Svayam and DCAC Boost Accessibility Awareness at Panghat Festival

7th April, New Delhi – To foreground accessibility and inclusion as core themes of its annual Panghat Fest, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC), a constituent college of the University of Delhi, partnered with Svayam for a two-day youth-led campaign on April 3rd and 4th. The two-day event welcomed students from 45 colleges from south, outer and north campuses, transforming the DCAC campus into a space for meaningful conversations by organizing different competitions like poster making, theaters, photography and others.

DCAC wanted to introduce accessibility as a lived concern through hands-on participation, creating a valuable opportunity to engage young minds, foster meaningful conversations, and promote experiential learning while raising awareness about inclusive infrastructure. Svayam organized a sensitization training session and set up a Stimulation Zone, enabling students, professors, and attendees to experience the challenges faced by people with reduced mobility, vision impairments, or other physical limitations. This initiative highlighted the need for accessible infrastructure, aiming to spark a more personal understanding of access barriers that often go unnoticed.

The initiative builds on Svayam’s Accessibility Awareness Fortnight, which ran from March 12 to 27. The fortnight included engagements at Delhi University’s SRCC and Hansraj College, with students and faculty participating in street plays, public speaking sessions, and a human chain activity around the theme ‘Accessibility is a Human Right’. The drive, launched on March 18, aimed at planting the seed for long-term awareness among young adults.

Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson of Svayam, said, “We are heartened to see this movement grow — this year, for the first time, a leading university in Delhi declared the theme of its annual festival as Accessibility and Inclusivity, in direct support of the global call to recognize 27th March as World Accessibility Day. This is a landmark moment, a youth-led initiative amplifying the message that accessibility is everyone’s issue.”

Prof Rajiv Chopra, Principal, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce added, Accessibility isn’t a separate issue, it affects how inclusive our campuses, streets, and cities truly are. This year’s Panghat gave us a chance to explore that through music, theatre, and interaction. Partnering with Svayam made it possible to turn student energy into something more purposeful.

Additionally, Dr. Shilpa Chowdhary, Convener Cultural Committee said “This year, Panghat, our annual two-day festival at DCAC, takes a meaningful turn by embracing accessibility and inclusivity as its theme. In collaboration with Svayam, we aim to raise awareness and foster a more inclusive environment for all. We extend our gratitude to Team Svayam for their unwavering support in spreading this message among students, professors, and attendees. Accessibility and inclusivity are essential for a progressive society, and through Panghat 2025, we emphasize that true growth is only possible when everyone is empowered to participate

The event sparked fresh conversations on accessibility and the need for accessible infrastructure among the students and attendees. The event concluded with a pledge by students showing their support towards accessibility with great fervor.

Code AI 2025 2nd International Conference on Data Science & AI Exploration

Bengaluru, 7th April 2025: The highly anticipated 2nd International Conference on Data Science & Exploration in Artificial Intelligence, Code AI 2025 is set to take place at MAHE Dubai, UAE on 7th April, Monday from 9:00 am onwards. The event will gather esteemed experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and data science.

The event will feature Dr. Hong Lin, Professor Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, Downtown, USA, and Dr. Jalil Piran, Head of the Department of CSE, Sejong University, Seoul as the Guest of Honor. The event will also welcome distinguished Chief Guests, including Prof. (Dr.) Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor of Technology and Science at MAHE, Prof. and Prof. (Dr.) S. Sudhindra, Academic President at MAHE Dubai.

Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan Pro Vice Chancellor MAHE Bengaluru, in his absence conveyed his message, “Code AI 2025, is a platform that will bring artificial intelligence and data science professionals together from across the globe for a groundbreaking session to shape the future of technology.”

With a strong lineup of patrons and program chairs, Prof. (Dr.) Iven Jose, Director MIT, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. S K Pandey, Dean – STEM Programs Chairperson-SoEIT, MAHE Dubai, UAE, Dr. Dayananda P, Professor and Head of IT at MIT, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Shreyas J, Assistant Professor, Department of IT MIT, MAHE Bengaluru, Dr. Gururaj H L, Associate Professor at MIT, MAHE Bengaluru, and Dr. Sophia Rahaman, Program Director, Comp. Sci & IT, SoEIT – MAHE Dubai, UAE, CODE AI 2025 is expected to be a significant platform for knowledge exchange and networking in the AI and data science domain.

