Archives January 2025

The Suraksha Abhiyan Trust released a captivating comic book titled “Super Safety Man” on January 25th, as part of India’s Road Safety Month. This comic book was inaugurated by the Honorable Shri. Nitin Gadkari- Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, in the presence of Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation – MSRDC – Dr. Anilkumar Gaikwad

“Super Safety Man” features stunning illustrations and compelling mini-stories that underscore the significance of road safety. (13 mini-stories that talk about road safety awareness, safety as well as being a responsible citizen) The comic introduces Super Safety Man, an Indian superhero who not only rescues individuals from impending road accidents but also prevents incidents by spreading vital awareness.

This initiative isn’t just for children; it engages adults as well, sparking important conversations about road safety. The comic book is available in both English and Marathi to ensure wider accessibility and impact.

English Edition Authored by Adv. Virat Vilas Pawar, Secretary of Suraksha Abhiyan Trust, and Marathi Editor authored by Dr. Vilas Pawar, Chairman of the Trust, “Super Safety Man” is poised to make a significant contribution to road safety education across India.

New Delhi, 28th January 2025 – In a landmark collaboration under the visionary Government-to-Government (G2G) initiative between India and Indonesia, AIonOS and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat or IOH) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform Indonesia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem. The MoU represents the first large-scale AI-focused partnership between the two nations, symbolizing a shared commitment to leverage the power of AI to drive innovation, economic growth, and sociocultural transformation.

AIonOS, a joint venture between InterGlobe and Assago Group, is dedicated to transforming businesses into AI-led enterprises and Indosat is Indonesia’s leading telecommunications provider empowering people of Indonesia.

The collaboration centres around AI³ (AI for Indonesia and India powered by Indosat and AIonOS), a shared vision that is built on Indosat’s deep understanding of local needs and challenges, leveraging AIonOS’s innovative AI technologies. AI³ aims to create transformative solutions, especially in areas like tourism, knowledge economy, and sustainable agriculture, driving innovations that can reshape the country’s digital economy and strengthen its global competitiveness.

Strategic Pillars of AI³ are:

Transforming Indonesia’s Travel Economy: AI³ aims to enhance Indonesia’s travel sector contribution to GDP by promoting diverse local experiences and improving connectivity. This initiative will not only broaden revenue opportunities for local businesses but also aims to sustainably integrate Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage with global travel networks.

Cultivating a knowledge economy: Working with top educational institutions in Indonesia and India, AI³ is set to develop an AI-enabled workforce, ready to propel the knowledge-based economy and secure Indonesia’s status as a future-ready leader in the global arena.

Advancing Sustainable Food Security: The partnership will leverage advanced AI and technology solutions to increase agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in the face of challenging climate conditions, thereby enhancing food security and empowering local farmers.

C.P. Gurnani, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, AIonOS, said, “This collaboration is a watershed moment for India and a vital step towards a ‘AI-for-all’ ecosystem. AI³ represents a vision to unlock Indonesia’s potential through AI. By leveraging Indosat’s local expertise with AIonOS’s AI innovations, this initiative aims to empower Indonesians with AI skills, boost growth in key sectors like tourism and sustainable agriculture, and strengthen Indonesia’s human capital to drive its digital transformation. As an enabler and accelerator of progress, this positions India to build an enterprise-scale AI platform and unlock industry-wide adoption globally.”

Vikram Sinha, President Director and Chief Executive Officer Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, said, “This partnership highlights the transformative power of AI in addressing real-world economic and societal challenges. AI³ (AI Cube) embodies Indosat’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth with a shared vision to revolutionize Indonesia’s digital landscape. By focusing on key sectors like talent development, food security, and tourism, this initiative aims to support Indonesia’s Golden Vision 2045 through technological advancement. AIonOS’s collaboration with Indosat serves as a beacon of innovation, strengthening Indonesia-India ties and setting the stage for Indonesia to emerge as a regional hub for AI-driven progress. This partnership will co-create solutions that will benefit millions in Indonesia.”

We are thrilled to announce that two of India’s leading digital creators, Sanket Mehta and Manav Chhabra, proudly represented Indian fashion at Milan Men’s Fashion Week. Their presence at this globally celebrated event marked a significant moment for India’s creator economy, highlighting the growing influence of Indian talent on international platforms.

Sanket Mehta, making his second appearance at Milan Men’s Fashion Week, attended an impressive lineup of showcases and presentations, including 1989 Studio, La Martina, Paul and Shark, Tod’s, Canali, and Dhruv Kapoor. Known for his ability to blend Indian styling with global trends, Sanket’s Milan experience offered his audience a closer look into the world of high fashion. Through his content, he provided an in-depth analysis of collections, shared his likes and dislikes, dissected key looks, and predicted upcoming trends, making his journey a treasure trove for fashion enthusiasts.

