2 in 5 Children in India Have Unhealthy BMI, Sportz Village Survey Finds
India, 28th February 2025: Sportz Village’s 13th Annual Health Survey (AHS) has revealed alarming gaps in the fitness and well-being of school-going children across India.
Conducted annually since 2010, the survey aims to analyze and evaluate the health and fitness levels of children in schools across India.
The 13th edition of the survey, powered by EduSports, assessed 1,16,650 children aged 7 to 17 years across 85 locations, highlighting the urgent need for structured physical education programs in schools.
The EAST REGION has emerged with the second-best performance showcasing an overall fitness in a total of 56.40% of children, showing notable strengths in Upper body strength (54%), Lower body strength (46%), and Flexibility (77%).
The survey highlights that a higher percentage of children from the NORTH REGION have shown extremely poor performance, recording the lowest percentages in three out of seven fitness parameters. The region performed the weakest in Lower body strength (35%), Abdominal strength (81%), and Anaerobic capacity (58%), underscoring significant areas for improvement in these key fitness indicators.
The performance of children from the SOUTH REGION has been a mixed bag. A higher percentage of children have performed well in the parameters of BMI (60.12%), Aerobic capacity (31%), Anaerobic capacity (62%), and Abdominal strength (87%), while showing areas of improvement in Upper body strength and Flexibility.
WEST REGION has performed the best when compared to all other regions with higher percentage of children performing exceptionally well in the parameters of Upper body strength (58%) Lower body strength (60%), Anaerobic capacity (81%), Abdominal strength (93%), Aerobic capacity (52%) & Flexibility (81%).
Key findings of the survey denote:
- 2 in 5 children have an unhealthy BMI.
- 3 in 5 children lack adequate Lower body strength.
- 1 in 3 children have insufficient Flexibility.
- 3 in 5 children do not meet the required Aerobic capacity.
- 1 in 5 children have inadequate Abdominal or core strength.
- 2 in 5 children lack sufficient Anaerobic capacity.
- 3 in 5 children do not have adequate Upper body strength.
- A higher proportion of girls (62.23%) maintain a healthy BMI compared to boys (57.09%).
- Girls outperformed boys in Flexibility, Abdominal strength, Anaerobic capacity, and Upper body strength, whereas boys performed well in the parameters of Aerobic capacity and Lower body strength
AHS 2025 key findings
Moreover, a higher percentage of children in private schools have better Upper body strength levels (47%), compared to the children from government schools (37%) as well as Abdominal strength levels (87%) compared to the children in government schools (84%). In comparison, a higher percentage of children from government schools have fared better in BMI (61.64%), Lower body strength (48%), Aerobic capacity (37%), Anaerobic capacity (75%) & Flexibility (75%), demonstrating better overall fitness in children from the latter.
The survey also highlights the positive correlation between the frequency of P.E. classes and overall fitness levels. It found that children who attend more than two P.E. periods per week have better BMI levels, upper body strength and flexibility compared to those with fewer P.E. classes, reinforcing the importance of structured sports programs in schools.
Impact of frequency of P.E. classes on overall fitness
Saumil Majmudar, Co-Founder, CEO & Managing Director, Sportz Village,emphasized the importance of balancing academics and sports, stating: “Children naturally love to play, yet sports often take a backseat to academics. The 13th AHS findings highlight the urgent need to strike a balance between the two. School leaders must prioritize investments in physical education and sports curricula—not just for the long-term health and well-being of children, but to foster a strong sporting culture that can propel India toward excellence on the global stage.”
Parminder Gill, Co-Founder & Head of Foundation, Sportz Village, highlighted the need for policy support and CSR-backed initiatives, adding: “The improved fitness levels among government school children is encouraging, with far-reaching benefits. Sports not only enhance academic performance but also strengthen social-emotional skills, foster inclusion, and promote gender equity. To build on this progress, it is essential to implement strong policies and allocate resources that ensure access to high-quality sports programs, supported by corporates, CSR initiatives, philanthropists, and the government.”
