Kolkata, 28th January 2025: The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata, announced the launch of the “Finishing School Program on 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Technology” on Monday, 27th January 2025 at The Sonnet, Kolkata. The program is designed to empower engineering students from West Bengal and Bihar with advanced skills in additive manufacturing, fostering entrepreneurship and employment generation. It marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements while creating sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth of West Bengal and Bihar.

The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Smt. Tulika Pandey, Scientist ‘G’ and Group Coordinator, HRD, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India; Prof. Tapas Chakraborty, Vice-Chancellor, MAKAUT, Government of West Bengal; Prof. P. M. Pandey, IHFC Chair and Professor at IIT Delhi; Prof. Amitava Nag, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Central Institute of Technology, Assam; Shri Sanjeet Kumar, Industry Expert and DGM at SANDHAR; Dr. Ch A S Murty, Scientist ‘G’, CISO & Director, C-DAC Kolkata; and Shri Asit Kumar Singh, Chief Investigator of the Project, C-DAC Kolkata.

The program aims to train 16,000 engineering graduates and final-year students through full-time courses with an additional 4,000 students participating in boot camp programs. It also focuses on establishing eight advanced laboratories to support start-ups, SMEs and large industries while delivering comprehensive product prototypes with technical documentation, material specifications and cost analysis.

With India’s 3D printing market projected for a staggering growth, this initiative addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in sectors such as construction, automotive and healthcare. By integrating technical skill development with entrepreneurship opportunities, the program aims to prepare students for the shift towards mass customization and faster production cycles demanded by modern industries.

The program also emphasises the creation of multimedia-based educational resources, a design repository on 3D printing and additive manufacturing and a centralised project monitoring web portal to ensure seamless implementation. Workshops with industry stakeholders, NABARD, industrial banks, placement cells and corporate entities will further enhance job placement and entrepreneurial support.

C-DAC Kolkata is collaborating with institutions including MAKAUT, Nadia; Dr. B.C. Ray Engineering College, Durgapur; NIT Patna, College of Engineering & Management, Kolaghat; Siliguri Institute of Technology; Darbhanga College of Engineering, Darbhanga; Bhagalpur College of Engineering, Bhagalpur; and Cooch Behar Government Engineering College, to provide sector-specific training and support for engineering students. The initiative also promotes cultural and heritage preservation by enabling the production and marketing of heritage-inspired products using 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies.

While delivering the welcome address, Dr. Ch A S Murty, Scientist ‘G’, CISO & Director, C-DAC Kolkata, said, “This initiative is a crucial step in bridging the gap between academia and industry, empowering the next generation of engineers with skills that will shape the future of technology. I’d like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Tulika Pandey from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, for her unwavering support in making this initiative possible. We aim to train 16,000 engineering graduates from West Bengal and Bihar over the next five years, with an additional 4,000 students through boot camps. State-of-the-art laboratories will be established at partner institutions to support training, innovation and entrepreneurship. These labs will serve as hubs for students, startups, SMEs and industries to develop product prototypes and gain hands-on experience. The program will also include modules on entrepreneurship, job creation and workshops with industry stakeholders. We will work closely with corporate entities to ensure job placement opportunities for students. Moreover, we will create multimedia-based educational content to support the program across all eight labs, ensuring seamless training delivery and monitoring. India’s 3D printing market is projected to reach $2.76 billion by 2026, driven by industries like construction, automation and healthcare. This program prepares students to meet the emerging demands of these sectors.”

Alluding to Additive Manufacturing in India’s Industrial and Educational Framework, Smt. Tulika Pandey, Scientist ‘G’ and Group Coordinator, HRD, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, said, “As the world transitions to Industry 4.0, we must ensure that India builds a skilled workforce proficient in 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies. To make this accessible and cost-effective, the government has allocated ₹50 crores for initiatives focused on Eastern India, including Kolkata and Bihar. Our aim is to integrate 3D printing into academia, allowing students to experiment, innovate, and collaborate with industries to bridge the gap between research and product development. We urge industries to partner with academia to provide students exposure to real-world business challenges. This initiative will act as a finishing school, equipping students with skills that lead to immediate employability. Globally, the additive manufacturing market is set to grow exponentially, and India must move swiftly to lead this space. Beyond designs, we must study materials, explore cost-efficient innovations, and address challenges like providing affordable housing and tools for rural India. Industry collaboration is key to realizing the transformative potential of this technology. 3D printing has evolved from niche applications to disruptive capabilities across healthcare, agriculture, and industrial domains. As we face competition from home-grown innovations, this is the time for industries, academia and the government to work together to ensure India leads the additive manufacturing revolution.”