Manav Chhabra, on the other hand, made his highly anticipated debut at this prestigious event, attending showcases by Paul and Shark, Canali, and Tod’s. With his charismatic storytelling, Manav captured the lifestyle and behind-the-scenes hustle of Milan Fashion Week, bringing his audience a fresh perspective on styling and the vibrant energy of one of the world’s most iconic fashion events. His unique approach highlighted the creative chaos and glamour of the runway while infusing it with his personal style.

Both creators had the exclusive opportunity to meet and interact with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Mr. Stefano Canali, CEO and President of Canali, and Mr. Dini, Founder of Paul and Shark. These interactions not only reflected their growing recognition on the global stage but also reinforced the evolving role of Indian creators in international fashion conversations.

Their journey was supported by their management agency, NOFILTR, which continues to empower Indian talent to explore opportunities beyond borders. The presence of Sanket Mehta and Manav Chhabra at Milan Men’s Fashion Week stands as a proud milestone for India, celebrating the seamless blend of Indian sensibilities with global fashion narratives.

Bengaluru, 28th January, 2025: This Republic Day, Akshayakalpa Organic, India’s first certified organic dairy company and producer of the country’s most popular organic milk has announced about the success of its sustainability initiative, ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’. Reflecting the spirit of responsibility and nation-building that Republic Day embodies, this innovative initiative encourages consumers to bring back their used milk packets for responsible recycling, sparking a significant revolution in the battle against plastic pollution. After its resounding success in Bengaluru, the program has expanded to other major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, further underscoring the brand’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.

Since the inception of this initiative in 2022, Akshayakalpa Organic has recycled more than 40000 kg of plastic in total across Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad highlighting that when people come together for a common cause, small actions can create a big impact. This recycling program introduced by the brand urges consumers to follow three easy steps — rinse the pack for 30 seconds, hang it to dry, and once it dries then return it by placing it in a delivery bag. The consumers thus also play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable future for their generations to come through this simple process.

Speaking on the completion of this milestone, Mr. Shashi Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of Akshayakalpa Organic stated, “We are excited to share that through our ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ program, we have recycled over 40,000 kg of plastic waste in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This accomplishment shows the powerful change communities can create when they unite for a shared goal. It reminds us of our dedication to sustainability and how small efforts can lead to big environmental gains. We thank our consumers who have joined us in making this initiative a success and making this planet a better place to live. This is merely the start, and we look forward to continuing our journey toward bigger achievements towards sustainability.”

In addition to the ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ initiative, Akshayakalpa Organic is deeply committed to fostering a culture of sustainability through various community engagement programs and educational initiatives. These include lake cleaning drives and neighborhood cleanliness drives across major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which empower consumers to make eco-friendly choices. By inviting communities to actively participate in these efforts, Akshayakalpa emphasizes that every small action contributes to a larger positive impact on the environment, driving meaningful change for a sustainable future. The brand is also pioneering eco-conscious packaging solutions, such as paperboard packaging for its dairy products and sustainable leaf-based packaging for vegetables. These measures significantly reduce plastic use and reflect Akshayakalpa’s broader mission of promoting self-sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through these initiatives, Akshayakalpa addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution while inspiring collective action for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Hyderabad, January 28, 2028…..: AI Hackday, a mega AI hackathon, was conducted this weekend as the first round towards kickstarting a series to build people-centric AI development. With participation from 20+ colleges, 60+ faculty members, 100+ industry mentors nurtured 600+ teams with 2000+ students working on projects. This is organised by viswam.ai, a center setup at IIIT Hyderabad by IIITH and swecha.org.

The AI Hackathon is a 3-stage series fostering innovation and creativity, culminating AI Days 2025′ Spark Camp, where 100 production-ready AI applications are developed to address India’s unique challenges. Inaugurating the hackathon, Bhavesh Mishra, IAS, highlighted the need to leverage the AI revolution early, citing the success of non-Western models like DeepSeek LLM, and emphasised on how India can also build its own context-driven AI models.

The hackathon emphasizes using AI to solve real-world problems, bridging societal gaps, and fostering a more inclusive, tech-driven future. AI based audio tools, story generation and image AI were among the many prototypes built.

Other speakers and super mentors included Prof Ramesh Loganathan (IIIT Hyderabad), Chaitanya Chokkareddy (Co-founder and CTO of Ozonetel), Kiran Chandra (Head of Viswam.AI), and Pradeep Kumar Jilagam from Micron Technology.