Sanjay Agarwal is CII Rajasthan Chairman Rajneesh Bhandari Vice Chairman
Jaipur, 28th February 2025: Mr.Sanjay Agarwal and Mr.Rajneesh Bhandari have been elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Rajasthan for the year 2025 -26.
Mr.Sanjay Agarwal is the Founder, MD, and CEO of AU Small Finance Bank. As a first-generation entrepreneur and a Chartered Accountant with a merit rank, he founded AU Financiers in 1996, addressing the financial needs of small entrepreneurs and underserved individuals in rural and semi-urban areas. In 2017, he took a groundbreaking step by founding AU Small Finance Bank, which has since emerged as India’s largest small finance bank, setting new benchmarks in financial services and inclusivity.
Under his leadership, AU Small Finance Bank is now the only small finance bank that meets the RBI guidelines to file an application for a Universal Bank license. AU SFB’s reach now includes over 2,400 banking touchpoints, serving more than 1.12 crore customers and employing apx 48,000 individuals across 21 states and 4 Union Territories, underscoring its steady growth and influence in the financial sector.
Mr.Agarwal is not only a banking pioneer but also a passionate cricketer, having represented Rajasthan in the Under-19 team in 1990. His exemplary leadership has also resulted in AU SFB being bestowed with various awards and recognitions, such as ‘India’s Leading Small Finance Bank’ at BFSI & Fintech Summit 2024 by Dun & Bradstreet, ‘Best Small Finance Bank’ at the Mint BFSI Awards 2023, ‘Company with Great Managers 2023 Award’, ‘Financial Inclusion Award’ at the FICO Decision Awards 2024, ET Human Capital Awards 2024 in the category ‘Excellence in Cultivating a Culture of Trust and High Performance,’ and Top 50 Best Place to Work by Great Place to Work 2024 etc.
Mr Rajneesh Bhandari is Managing Director, Neuroequilibrium Diagnostic Systems Pvt Ltd. He is an alumnus of IIT Delhi, he has successfully founded ventures across diverse sectors, including Telecommunication Infra services, Engineering Materials, and Medical technologies. He holds seven US patents and thirteen Indian patents, underlining his innovation-driven approach. His latest venture, NeuroEquilibrium, is the world’s largest chain of specialty clinics for vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorder, with 200 clinics in 13 countries. It impacts thousands of patients worldwide through AI-powered remote diagnosis.
Mr Bhandari also serves on various committees and boards. He invests in and mentors startups and is an active angel investor. He is also an Independent Director at Flair Pens Ltd, India’s largest pen manufacturer. Rajneesh actively contributes to key government and industry committees on startups, healthcare, and innovation. Rajneesh has been a member of the CII Rajasthan State Council and CII Northern Region Committee on Healthcare.
VIMS&RC and Intuitive Launch I-ROPE Program for Robotic Surgery Training
Bengaluru, 28 February 2025 – Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore, a leading institution in multi-specialty tertiary care, has joined hands with Intuitive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), to introduce resident surgeons to robotic-assisted surgical technology through the Intuitive Robotic Onboarding Program and Education (I-ROPE). This initiative marks the introduction of I-ROPE in a private hospital in India, providing surgical oncology postgraduate trainees with exposure to robotic-assisted surgery and its clinical applications.
The program was inaugurated by Mr. L K AtheeqIAS Additional Chief Secretary to СM Government of Karnataka, in an event held at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Whitefield, Bengaluru. Dr. UT Iftikhar Ali Fareed, Chairman of the Allied & Healthcare Council of Karnataka, Dr.Riyaz Basha S M.D, Registrar [Evaluation] Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, and Dr. Kalpaja D A, Chairperson-Vydehi Group of Institutions, were also present at the event.
Speaking at the event, Mr. L.K. Atheeq, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Government of Karnataka, appreciated Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre and Intuitive for their collaboration for equipping young surgeons with robotic-assisted surgery technology. He also mentioned that it would be great if this programme can be done at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences as well, which could benefit a large number of medical professionals and students, enhancing their expertise and contributing to healthcare in Karnataka.