The conference is being organized in association with the Department of Information Technology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Bengaluru, School of Engineering – Information Technology (SoE-IT), and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, UAE.

Palak Muchhal Steals the Show at Sanskriti University’s Spark 2025 Extravaganza

April 7, 2025:Sanskriti University, known for its commitment to nurturing talent and promoting cultural diversity, hosted a mesmerizing musical evening on the second day of Spark 2025, featuring the renowned Bollywood playback singer Palak Muchhal. Her soulful voice and captivating performances created an unforgettable atmosphere, leaving the audience spellbound.


The evening began with the ceremonial lamp lighting by Sanskriti University Chancellor Sachin Gupta and CEO Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, officially inaugurating the event. The lively performances and mesmerizing musical acts that followed created an electrifying ambiance, where students enthusiastically participated and enjoyed every moment.

The enchanting melodies and vibrant spirit of the event made Spark 2025 a night to remember. The enthusiastic participation of the audience reflected the success of the celebration, establishing it as a highlight in the university’s annual calendar.

Chancellor Sachin Gupta, addressing the audience, emphasized that Sanskriti University remains dedicated to organizing such enriching programs that go beyond academics, enabling students to explore their creative and cultural potential. He highlighted that events like Spark 2025 provide a platform for students to appreciate diverse forms of art and entertainment.

Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, CEO of Sanskriti University, also expressed her delight at the overwhelming response to the event. She reiterated that the university continues to offer a balanced environment where students engage in learning while enjoying cultural experiences. She noted that these events nurture creativity, boost confidence, and encourage self-expression among students.

Spark 2025 stands as a testament to Sanskriti University’s commitment to fostering a vibrant campus culture where students can engage, learn, and grow. The success of the event underscores the university’s ongoing efforts to provide a holistic educational environment that nurtures both the mind and soul.

Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 Honors India’s Innovators at Startup Mahakumbh

New Delhi, India, April 07, 2025 – The third day of Startup Mahakumbh marked the grand conclusion of the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025—a flagship initiative to design spotlight and support DPIIT-recognized startups tackling real-world challenges through innovation. Held under the Startup Mahakumbh umbrella, the challenge created a national scale effort to empower high-potential founders across ten key sectors with funding, visibility, and investor access.

The Startup Maharathi Challenge was concluded in the presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary DPIIT, Shri Amit Kumar, Deputy General Manager & Regional Manager, ECGC, Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India ACT Grants, Sunali Rohra, Senior Executive Vice President, HDFC, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Info Edge, Aman Gupta – Co Founder and CMO – boat Lifestyle, actor-entrepreneur Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, and Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital. The winning startups were felicitated by Shri Piyush Goyal, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Aman Gupta, awarding prizes with a total outlay of INR 20 crores.

Referring to all startup founders at Startup Mahakumbh as “Maharathis,” Hon’ble Union Minister Piyush Goyal urged everyone to dream big. “Startup Mahakumbh last year saw 30,000 visitors. Surpassing everyone’s expectations, this year, around 2,30,000 visitors have attended Startup Mahakumbh. Similarly, next year I want to see Startup Maharathi Challenge receiving 25000 applicants—a giant leap from 2400 entries this year. India has the capacity for exponential growth. I am confident that the winners of today’s Challenge will go back inspired, with the confidence in their own ability to succeed in the future.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said, “We don’t expect this to be a one-time activity. This is just the start. We expect more and more companies to get onboarded.”

“This is the culmination of everyone’s hardwork and our dreams. There has never been a startup challenge organized at this scale by the government or corporates so far. Going by the success of the Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025, I am confident we will be doing hundreds of such challenges in future,” said Shri Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Shri Prashanth Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel India, shared his thoughts on the occasion, “The Grand Maharathi Challenge is special—it shows we don’t just encourage startups from high-tech sectors with words but with true action as well. This is also a free grant to the startup without any equity. We hope this motivates them to build the next generation of startups. We would not have dreamt this 10 years ago. I am happy that this partnership between private entities and government is multidimensional. The response this year is so encouraging. I can now proudly say we are at pole position to be the technology leader globally. “

The Startup Maharathi Challenge 2025 drew an overwhelming response with 2,000+ applications from across India. Through a multi-phase evaluation—spanning expert screening, data checks, and virtual jury rounds—over 240 promising startups were selected. The challenge tackled 11 critical problem statements in frontier sectors like satellite imagery, maritime awareness, cryptography, LLMs on sensitive data, and cybersecurity. With a funding outlay of over INR 20 crore, the initiative offered structured grant support, milestone-linked prize money, and non-monetary incentives including technical mentorship, cloud credits, business guidance, and procurement support.