Prof. Tapas Chakraborty, Vice-Chancellor, MAKAUT, Government of West Bengal, said, “As the only Technical University in West Bengal, affiliating nearly 200 engineering, pharmacy and management colleges, MAKAUT plays a vital role in the region. However, we face challenges such as declining enrollment in core engineering fields like mechanical engineering and a lack of suitable industry internships for final-year students in this region, driving many students to seek opportunities elsewhere. This initiative offers a transformative solution, not just for West Bengal but for the entire Northeast and neighbouring regions. MAKAUT is committed to providing full support to ensure its success.”

Prof. P. M. Pandey, IHFC Chair and Professor at IIT Delhi, said, “Additive manufacturing has emerged as one of the most disruptive technologies in the current manufacturing landscape. In the context of the latest manufacturing advancements—Industry 4.0 and even Industry 5.0—this technology plays a pivotal role. Industry 4.0, centered around cyber-physical systems, envisions a digital manufacturing enterprise. In this framework, additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is a ground-breaking tool. Its potential lies in its ability to produce highly customized components, especially for small batch sizes or unique, customer-specific and even patient-specific requirements. This transformative technology fits seamlessly into the Industry 4.0 ecosystem, where it integrates with digital design concepts, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, collaborative robotics, industrial IoT and virtual and augmented reality. It is rightly regarded as one of the most important enablers of the next-generation manufacturing revolution. I must also highlight that this initiative, sponsored by MeitY and executed by CDAC Kolkata, comes at an opportune moment. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the ‘Make in India’ mission and the New Education Policy have placed significant emphasis on skilling and innovation. This program aligns perfectly with these goals, empowering the youth with knowledge and expertise in the digital design and manufacturing domain. I firmly believe this initiative will not only help our industries but will also contribute to society by bridging the gap between modern technology and practical implementation.”

Shri Asit Kumar Singh, the Chief Investigator of this Project, C-DAC, Kolkata, further elaborated “During this program, the development of products will be carried out in consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure their practical applicability and market relevance. This collaborative approach aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, fostering innovation and enabling the creation of solutions that address real-world challenges effectively.”

Hyderabad, 28th January, 2025: Surgeons at CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, have successfully treated Mr. Shiva Kumar, a victim of the recent robbery incident in Bidar, Karnataka. Following a complex and critical surgery, Mr. Shiva Kumar has made remarkable progress and is being discharged today. The incident involved two unidentified assailants who fired at Mr. Shiva Kumar and his colleague before fleeing with a trunk containing a significant amount of cash.

Mr. Shiva Kumar was rushed to CARE Hospitals following a gunshot wound sustained during the robbery. The entry wound was located in the left upper chest, with an exit wound in the left flank. Upon arrival, he was attended to by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who conducted a comprehensive evaluation, including a CT scan of his chest and abdomen.

The assessment revealed extensive internal injuries caused by the bullet, which had passed through the left lung, punctured the diaphragm and stomach, and caused injuries to the spleen and kidney. An emergency laparotomy was performed to stabilize his condition. The surgical team meticulously repaired the diaphragm and stomach while successfully salvaging both the spleen and kidney.

Dr. Mustafa Hussain Razvi, Consultant General Surgery CARE Hospitals Hitech City, who led the surgical team, said, “Mr. Shiva Kumar’s case was complex due to the extent of internal injuries caused by the gunshot. Our focus was on saving his vital organs while minimizing long-term complications. Over the course of his treatment in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Mr. Shiva Kumar demonstrated steady recovery and resilience. He now heads home in stable condition, surrounded by the unwavering support of his loved ones. It is truly gratifying to see him regain his strength and be ready for discharge.”

Bidar District In-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre, Corporator Madhapur Mr. Jagdeeshwar Goud, and Shilpa Sharma, IAS Deputy Commissioner, extended their support and visited Mr. Shiva Kumar during his treatment, reflecting the community’s concern and solidarity.