Commenting on the institute’s commitment to technological advancements in medical education, Chairperson Dr. Kalpaja D A said, “Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into medical education and training. The introduction of I-ROPE in our hospital reflects our commitment to equipping future surgical oncologists with advanced skills in robotic-assisted surgery, ensuring better patient outcomes and medical excellence.”
The I-ROPE program is designed to introduce early-career surgeons to robotic-assisted surgery through structured sessions that cover the technology, its applications across various surgical disciplines, and its potential role in modern clinical practice. At Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, the program is being conducted using the state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical system, providing residents hands-on familiarity with one of the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical platforms available today.
Despite the increasing adoption of robotic-assisted surgery worldwide, exposure to this technology remains limited within traditional surgical training programs in India. This collaboration between Intuitive and Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre aims to bridge this gap by integrating robotic-assisted surgery into early-stage surgical exposure, to help prepare future surgeons for evolving medical practices.
Dr. M.S. Ganesh, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The evolution of surgical care is being driven by technology, and robotic-assisted surgery is rapidly emerging as a crucial tool in the operating room. Early exposure to this technology provides residents with the ability to understand its advantages, develop critical decision-making skills, and explore how it integrates into various surgical specialties. At Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, we are committed to equipping future surgeons with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt to advancements that will define the next era of surgical care.”
Rohitt Mahajan, Vice President and General Manager, Intuitive India, highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration, stating, “The execution of Robotic-assisted surgery skill building and education programs is an important step towards nurturing the next generation of surgeons in being future-ready for evolving surgical practices. We are excited to expand the I-ROPE program to private hospitals in India, supporting the country’s healthcare landscape’s evolution towards better patient outcomes through minimally invasive care. Our collaboration with Vydehi reflects an effort to integrate robotic-assisted surgery techniques in the area of medical education in leading teaching institutes of India.”
Intuitive has been expanding access to robotic-assisted surgery in India through the successful implementation of the I-ROPE program across leading government medical institutions. These include AIIMS Delhi, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi, and Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.
Since the inception of the I-ROPE program, around 350 resident surgeons have participated in it, gaining exposure to robotic-assisted surgical technology. With the expansion of the program to Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Intuitive continues its mission of widening access to robotic-assisted surgery in India, ensuring that both public and private healthcare institutions can provide early-stage exposure to this advanced technology.
NPST and Hyperface Partner to Enable Instant Credit Access via UPI for Banks
Mumbai, [28th February 2025] – NPST, a leading provider of banking and payment solutions in India, and Hyperface, Asia’s first Credit Cards as a Service (CCaaS) platform, have announced a strategic partnership to enable banks and credit issuers to offer embedded credit solutions through UPI, marking a significant milestone in India’s digital financial ecosystem and expanding instant credit access for millions of users.
With India’s growing middle class and increasing discretionary spending, affordable access to credit remains a challenge due to low credit card penetration — just 100 million cards compared to over 400 million UPI users. The NPST-Hyperface alliance bridges this gap, delivering a seamless, digital-first credit experience that enhances purchasing power, fuels consumer spending, and drives financial inclusion at scale.
Banks and credit issuers can leverage their vast infrastructure and rich customer data to offer tailored UPI-based credit products. Eligible consumers will gain access to pre-approved credit lines at the point of sale, empowering them to make purchases and split payments into flexible instalments. Merchants stand to benefit from higher conversion rates, larger basket sizes, and stronger customer loyalty.
Through this partnership, NPST will integrate its UPI switch technology with Hyperface’s advanced Embedding Banking Platform. Hyperface’s Credit Management Engine, built on a sophisticated technology stack, is a completely modular, flexible, and comprehensive solution; it enables banks not only to build, iterate and deploy Credit Line on UPI-ready products rapidly but also re-calibrate in real-time to drive scalability. The combined solution equips banks with digital-first credit solutions with full-spectrum lifecycle support — including customer risk assessment, real-time business insights, and built-in compliance tools — enabling innovative and sustainable credit offerings through UPI.