Highlighting India’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem, nearly 40% of applications came from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Over 80 selected startups were led by women founders or co-founders, while 10 from emerging states like Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, and J&K received special recognition—underscoring how India’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving beyond metro hubs and reaching the grassroots.

Amidst vibrant energy, the grand finale of the Futurepreneurs Challenge at Startup Mahakumbh brought together some of India’s most promising student innovators, showcasing AI-powered solutions to pressing local challenges. Ten finalist teams pitched their breakthrough ideas in a rapid-fire format to an audience of investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship graced the occasion to present the award to the winners. With mentorship, funding support, and national exposure, Futurepreneurs proved to be a powerful platform for igniting the next wave of changemakers and creators driving India’s innovation journey.

To accelerate startup growth, top performers in each sector were awarded grants of INR 10 lakh, 5 lakh, and 1 lakh respectively. Beyond funding, all shortlisted startups gained access to curated Speed Dating sessions with investors. Over two days, more than 500 one-on-one meetings were facilitated with 250+ venture capital firms, angel networks, and family offices—each carefully aligned by sector and funding interests.

Union Minister for Industry and Commerce Shri Piyush Goyal also toured the vast exhibition and interacted with various startups.

The event also featured an engaging discussion with actor entrepreneur Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on the topic From the spotlight to Boardroom- Navigating the startup ecosystem.

Startup Mahakumbh showcased a remarkable array of innovations, including an advanced platform to detect deepfakes and extract intelligence from unstructured data, high-performance materials designed for extreme conditions, a globally patented AI-powered traffic vision system for real-time road and safety monitoring, a portable, trunk-fitted energy backup unit solving range anxiety in electric vehicles, solar-powered EV charging stations with IoT-backed remote diagnostics, and a digital business management app for rural and micro women entrepreneurs. These groundbreaking solutions demonstrated the diverse and impactful ways in which startups are addressing real-world challenges across industries.

This year’s edition of Startup Mahakumbh, India’s largest-ever startup gathering, brought together over 3,000 startups, 1,091 investors and incubators, and 10,000+ delegates from across India and 60+ countries and saw a footfall of around 2,30,000 over a span of three days. 211 sessions with 750+ speakers were conducted over 3 days, and a total of 1052 startups benefited through mentoring sessions. This unprecedented scale reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, driving deep-tech innovation, and cementing its position as a global hub for startup-driven solutions.

CalligoTech Attracts $1.1M in Pre-Series A Funding with Seafund & Artha

7th April 2025: Calligo Technologies, a pioneering semiconductor startup, has raised $1.1 million in a pre-series A round led by Seafund and Artha Venture Fund.

CalligoTech’s products are focussed at Accelerating High Performance Computing (HPC) and AI` workloads with its innovative implementation of POSIT in silicon.

The funds raised will be used for R&D expenses for developing the ver2.0 Silicon chip and platform. In addition to the previous breakthrough with the POSIT-based ver1.0 silicon semiconductor chip, the company is also planning to further increase its engineering talent and tech capabilities to build va er2.0 Semiconductor products and establish partnerships with System-Integrators and OEMs/ODMs.

Founded by Anantha Kinnal, Rajaraman Subramanian, and Vinay N Hebbali, Calligo Technologies is focused on developing products and solutions for HPC, Big Data, and AI workloads. The company aims to solve the performance bottlenecks of computing needed for large-scale modeling and simulations in HPC systems and large-model training and inference needed in AI systems, a critical need in a market with large computational needs.

In the last 12 months, CalligoTech has collaborated with US universities, national laboratories, and supercomputing centers to improve access to tech talent and soft launch its operations in the US.