Speaking about the successful treatment, Mr.Nilesh Gupta Chief Operating Officer CARE Hospitals, Hitech city, said, “The journey to recovery in cases involving complex injuries requires precision, expertise, and a compassionate approach. We are delighted to see Mr. Shiva Kumar regain his strength, and this milestone serves as a testament to our team’s dedication and advanced medical capabilities.“

The discharge of Mr. Shiva Kumar marks a triumph of medical excellence and resilience. CARE Hospitals remains committed to its mission of delivering cutting-edge healthcare and compassionate support to all its patients.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but detecting it in its early stages can be challenging. This is one of the reasons why many women lose their lives to cervical cancer. The primary cause of cervical cancer is the lack of Pap smear and HPV screenings. Due to the lack of awareness among women, only 1% of them in India undergo regular screenings. Keeping these factors in mind, Fortis Greater Noida has initiated Cervical Cancer Awareness Month to educate women and provide more information about this disease.

Dr. Priya Bansal from the Clinical-Surgical Oncology Department at Fortis Greater Noida explains, “Often, women lack accurate information about this disease. Very few are aware that a safe and effective vaccine is available to prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, regular screenings are crucial for women aged 25 to 65 years.”

Several myths about cervical cancer are still prevalent in society. A common belief is that it only affects elderly women, whereas the truth is that it can occur as early as 35 years of age. Another myth is that it primarily affects women from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The reality is that this disease can impact women from all sections of society.

Experts at Fortis Greater Noida believe that taking preventive steps against cervical cancer is crucial. Vaccination for boys and girls aged 9 to 26 years is highly recommended. Moreover, women aged 25 to 65 years should undergo regular Pap smear tests. Using barrier contraceptives (such as condoms) and limiting the number of sexual partners can help prevent HPV infections. Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a nutritious diet are also vital preventive measures.

Dr. Bansal emphasizes that awareness and timely screenings can prevent cervical cancer. This is not just a health issue but a significant concern tied to the happiness and well-being of women and their families.

Fortis Greater Noida offers facilities for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. With expert care, timely screening, and vaccination are possible. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Mumbai, 28^th January, 2025: In recent years, we have explored the evolving trends in the security landscape. As technology has advanced, the focus has broadened from merely securing our world—to making it smarter. AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) is leading this transformation, revolutionizing industries beyond security. This year, we dive deeper into the trends driving AIoT, showing how they are reshaping industries and fostering a more efficient, secure, and sustainable future.

1. Perception technologies are adapting to varied environments and situational needs

Perception technologies are continuing to evolve to operate efficiently in diverse conditions. AI Image Signal Processing (AI-ISP) technology, for example, has already set a high bar on image quality performance in low-light conditions by significantly reducing image noise and addressing motion blur. For large-scale monitoring scenarios that require wide angles and detailed images, Ultra High Definition (UHD) technologies are becoming the norm. They offer faster frame rates, improved contrast, and richer details, making it easier to capture and analyze vast, complex scenes.

Beyond the visible light spectrum, millimeter-wave radars see through smoke, dust, and obstacles, providing precise speed and direction measurements widely used in traffic management. In noisy, harsh industrial settings with continuous operations, meanwhile, sound wave sensing enables non-invasive equipment monitoring for early fault detection, reducing downtime.

2. AIoT is bringing digitalization to life in diverse industrial applications

Companies are increasingly adopting AIoT technologies to address specific operational challenges and speed up digital transformation. In retail, where loss prevention and maintaining a competitive edge is crucial, AIoT devices now provide valuable data such as inventory tracking, foot traffic, queue lengths, and area density. This information helps stores tailor their offerings, optimize operations, and mitigate losses. In the energy sector, meanwhile, safety is a non-negotiable requirement. AIoT solutions, such as automated personal protective equipment (PPE) checks, now use AI to streamline the inspection of proper safety gears, reducing manual oversight and enhancing workplace safety.

Furthermore, the development of large vision, audio, and fiber-optic models is being tailored with industry-specific designs, algorithm optimization, and model simplification. This trend aims to create lightweight, vertical-specific AIoT deployments that are practical and effective in real-world scenarios.

Additionally, the increasing adoption of generative AI is adding an extra layer of ease and efficiency. Multimodal large models, which integrate text with visual data, make it much simpler to search and interact with information such as when people are locating a particular package in a logistics center. By providing user-friendly text-based interfaces, these models are delivering increasingly rapid and seamless access to needed data, streamlining decision-making and operational processes.