Commenting on the partnership, Deepak Chand Thakur, Co-Founder and CEO, NPST, stated; “We are proud to partner with Hyperface to democratize access to credit through UPI. As consumer expectations evolve, this collaboration positions banks to meet those needs with agility — driving customer satisfaction, boosting transaction volumes, and creating new revenue streams through interchange fees. Together, we’re not just transforming credit; we’re shaping the future of embedded finance in India.”
“The rapidly evolving UPI ecosystem demands both technological sophistication and extraordinary agility — qualities that legacy systems simply cannot deliver”, said Ramanathan RV, Co-Founder and CEO, Hyperface. “As new use cases emerge and requirements rapidly evolve, we recognized the need to partner with a modern, tech-forward player who could match our pace of innovation. Hyperface’s advanced Credit Management Platform, combined with NPST’s proven expertise in UPI technology, creates a powerful synergy that will enable banks to build, rapidly deploy and scale innovative credit solutions for tailored customer segments. This partnership exemplifies how new-age companies can collaborate to solve complex financial challenges at the speed the market demands.”
Porche Redefining Luxury Dining & Drinks in Gurgaon
Gurgaon, February 28, 2025: The G Town’s dining and nightlife landscape reached new heights with the launch of Porche, a multi-level luxury destination that blends gastronomy, fresh German beer, mixology, and entertainment under one roof. The brainchild of brothers Sanjay Kumar Singh and Sandu Kumar Singh, Porche offers an unparalleled experience across its three distinct levels: a vibrant, high-energy bar, a refined dining space with a high-energy bar, and an open-air rooftop lounge with panoramic city views.
Porche embodies the essence of its name: a grand entrance or an opulent gathering space that sets the stage for something truly extraordinary. Designed with timeless elegance, the space is a masterpiece of Mediterranean-meets-colonial luxury, featuring exquisitely hand-painted interiors, plush bespoke furnishings, and an ambiance that seamlessly marries grandeur with comfort. Every detail, from the ornate architectural accents to the rich textures and soft ambient lighting, has been meticulously curated to craft an experience that is as indulgent as it is unforgettable.
The three floors at Porche cater to varied moods and experiences: The High-Energy Bar on the second floor is designed for electrifying nightlife, craft cocktails, and live music performances, creating a dynamic space for an unforgettable night out while the elegant dining space the first floor provide a sophisticated setting where patrons can indulge in a world-class menu and a curated selection of drinks offering an upscale dining affair. The Rooftop Sky Lounge is an oasis above the city, offering an intimate escape with artisanal pizzas, pastas, sushi, and handcrafted drinks, all set against Gurgaon’s mesmerising skyline.
Sanjay Kumar Singh, Founder of Porche, shared his vision, “Porche isn’t just a restaurant , a bar or a brewery it’s a complete lifestyle destination. Whether you seek high-energy entertainment, a refined dining affair, or an intimate rooftop escape, Porche offers a curated experience for every moment and mood. With our fully integrated German brewery system, we are setting new standards for craft beer in Gurgaon.”
Curated by Chefs with years of luxury culinary experience spanning Oberoi, Taj, and Leela, Porche is a premier multi-cuisine destination redefining global dining. The menu features
succulent grilled lobsters, premium New Zealand lamb chops, and exquisite Mediterranean flavors, alongside the finest Pan-Asian cuisine. It also includes timeless classics like delicate gnocchi and flambéed Crêpe Suzette. Ideal for business-class lunches and corporate gatherings, Porche offers an elevated experience with artisanal sushi, handcrafted dim sum, and rich Thai curries—each dish meticulously crafted to blend sophistication with indulgence.
Porche’s cocktail menu is a masterful blend of craftsmanship and inspiration, drawing from the essence of the Eight Wonders of the World to create a truly unique mixology experience. Curated by a team with experience at ITC and The Oberoi Group of Hotels, each cocktail is a celebration of purity and innovation—crafted with botanical-based ingredients, no synthetics, no sugar, and no syrups. This commitment to natural flavors results in clean, sophisticated drinks that elevate the art of cocktail-making. At Porche, every sip is a journey across cultures, paying homage to iconic global landmarks while delivering an unmatched sensory experience.