The company has also built an accelerator board, received First Pass Silicon Ver1.0, and started shipping to customers.

Commenting on the investment, Narendra Bhandari, General Partner, Seafund, says,“Compute requirement is growing exponentially across the globe. CalligoTech chips and platform improves performance and reduces data power consumption with their innovative approach. They have completed the full chip cycle from design to products in v1.0 and are accelerating to tapeout the nextgen silicon.”

Anantha Kinnal, Co-founder and CEO of CalligoTech adds, “Insatiable demand for computing for HPC/AI has thus far been addressed by adding more and more Hardware, without addressing computing efficiency at grass-root levels. POSIT is a game-changing invention for real-number representation, as it tackles this issue by enabling the use of fewer computing bits for the same or improved mathematical accuracy, higher energy efficiency, and an increase in dynamic range. Combining Posits with RISC-V, our current version of Silicon TUNGA – an Octacore RISC-V CPU – powers our accelerator card that can be added to any X86/ARM/PowerPC-based Servers. This is already enabling researchers worldwide to realize the usefulness of  Posit-based computing.”

Speaking on the investment, Anirudh A Damani, Managing Partner of Artha Venture Fund, says, “With AI and HPC workloads growing exponentially, computing efficiency is more critical than ever. Calligo’s POSIT-based chips solve fundamental performance bottlenecks, enabling faster, more precise, and power-efficient computing at scale. As demand for large-scale modeling and AI training surges, we see POSIT as a game-changing innovation poised to become a new standard in computing.”

CalligoTech has modified RISC-V C/C++/gFortran/Python compilers, frameworks, and libraries to support Posits and generate Posit-enabled executables natively. Importantly, CalligoTech’s approach requires no source-level modifications to run HPC/AI applications.

We are very excited to receive new investments from Seafund and Artha to build ver2.0 of our Silicon—a 64-core Posit-enabled RISC-V System-on-Chip for large-scale deployment for HPC/AI computing, “ Anantha added. 

In the next 12-18 months, the company plans to capture the market by allowing customers to experience its current product and tape out its System-on-Chip (ver2.0 of Silicon) for high-volume manufacturing.

According to Custom Market Insights, India’s Semiconductor Market was valued at USD 6.67 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 14.09 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period 2024 – 2032. CalligoTech is well-positioned to become a global leader with a substantial market to build.

FinTram Global – Gold Approved Learning Partner with ACCA, invite finance and accounting aspirants for an exclusive seminar

Delhi, 07th April – FinTram Global – Gold Approved Learning Partner with ACCA, invite finance and accounting aspirants for an exclusive seminar on global career opportunities titled “Transform Your Career with ACCA – Unlock Global Opportunities”. The seminar will delve into career opportunities in finance, auditing, taxation, and risk management, with the Big 4 firms in addition to MNCs, financial institutions, and other consulting firms in India and abroad that actively hire ACCA professionals.

Why Attend?

  • Gain expert insights on the ACCA qualification, career prospects, and study strategies.
  • Understand how ACCA enhances career opportunities in India and abroad.
  • Get direct guidance from industry experts and mentors.

Event Details:
Venue: New Delhi
Date: April 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

World Health Day: Vedanta IOK Commits to Enhancing Public Health Initiatives

Chitradurga: 7th, April 2025: The 77th World Health Day, themed as “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” is being marked on 7th April. The theme emphasises upon maternity related health care & on prioritising women’s longer-term health and well-being.

Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK), has over the years been actively involved in contributing to the holistic well-being of the communities. Overall, as part of it’s Project ‘Aarogya’, Vedanta Sesa Goa has benefitted over 42,000 lives across locations. The Project aims to champion health care & build resilience through is aimed at championing health and resilience and includes initiatives such as the Community Medical Centres (CMCs), Mobile Health Units (MHUs), multispecialty mega health camps, medical instrument distribution, awareness sessions, cleanliness drives, and support to accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM).

As part of its initiatives, Vedanta IOK has been making special efforts to prioritise the health of women community members through health screenings, specialised health camps, diabetes and blood pressure check-ups, awareness camps on cervical cancer, maternity & menstrual health. Additionally, to mark the ‘World Health Day’, Vedanta IOK is conducting a series of health awareness sessions in Chitradurga, which shall engage community members on issues pertaining to management of blood pressure & diabetes, nutrition awareness sessions, and so on.