AI HackDay is part of a broader initiative including the one Lakh internship program to encourage students to engage with communities, compile culture-specific data sets, to train Indic language models in various dialects, emphasizing localized AI solutions that reflect cultural and linguistic nuances. This initiative in the process is working towards building deep AI skills, at scale.

Hyderabad, January 28, 2025……..TEJAS 2K25, the second edition of an Engineering Expo featuring 223 students’ inventions, innovative concepts, ideas, and social impact projects/products by Anurag University Engineering Students, was held on Monday at Anurag University in the city outskirts.

TEJAS 2K25 is a unique project that will be organised for the second time to kindle an innovation culture among engineering students at the University

It was inaugurated by Dr S. Glory Swarupa, Director General Ni MSME, Govt of India; Dr Shanta Toutam, Former Chief Innovation Officer of Govt of Telangana, Mr. Arjun Kumar Rumalla, Director and Manufacturing, Country Head of TechnipFMC in the presence of Ms Neelima, CEO, Dr Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor, Dr Vijay Kumar, Dean of School of Engineering, Prof UB Desai, Chancellor of Anurag University; Balaji Utla, Vice Chairman, Neelima Institute and Neelima Hospitals.

Tejas 2K25 received overwhelming applications of 600 of which 223 inventions, innovations, and novel concepts were shortlisted and exhibited in the one-day Engineering Inventions Expo at Anurag University located in the city outskirts.

Giving opening remarks, Dr Vijay Kumar said the first edition held last year saw 160 inventions, of which 30 were applied for patents, and nine are likely to be awarded patents. A couple of Venture Capitalists have shown interest in scaling up of a couple of ideas into a startup.

About 1600 students from the 30-plus Government Schools such as Narapally Govt School 80 Korremula Govt School; Green Fields School; Sri Chaitanya; Shantiniketan; Ghatkesar Govt School Girls; Edulabad Govt School; Delhi Public School; Annojiguda Govt School and others visited the expo and inspected the innovations.

Highlights of some of the products on display include “Live Safe”, an automated power cut-off system for electrical hazards prevention during large public gatherings. Giving more details, Greshmi Ratna one of the team members of the four-member team that worked on the project said, that whenever a human being comes in contact with a live wire in social gatherings like Maha Kumbh mela, crowded places like Pushpa film like a stampede, the system they developed detects it automatically and disconnects the power supply and prevents electrical fires

Parking is the next big problem that most urban dwellers will encounter. The problem will be so much so that it is said whenever 3rd world war breaks it will be over water. Similarly, the biggest fight that takes place on city roads and in apartments in Hyderabad today is over Parking. A movie titled ‘Parking’, a family drama aired over the OTT platform revolves around the clash between a youngster and an elderly tenant regarding their parking space. Parking is going to be the next big urban problem that needs to be addressed. The smart parking system developed using Arduino Uno (a series of Open Source Microcontroller Boards) by the students will help locate free parking slots, and help people park properly, the students SK Syed Pasha, M. Nitesh Reddy, B. Sanjay Kumar, P. Akhil.

The other interesting innovation was the Solar Powered Smart Bin which automatically separates dry and wet waste. Prevents bad odour from coming out. Indicates when it is full. Get’s closed automatically. Another innovation was Smart Refrigerator which lets you know its contents on your mobile phone so that you know what to refill while shopping on your way back from work, added that students

Speaking on the occasion Dr Glory Swarupa, Director General of Ni-MSME, Govt of India said mere development of Apps and software doesn’t solve problems. India is a land of problems and opportunities. We need field-level problems to be identified and solved. I am happy to note that there is good enthusiasm in the hall.

Further, she added that the Ni-MSME Ministry has a scheme called “The MSME Innovative Scheme” MSME to promote innovation in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The scheme combines incubation, design, and intellectual property rights (IPR) to help MSMEs develop ideas into viable business opportunities. It offers a grant of 15 to 25 lakhs for a good idea or innovation. She urged students to utilise this opportunity.

The startup world is full of terminologies such as Unicorn, Minicorn etc. It is good to become a Unicorn, the valuation of which in Indian Rupees is one followed by nine zeroes. It takes 10 years to become a unicorn. So we must encourage startups to first become Babycorn companies with a valuation of about Rs ten lakhs and then they can go for Minicorn, Soonicorn and Unicorn.

Dr Balaji Utla, the brain behind Tejas 2K25 said we must make engineering MLJP which stands for “Meaning, Learning, Joy, and Pride”. Anurag University is committed to Problem-Based teaching. Prof UB Desai, Chancellor of the University said the culture of innovative thinking must be cultivated from the very first year of Engineering and he urged students to be lifetime learners.