The launch of Porche marks the beginning of a new era in Gurgaon’s nightlife and dining scene, bringing together a world-class culinary team, premium beverages, and an extraordinary space that guarantees a distinctive and immersive experience with every visit
Address: Porche, Golf Avenue 42, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
Hybrid Model Businesses More Optimistic About 2025 Growth CEO Study Finds
New Delhi, 28 February 2025: In a challenging economic environment, businesses operating in the hybrid model have reported that they are significantly more optimistic about growth in the year ahead than more traditionally- focused businesses that require their teams to commute daily. They are also recognising that hybrid working allows them to operate with lower business costs, boost employee productivity and attract the best talent – all of which support this optimism.
A study of more than 1000 CEOs and senior business leaders by International Workplace Group (IWG), found that three quarters (75%) of businesses offering hybrid working had a positive outlook for 2025 compared to 58% of non-hybrid companies.
Flexible working has allowed many businesses to cut overheads by reducing office space and taking advantage of short-term workspace solutions. More than three quarters (79%) of flexible businesses reported cost savings and a similar amount (75%) say hybrid working is incredibly helpful in mitigating upcoming economic pressures like rising taxes, increased tariffs and market trends.
The research, conducted by IWG, the world’s leading provider of flexible workspace, with brands including Regus and Spaces, indicates that as business confidence across the world is under increased scrutiny, businesses prioritising flexibility are significantly more optimistic. 63% of hybrid businesses reported feeling more positive about the economy than they did a year ago, compared to just 44% of non-flexible businesses.
Workforce productivity key to brighter outlook
Flexible working models are also driving productivity and talent retention. 72% of flexible businesses report improved productivity in their workforces, and a similar percentage (71%) believe their policies have enhanced their ability to attract and retain top talent.
This is supported by Stanford academic Professor Nicholas Bloom’s recently published study** which found that hybrid working improved job satisfaction and reduced quit rates by one-third (33%), without damaging productivity.
Higher confidence in growth and workforce expansion
Flexible businesses are also more confident in their growth and workforce expansion. Over two-thirds (67%) of hybrid businesses are confident their business will grow in 2025, and nearly a half 48% are confident in expanding their workforce, compared to only 51% and 38% of non-hybrid companies, respectively.
Hybrid leaders cited wide-ranging benefits including increased employee satisfaction (53%), retention (43%), and productivity (46%).
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, commented: “In these challenging times, CEOs and business leaders are contemplating the path ahead. Businesses that are aiming for peak profitability understand that the key to success lies in retaining and attracting the best talent – their greatest intellectual capital. This strategic focus is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving world.
“By embracing hybrid working, businesses are reducing costs and enhancing their team’s happiness and productivity. It’s no surprise that businesses adopting this model are the ones looking to the year ahead with optimism.”
Harsh Lambah, Country Manager, India added “The findings of this study reinforce what we have been witnessing in India—businesses that embrace hybrid working are not only more resilient but also significantly more optimistic about their future. By offering greater flexibility, companies can attract top talent, drive productivity, and reduce operational costs, all of which are critical for sustainable growth. At IWG, we are committed to empowering businesses with our expansive network of flexible workspaces across India, enabling them to navigate economic uncertainties while fostering a more agile and efficient work environment.”
RRP Electronics Partners with Deca Technologies on Semiconductor Packaging
Mumbai, February 27, 2025– In a groundbreaking move for India’s semiconductor sector, RRP Electronics, backed by cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, has forged a strategic alliance with US-based Deca Technologies, Inc. to supercharge its wafer-level packaging capabilities. This partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global semiconductor powerhouse.
Under this collaboration, RRP Electronics—renowned for its expertise in assembling and testing semiconductor components—will integrate Deca’s cutting-edge Wafer-Level Chip Scale Packaging (WLCSP) and M-Series™️ Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP) technologies into its state-of-the-art processes. This will elevate the company’s ability to deliver high-performance semiconductor solutions to customers worldwide.
Deca Technologies, a leader in advanced semiconductor packaging with backing from industry giants like Qualcomm, Infineon, and ASE Group, sees this alliance as a gateway to India’s booming electronics and semiconductor ecosystem.