Emphasizing on Vedanta IOK’s commitment to community wellbeing and enhancing the lives of the people of Chitradurga, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO – Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka said, “We, at Vedanta Sesa Goa, are proud of the positive impact created, through our medical & health related initiatives. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of ‘Good Health and Wellbeing,’ we have been able to contribute to the good health & well-being of the people of Karnataka in general & Chitradurga in particular. Vedanta IOK is also proud of its volunteerism, as the employees have contributed over 600 units of blood in the past year alone. Vedanta IOK is committed to contributing to the overall health & well-being of the communities we operate in.”

  1. Sudha, an ASHA Worker hailing from Bheemasamudra village, Chitradurga, & beneficiary of the‘Support to ASHA workers’ initiative said, “The equipment support extended by Vedanta IOK has enhanced our capacity & helps us to examine the primary health status of the patients. This helps us to refer patients to hospitals, based on the patient’s condition & overall improves our ability to serve the people.”
  2. Nagendrappa, an 78-year-old resident of Hirekandwadi, expressed his gratitude to Vedanta IOK, for the ‘Mobile Health Unit’ initiative.“I am heart patient and thus need to frequently visit the hospital for treatment. Vedanta IOK’s Mobile Health Unit (MHU) service visits our village every Saturday, and this has greatly benefitted me. The MHU offers various services such as sugar, BP check-up, and they provide ointments and medicines for various ailments such as body pain, and this has benefitted many villagers such as me.”

Focusing upon the health of the community members & aimed at providing access to health facilities, Vedanta IOK has been organising regular health camps with medical adsupport being extended for Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, ENT, Dental, General Medicine, Paediatrics, Gynaecologist along with BP & Sugar Test. Manjappa, an 83-year-old person, hailing from Muthugduru, and beneficiary of the health camp said, “I have been suffering from knee pain and body ache, and so I decided to visit the Multi-specialty Mega Health camp, organised by Vedanta – Iron Ore Karnataka at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Sirigere. The visiting doctors effectively dealt with my knee pain & am glad that Vedanta IOK organised this camp which allowed people from remote areas to access much needed health support.”

This World Health Day, Vedanta IOK reaffirms its commitment to partner communities to foster holistic well-being of the communities. Good health is the key to overall societal progress & the company endeavours to make a tangible difference in the lives of the communities we operate in.

RS 10M ‘Young Entrepreneurs Fund’ Launched to Boost Next-Gen Innovators

New Delhi, 7th April, 2025: The Young Entrepreneurs Fund (YEF), a $10 million initiative, was launched today by Harshavardhan Chauhaan, the veteran marketing strategist behind billion-dollar retail and D2C ventures. Fueled entirely by proceeds from Chauhaan’s incendiary new book, #NCAYB (Nobody Cares About Your Brand), this radical fusion of literary provocation and venture capital targets early-stage founders driving innovation in Deep Tech, Clean Energy, Rural Platforms, and National IP. Chauhaan, whose career spans scaling hypergrowth startups and redefining brand psychology, positions YEF as both a critique of outdated marketing dogma and a capital engine for those rewriting India’s economic future, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat, Karmyogi Bharat, and Vishwa Vyapi Bharat.

The fund’s structure defies conventional venture models, mirroring Harshvardhan Chauhaan’s unorthodox approach to consumer influence. Unlike traditional investors fixated on pitch decks and financial projections, YEF allocates $10,000-$250,000 grants to raw, pre-revenue ideas, prioritizing societal impact and scalable solutions over spreadsheets. This ethos stems directly from #NCAYB’s core thesis, that consumer trust, not product-centric frameworks like the 1960s-era 4Ps of Marketing, now dictates market success. Proceeds from every copy of #NCAYB sold directly go to the YEF, creating a self-sustaining loop between thought leadership and founder empowerment.

Commenting on the fund launch, Harshvardhan Chauhaan, said, “The true revolution in business won’t happen in boardrooms where executives cling to century-old theories. It will emerge from garages and Discord servers where founders understand that consumers don’t follow brands, they follow trust architectures. Through the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs Fund, our aim is to go beyond funding business plans by investing in neural networks of influence that rewrite consumer behavior from the subconscious up. When the history of 21st century commerce is written, it won’t mention advertisements or product features; it will document how trust became the only currency that mattered.”