New Delhi— Checkmate Production took the stage by storm with the debut of its deeply evocative drama Khallal, directed by Nikki Narulaa, at Akshara Theatre, New Delhi. This soul-stirring production explored the delicate intricacies of a 15-year marriage, weaving a compelling narrative of passion, betrayal, separation, and the haunting silence that emerges in relationships once full of love and connection. With its seamless blend of Urdu, Shayari, and Ghazals, Khallal struck an emotional chord with audiences, making it a powerful experience for anyone who has loved, lost, or grappled with the complexities of letting go.

At the core of Khallal is the poignant story of Amir and Amayra, a couple navigating the painful dissolution of their long-standing bond. Through masterful storytelling, the production delves into the fragility of love, the weight of regret, and the silence that replaces intimacy when relationships unravel.

Performed in two shows at 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM, Khallal left an indelible impact on a packed audience of over 200 attendees. Tickets sold out quickly, with many unable to secure seats, highlighting the production’s immense popularity and appeal.

A Stellar Cast Brings Khallal to Life

The success of Khallal lay in its deeply immersive performances by a talented cast, whose chemistry and intensity transported the audience into the lives of its characters:

• Amir, portrayed with remarkable depth by Tahsin Zahid, embodied a man torn between remorse and longing. Zahid’s powerful performance highlighted the vulnerability and complexity of a character grappling with the consequences of his actions.
• Amayra, played by the graceful Nikki Narulaa, served as the emotional anchor of the story. Her portrayal of a resilient woman confronting heartbreak resonated profoundly with audiences, showcasing the strength required to endure silence and loss.
• Ayaan, brought to life by Baskar Krishna, added intrigue and nuance to the narrative. As a subtle yet pivotal force in the unraveling of Amir and Amayra’s relationship, Ayaan enriched the story with complexity and depth.

 The seamless chemistry between the actors heightened the emotional intensity of the production, making Khallal an unforgettable experience. Through their performances, the echoes of a love once vibrant but now lost took center stage, leaving the audience deeply moved.

A Remarkable Debut

As its inaugural production, Khallal established Checkmate Production as a significant new presence in the theater community. The drama was lauded for its impeccable direction, masterful performances, and an atmospheric interplay of sound and visuals that brought the story’s emotional essence to life.

By-Dr. MP Madhu, Consultant – Medical Gastroenterology, Aster RV Hospital

Ever wondered how digestion happens in the body? The food we eat passes through four tubes: the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and finally through the large intestine which is also called the colon. A colonoscopy is a test to diagnose the problems of the large intestine.

When do you need a colonoscopy?

· If you have altered bowel habits.

· Loose stools not improving even after four weeks of treatment.

· If you find blood in stools.

· Recent onset of constipation.

· If you have low hemoglobin.

· If you have recurrent pain in the abdomen.

· If you notice significant weight loss and suspect colon cancer.

· Screening colonoscopy of normal individuals if a family member has colon cancer.

· Suspected intestinal diseases like tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease and IBS – irritable bowel syndrome).

At what level of hemoglobin is colonoscopy required?

Normally men should have hemoglobin of 13 gm and women, 11 gm. Any level below that needs to be evaluated. We do see patients just taking iron tablets or iron injections for low haemoglobin and not getting tested. They are found to have colon cancers at a later date. So it is always better to get a colonoscopy done before taking iron tablets.

How is a colonoscopy done?

Normally the intestine is filled with stool. So, bowels have to be cleansed before a colonoscopy.

Is admission required for a colonoscopy?

No, it’s done as a daycare procedure and needs three-four hours in the hospital.

Is colonoscopy painful?

Generally, people have the perception that it’s a painful procedure. But that’s not the case. With the availability of advanced colonoscopes, improving skills and the use of CO2 (carbon dioxide) instead of air during the procedure, it can be performed with minimal discomfort. Conscious sedation also makes the procedure more comfortable. General anaesthesia is usually not required for colonoscopy.

What is seen in a colonoscopy, and how long will it take?

We see the whole of the large intestine and a small portion of the small intestine called the terminal ileum during the procedure. Procedure time varies from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the complexity of the large intestine. We may see an ulcer, a polyp—small extra growth, a tumor—larger extra growth and a haemorrhoid (piles). Later, we take a biopsy from an ulcer or polyp. Small polyps are also removed during the procedure and sent for examination by a pathologist.

What is a biopsy and why is it done?

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a part of tissue is removed and sent for examination under a microscope. It is done to diagnose infection, inflammation, cancer and type of polyp.

What happens after colonoscopy?