A Leap Toward Semiconductor Excellence Electronics is already making waves in the sector, currently collaborating on a prestigious project for a Swiss client, producing sophisticated Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) in QFN packages. This further cements its reputation for delivering precision and innovation in high-tech electronics.
Rajendra K. Chodankar, Chairman & CEO of RRP Electronics, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating “We are investing in a large-scale Technology Transfer License Agreement (TTLA) with Deca, potentially on exclusive terms, to create a fully automated, world-class infrastructure. This partnership will take semiconductor packaging in India to new heights. We aim to complete our qualification tests by August 2025 and foresee revenue exceeding USD 30 million (about ₹260 crore) in just the second year of operations, with exponential growth in the years to come”
Tim Olson, Founder & CEO of Deca Technologies, added “We are thrilled to be part of India’s ambitious semiconductor growth story. RRP Electronics’ vision, expertise, and determination make them the perfect partner to drive innovation in semiconductor packaging. This collaboration will accelerate their ambitious plans and strengthen India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain”
A Game-Changer for India’s Semiconductor Industry Beyond this partnership, RRP Electronics is spearheading a massive ₹12035 crore, phase 1 Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly Test (OSAT) initiative, and 24000 crore fab set to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing and assembly facility in Maharashtra. The Government of Maharashtra is backing this initiative, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and technological advancement in the region.
In September 2024, RRP Electronics inaugurated a world-class facility equipped with next generation manufacturing technology. This initiative is expected to create around 4,000 jobs, bolstering the local economy and cementing Maharashtra’s status as a global semiconductor hub.
As India accelerates its semiconductor ambitions, RRP Electronics and Deca Technologies are poised to redefine the landscape, bringing cutting-edge packaging solutions, massive job creation, and a new era of technological leadership to the country.
ENGIE Powers India’s Renewable Energy Transition
India, 27th Feb, 2025 : ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy solutions, continues to strengthen India’s energy transition by expanding its renewable energy footprint and investing in community development. As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ENGIE yesterday inaugurated a school shed at Shree Kundaliya Pagar Kendra School in Taluka VAV, near its Electro Solaire project at Raghanesda Solar Park (GUVNL-1, 200 MW). Established in 1954, the school provides education up to 10th standard and serves 400 students.
The newly constructed shed offers much-needed protection from extreme temperatures, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for outdoor activities. Identified by ENGIE’s site teams, this initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting education, health, and community well-being. The shed was officially inaugurated by Sandeep Jadhav, Head of Operations.
“At ENGIE, our vision extends beyond clean energy. We believe in empowering the communities where we operate by investing in education, health, and sustainable livelihoods. Our renewable energy projects are not just about power generation—they are about creating opportunities and driving meaningful change. Today, 80 percent of our project workforce comes from local communities, and we continue to support initiatives such as skill development programs, clean water access, and education support,” said Amit Jain, CEO & Country Manager India | MD Renewables & Batteries India & South-East Asia
AI’s Role in Sustainable Development Highlighted at ESIC National Seminar
Hyderabad, February 27, 2025 – The Engineering Staff College of India hosted a landmark National Seminar on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies across various sectors, emphasizing their crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals.
The seminar underscored that technology is ever-evolving. Its journey began in ancient times with the invention of the wheel for transportation—a breakthrough that enabled humanity to cover vast distances swiftly. From the advent of navigation systems that have allowed us to discover and connect with distant places, to the revolutionary impact of the printing press during the industrial era, and now, the transformative influence of Artificial Intelligence, human ingenuity continues to drive improvements in quality of life. “Today, AI is making significant inroads in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, marketing, cyber security, education, and textiles, thereby fostering innovative development,” stated Professor V. Balakishtha Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana State Higher Education Council.
Professor Reddy further emphasized that the goal of leveraging AI and modern digital technologies to achieve sustainable development is being jointly pursued by the Engineering Staff College of India in Gachibowli, Jayaprakash Narayan College of Engineering, and Avinash Group of Institutions. The seminar, held on Tuesday, 25th February 2025 at the SK Campus Convention Center, was attended by nearly a thousand students from various colleges.