Beyond financial backing, YEF provides grantees with mentorship from global brand strategists, growth marketers, and serial entrepreneurs who understand the evolving dynamics of consumer trust and fractional loyalty. Ashish Soni, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, serial entrepreneur, and industry leader in AI and emerging technologies, has joined YEF a pro bono mentor and board advisor. With over 14 years of experience across innovation, product development, and tech consulting, Ashish will help guide the fund’s direction, ensuring high-impact value creation and strategic excellence.

The fund’s mandate spans four strategic sectors critical to India’s transformation. In Deep Tech, YEF will support startups pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced robotics, technologies poised to redefine global technological frontiers. Clean Energy innovators will receive backing for solutions in renewable energy generation, green infrastructure, and carbon-neutral technologies, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. Rural Platforms form another key focus area for YEF, aiding ventures that democratize access to agritech tools, rural fintech ecosystems, and digital literacy programs to bridge the urban-rural divide – a direct contribution to the Viksit Bharat ideal.

Apart from these, YEF will also help National IP initiatives gain traction by scaling indigenous innovations, from traditional crafts to climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring these ideas achieve global resonance under the Vishwa Vyapi Bharat framework. These verticals align with #NCAYB’s principles of The Trust Algorithm, Fractional Loyalty, and the Influence Flywheel, while anchoring YEF’s role in fostering a Karmyogi Bharat where skill development and entrepreneurial grit converge. By channeling resources into these domains, the fund aims to cultivate a self-reliant economy where trust-based consumer relationships and homegrown innovations drive progress

Paytm Rolls Out MahaKumbh Soundbox with Digital Screen for Payment Updates

Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of mobile payments, QR codes, and Soundbox technology, has launched the Made-in-India Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox to empower merchant partners with instant payment alerts on a digital screen and real-time transaction tracking. The latest addition to Paytm’s expanding Soundbox range, this 4G-enabled device helps businesses track payments effortlessly, improve transaction visibility, and enhance operational efficiency.

The MahaKumbh Soundbox represents the power of Indian unification—just as the rare pilgrim festival brings millions together, this device seamlessly integrates multiple features into one, enabling effortless transactions for merchants.

Equipped with diverse capabilities, the new Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox comes with a built-in digital screen that provides a clear view of payments, including real-time transaction updates, total collections, and device status. Merchants can now see transactions instantly while also receiving audio alerts, ensuring quick verification even during peak hours when multiple payments are being made. It features Paytm pioneered QR code, allowing customers to scan and pay via all UPI apps and RuPay Credit Card payments through UPI. With a powerful 3-watt speaker, the device delivers clear voice confirmations, enabling merchants to instantly verify payments and reduce errors. Supporting 11 languages, it ensures merchants receive updates in their preferred language. Additionally, its long-lasting 10-day battery and durable, splash-resistant, and temperature-resistant design make it a reliable solution for businesses across retail stores, restaurants, and local markets.

Shri Sanjiv Singh ji, Joint Secretary, DPIIT said, “Startup Mahakumbh has been a landmark event celebrating India’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and policymakers to drive India’s digital and financial inclusion forward. In this spirit of innovation, Paytm continues to lead the way in transforming digital payments for millions of businesses across the country. The launch of the Paytm MahaKumbh Soundbox is another testament to India’s leadership in fintech innovation—empowering merchants with real-time transaction tracking, seamless payment acceptance, and operational efficiency. I commend Vijay Shekhar Sharma and the Paytm team for their relentless commitment to developing cutting-edge, Made-in-India solutions that strengthen our digital economy and support small businesses nationwide.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – Paytm said, “We are proud to have made mobile payments accessible to everyone. As pioneers of Soundbox technology, we introduced instant payment confirmations, bringing trust and ease to merchants. With our new Made-in-India Display Soundbox, we are taking it a step further to help our merchant partners track transactions effortlessly and manage their business with confidence.

