cancer treatment, radiation therapy serves several essential purposes:

Local Control: After surgical removal of the tumor (lumpectomy), radiation therapy is often used to target any remaining cancer cells in the breast tissue. This reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in the treated area.
Reducing Tumor Size: Radiation therapy can be employed before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink large tumors, making them easier to remove surgically.
Post-Mastectomy Treatment: In cases where a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) is performed, radiation therapy may still be recommended to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the chest wall or nearby lymph nodes.
Adjuvant Therapy: Radiation therapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy to maximize treatment effectiveness.

Types of Radiation Therapy

There are two main types of radiation therapy used in the treatment of breast cancer:
External Beam Radiation: This is the most common type of radiation therapy for breast cancer. It involves directing high-energy beams from outside the body onto the tumor site. Advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for precise targeting of cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): In some cases, radioactive implants are placed directly into the breast tissue near the cancer site. This delivers a higher dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue.
Benefits and Considerations

Radia for breast cancer offers several benefits:tion therapy

Effective Local Control: By targeting cancer cells directly, radiation therapy reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in the treated area.
Minimally Invasive: Radiation therapy is non-surgical and generally well-tolerated by patients.

Improves Survival Rates: Studies have shown that radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery improves long-term survival rates compared to surgery alone.

However, radiation therapy also comes with potential side effects, including skin changes (like redness and irritation), fatigue, and rarely causes long-term effects on the heart and lungs. These risks are carefully considered and managed by healthcare providers to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects.

Patient Education and Support
Understanding the role of radiation therapy in breast cancer treatment is crucial for patients and their families. It allows for informed decision-making and empowers patients to actively participate in their treatment journey. Open communication with healthcare providers about treatment goals, expectations, and potential side effects ensures that patients receive personalized care tailored to their needs.

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone in the multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer. Its ability to target cancer cells directly and reduce the risk of recurrence makes it an invaluable tool in improving patient outcomes. By understanding the importance of radiation therapy and collaborating closely with healthcare teams, patients can navigate their breast cancer treatment with confidence and optimism for a healthier future.