Addressing the assembly, Professor Reddy highlighted the importance of technology for India’s competitive edge in the global arena. He noted that with 65 percent of the population being young, it is crucial for this demographic to embrace and master new technologies. He expressed optimism that India, which currently supplies skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers to nearly every corner of the globe, is well on its way to achieving sustainable development by 2047—provided that the youth continue to refine and apply their intellectual abilities.
Dr. Sandhya Chintal, Vice President of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), highlighted the continuous evolution of technology. She remarked that while innovations such as the steam engine and electricity have each marked significant technological revolutions, today’s advancements—including augmented reality, robotics, blockchain, 3D printing, quantum computing, cloud computing, and nanotechnology—are fueling a new wave of global innovation that spans sectors from finance to healthcare.
In her address, Dr. Chintal encouraged the youth, whom she referred to as the “Future of India,” to seize the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s progress by leveraging their skills in science and technology.
Dr. G. Rameshwar Rao, Director of the Engineering Staff College of India, assured the audience that the institution remains committed to providing training on emerging technologies. He noted that the college annually trains approximately 7,000 personnel working in various government offices across the country and has already extended training to hundreds of students from 17 colleges under the Prime Minister’s Kaushal Vikas Yojana.
The seminar featured a series of insightful presentations covering a range of topics, including:
The use of AI in preventing, forecasting, and detecting challenges related to earth, air, water, sky, and energy (presented by retired IG Dr. S. Umapati).
AI, digital skilling, and sustainability—bridging the gap for a smarter tomorrow.
The latest advancements and research in AI for sustainable development by Futurelink’s Sri Pramod Chintapenta.
Career opportunities in AI and the role of technology in driving social impact (addressed by Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Hafiz Bhash).
Perspectives on cyber security risks from Singapore’s Sai Krishna, along with discussions by Kashyap Kompel, Vijay Kumar Makyam, KS Ravi Kumar, Dean Sushil of Avinash College, and an address on Intelligent Traffic Management – the e-Chalaan system by Police Officer Nursing Rao from the Telangana Police Command Control Center.
Speaking at the concluding session, Telangana Planning Board Vice Chairman Dr. G. Chinna Reddy stated that the most talked-about subject in the world today is Artificial Intelligence. He mentioned that a recent international conference on Artificial Intelligence was held in France, where the Prime Minister of India also participated and explained the importance of AI.
He highlighted that the script of the Gondi language spoken by tribals in the Asifabad district was discovered through artificial intelligence, a fact that the Indian Prime Minister recently mentioned in Mann Ki Baat.
Dr. Chinna Reddy also noted that the brain of Einstein, who contributed to the discovery of nuclear energy and the atomic bomb, was preserved in a laboratory. He emphasized that even greater intelligence is now embedded in artificial intelligence.
He encouraged Telangana students, who have been securing top marks in national exams, to conduct further research on AI in the future and contribute new discoveries to the world.
The entire program was successfully organized under the leadership of Sai Kishore, Head of the Faculty Development Cell at the Engineering Staff College of India.
Cupid Limited Secures INR 42 Cr Order from Tanzania for Male Condoms
Mumbai, February 27, 2025: Cupid Limited, India’s premier manufacturer and brand of male and female condoms, water based personal lubricants, IVD kits, deodorants, perfumes, almond hair oil, body oils, petroleum jelly and other FMCG Products has received a purchase order from Medical Stores Department, Government of Tanzania for supply of male condoms worth ₹42 crore. The order, part of an international framework agreement is to be executed between May to July, 2025.
Commenting on this significant milestone, Aditya Halwasiya, Chairman & Managing Director, Cupid Limited said, “This is great news for us and the Call-Off Order from the Medical Stores Department, Tanzania is a testament to the strong relationships cultivated over the last 15 months by the new team at Cupid.
We have big plans across our B2C and B2B businesses in India and abroad and our focus remains on growing each business vertical sustainably and profitably”.