This launch follows Paytm’s recent green innovation of India’s First Paytm Solar Soundbox, aimed at providing sustainable energy solutions to merchants and businesses. By integrating solar-powered infrastructure, the company continues to drive innovation that enhances efficiency and reduces operational costs for its partners. Additionally, Paytm is enhancing digital transactions with its NFC-enabled payment solutions, allowing merchants to accept tap-and-pay transactions effortlessly. This ensures faster, more secure payments and an improved customer experience.

Paytm innovates based on customer needs, introducing features like UPI statement downloads (PDF & Excel), UPI Trading Blocks for direct stock trade payments without pre-funding, and the ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for instant payments without opening the app. It also enables users to check UPI-linked bank account balances on the Paytm app and supports UPI, UPI Lite for small payments, RuPay Credit Card linking on Paytm UPI, cards, and net banking for seamless transactions. Expanding globally, it now facilitates UPI payments in the UAE, Singapore, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Lilavati Hospital Organizes A Kidney Awareness Programme

Mumbai, April 7, 2025: In a bid to promote kidney health and encourage early detection of kidney diseases, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre has organized a Kidney Awareness Programme to commemorate World Kidney Day. The programme also featured an interactive session on kidney diseases, a talent show by patients and staff, and a quiz competition ‘Kaun Banega Kidney Pati’, followed by prize distribution making it both informative and engaging. Present on the occasion were Shri Rajiv Mehta, The Permanent Trustee, Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer, Dr Hemant Mehta, Dr K. L. Upadhya, Dr Arun Shah, Dr L. H. Suratkal, Dr Wasi Shaikh, and Dr Nageshwar Panchal.

Kidney diseases are surging in people of all age groups due to unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of awareness. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dehydration contribute to kidney problems. If left undiagnosed, kidney issues can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and even kidney failure. Thisprogram aims to provide timely screenings, expert consultations, and essential education on maintaining kidney health and preventing complications. It will be a boon for individuals at risk, encouraging them to take proactive measures for kidney care.

Dr Hemant Mehta, Nephrologist Lilavati Hospital Mumbai said, “Kidney diseases progress silently and, in many cases, are detected at an advanced stage, leading to the need for dialysis or transplantation. Early diagnosis through routine screenings can prevent severe complications and ensure better management of kidney-related disorders. This initiative by Lilavati Hospital will help people understand the importance of kidney health, timely intervention, and the availability of advanced treatments for those in need. The program saw participation from kidney patients, including several who are on dialysis. It provided them with a platform to share their experiences, spread awareness, and inspire others to take preventive measures.”

Mr Prashant Mehta, Permanent Trustee at Lilavati Hospital Said, “ We are committed to safeguarding and improving health through interactive medical camps and educational awareness programmes. Our goal is to ensure that more people have access to early screenings and expert medical guidance, ultimately improving overall well-being.”

Mr Rajiv Mehta, Permanent Trustee of Lilavati Hospital said, ” World Kidney Day serves as a reminder of the importance of kidney health and the routine testing in reducing preventable complications. This year’s theme – ‘Are Your Kidneys Okay’ , detect early and protect kidney health encourages people everywhere to recognise risk factors and adopt healthier lifestyle choices as millions of people are globally affected. Most are undiagnosed with serious kidney diseases. Early detection can make a significant difference as kidney diseases are known to progress silently affecting between 15-20% adults. In this intricate web of human priority , every organ plays a crucial role , contributing to the symphony of life. The kidneys often overlooked until serious complications arise. The kidney’s major function lies in its remarkable ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the body and ensuring the body can maintain the delicate balance of these waste products and fluids. A healthy kidney can keep the blood pressure stable , acid base balance for proper cellular functions, toxin removals, mineral and bone health and keeping producing immune modulating substances to fight off further diseases. Kidneys are the unsung heroes of our bodies silently performing vital functions that are essential for overall health and well-being. By understanding the importance of kidney health, and taking proactive steps to support their functions, we can safeguard these vital organs and pave the way for a healthier future. Taking care of your kidneys is about nurturing your body’s intricate system to flourish. Let’s give our kidneys the attention and care they deserve.”

“This awareness programme offers hope to many, encouraging them to prioritize their kidney health and seek timely treatment. Prompt detection can prevent complications, and initiatives like these empower people to take proactive measures for a healthier future,” concluded Dr Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer of Lilavati Hospital Mumbai.