We tell individuals to use restrooms to pass out the gas and stools. If a procedure is done under sedation – an individual is observed in the hospital for two hours. Then one can have normal food.

Bengaluru, India – 28, January 2024: Hyperone Energy, a trailblazing electric vehicle (EV) company based in Bengaluru, is set to enter the Indian market in the second half of 2025 with the launch of the country’s first electric moped featuring revolutionary chain drive technology. This game-changing development marks a significant leap forward in the EV industry, offering enhanced power efficiency, durability, and exceptional performance for Indian riders.

Unlike conventional electric mopeds that rely on belt drive technology, Hyperone’s moped will feature a chain drive system, a technology traditionally used in high-performance motorcycles. Chain drive systems experience only around 4% power loss in transmission, compared to the 14% loss typically seen with belt drive systems. This reduction in energy loss ensures that Hyperone’s EV will deliver more efficient energy use, offering better range and performance for everyday urban commuters.

Additionally, the chain drive technology is more durable and reliable. Unlike belt drives that are prone to snapping, the chain drive in Hyperone’s EV is designed to withstand the rigours of daily use. The moped will also maintain consistent performance even under heavy loads, with a load-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg, making it a versatile choice for a variety of user needs.

A Leap Forward in Urban Mobility

Hyperone Energy is not only pushing boundaries with its advanced drivetrain technology but is also revolutionizing the EV industry with a fast-charging system that powers their electric scooters from 0% to 100% in just 15 minutes. This breakthrough in rapid charging technology will minimize downtime for riders and enhance the overall convenience of EV ownership, setting a new industry standard.

At the core of Hyperone’s innovation is a passionate team of engineers with a wealth of experience in motorsports, having worked with leading brands such as TVS, Honda, and Ducati. This racing pedigree infuses every design choice, ensuring that Hyperone’s electric mopeds are built for high performance, precision, and sustainability. With this expertise, Hyperone’s vehicles are set to outperform traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) bikes in terms of efficiency, handling, and rider engagement.

Hyperone Energy is dedicated to providing not only high-performance vehicles but also an exceptional and connected user experience. The company plans to incorporate advanced features such as real-time data insights, geofencing, and tech-driven diagnostics, empowering riders with the tools to maximize their EV experience. Through these innovations, Hyperone aims to foster a global community of riders who are passionate about performance and sustainability.

With its launch in the second half of 2025, Hyperone Energy is set to redefine the electric mobility landscape in India, offering a product that combines cutting-edge technology, impressive performance, and long-lasting reliability. This new EV moped will provide a sustainable and efficient solution to India’s evolving transportation needs, while also paving the way for the future of eco-friendly mobility.

Speaking on the advancement, Janardhan Anugula, Founder and CEO, Hyperone Energy, said, “At Hyperone Energy, we are committed to driving the future of urban mobility with groundbreaking technology. Our new EV moped, equipped with innovative chain drive technology, is a testament to our dedication to performance, efficiency, and sustainability. By offering a solution that reduces power loss, increases durability, and performs consistently under heavy loads, we aim to set new benchmarks in the Indian EV market and contribute to a cleaner, more efficient future for all.”

Hyderabad/Govindapur, 28th January 2025: Arun Icecreams, Ice Cream brand under Hatsun Agro Product Limited, has achieved a significant production milestone at its Govindapur facility, now producing 1.27 lakh kilograms of ice cream daily. This accomplishment underscores the company’s commitment to meeting increasing consumer demand.

Established in 2022, the Govindapur plant spans 113 acres and is recognized as India’s largest ice cream manufacturing unit. The facility is equipped with cutting edge robotic technology and equipment that enables the production of a diverse range of ice cream products with enhanced efficiency, precision and quality. Marking the milestone, Arun Icecreams organized a Kids Adventure Education Program on January 27, 2025 at the facility. Part of a series that began on January 20, 2025, this initiative aimed to educate children on sustainability and ice cream production while offering an engaging learning experience.

In line with its commitment to sustainability, the Govindapur facility incorporates several eco-friendly initiatives. These include rainwater harvesting systems, water treatment and recycling processes, and the utilization of solar-powered energy solutions, all aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of operations.

Commenting on the milestone, Padma Shree Shri. RG Chandramogan, Chairman of Hatsun Agro Product Limited , said, “Reaching this production milestone reflects our dedication to leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices in our operations. The Govindapur facility exemplifies our approach to responsible growth and quality assurance.”

He also added, “We are pleased to host the Kids Adventure Education Program at our Govindapur facility, which allows us to share our success story while creating an enriching experience for young minds. We look forward to hosting more such programs in the future, blending education and fun to inspire children to learn about sustainability and the fascinating world of ice cream production.”