3. There is a significant move towards open and collaborative ecosystems

As the demand for tailored AIoT solutions in fragmented industrial scenarios has increased, no single company can meet all the user demands on their own. Open platforms and tools are therefore becoming essential. These enable solution providers to seamlessly integrate third-party applications in order to accelerate digital transformation across industries.

To further support this, standardized protocols are simplifying device communication, reducing development time and costs. These protocols make it easier for all types of devices to work together, addressing issues like configuration complexity, scalability, and network security.

This collaborative environment helps developers and integrators create flexible and effective AIoT solutions. Simple to use AI training platforms are now becoming widely available, which allow non-specialist systems integrators to train and deploy their own custom AI models. Users can easily combine and customize these AI models for tasks like object detection and audio classification, enhancing the functionality of their solutions and, therefore, the value they can add in sectors ranging from industrial processes to home automation.

4. Building cybersecurity trust through proactive strategies and cross-industry partnerships

Cybersecurity remains a critical concern in the expanding AIoT landscape. Increasingly, companies are adopting proactive, yet responsive, cybersecurity approaches, which focus on rapid threat detection and effective response. By partnering with specialized security testing firms, they are able to evaluate products against a wide range of standards, identifying and tackling vulnerabilities early to prevent exploitation. Continuous testing ensures updates and enhancements consistently meet the highest security benchmarks.

Transparent communication has become crucial for openly addressing security concerns. Increasingly, organizations are setting up security response centers and deploying robust vulnerability management programs. Again, close collaboration is key to this trend, with installers, system integrators, and customers all working together to ensure secure deployment and use, leading to a more resilient and trusted operational framework.

5. AIoT becoming a game-changing catalyst for sustainability

Organizations worldwide are seeking more sustainable ways to operate and conduct business, and many are turning to AIoT technologies to do this. By augmenting connected sensors with AI algorithms, AIoT is helping to optimize resource use, cut energy consumption, improve waste management, and boost operational efficiency in numerous industries.

In building management, for example, AIoT systems are being used to automatically adjust energy use based on occupancy and weather conditions, leading to significant cost savings and lower carbon emissions. In transport, the technology is being used to optimize traffic flow and reduces congestion, cutting carbon emissions in the process. Similarly, the combination of millimeter-wave radar and water-level detection cameras allows for real-time analysis of water quality and flood control. Advancements such as these highlight AIoT’s potential as a powerful tool for positive change, benefiting both people and the planet.

Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya concluded its annual cultural and sports fest ELEGANTE 8.0 on 26th January. The event included students from prestigious institutions such as the NSIT Patna, IMI Kolkata, St. Xavier’s Patna and IIM Ranchi. The theme of this year’s event is “Abhyudaya” meaning progress, emphasising the institution’s growth.

The festivities commenced on January 24 with an inauguration ceremony facilitated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, and the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Shri Anand Kumar, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Gaya. During his address, the Chief Guest emphasised mindfulness, a core value of the institute, and its importance in all aspects of life.

Dr. Sreelekha Mishra, Chairperson of Students’ Affairs, delivered the welcome speech, thanking the students, committees, and clubs for their efforts in organising the fest. The ceremony also introduced the participating sports teams and officially declared the fest open.

The first day of the annual fest included sports events with participation from leading institutes: IIM Ranchi (50), St. Xavier’s Patna (70), NIT Patna (70), IMI Kolkata (30), and NSIT Patna (20). In addition, the day included an online gaming competition, a simulation of the International Court of Justice, and creative workshops like pottery and painting. The evening concluded with cultural performances, showcasing the diverse talents of the participants.

January 25 continued with sports competitions and events like Quizzilla, Policy Case Competitions, and a painting competition. The day also featured the NAVYATA fashion show, with participation from the Indian Institute of Design and Technology (IDT), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, NSIT Patna, and IIM Bodh Gaya. The evening showcased solo singing performances followed by a performance by IIM Bodh Gaya’s official musical band, The Story Tellers. The day concluded with a live musical performance by the band Azaadi.

On the final day, January 26, the CSR Committee of IIM Bodh Gaya organized EduRun, a marathon aimed at raising awareness about rural education and highlighting the importance of collective efforts in promoting accessible education for all. The event saw participation from over 800 individuals, including students, faculty members, officers and cadets from the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD) and Officers Training Academy (OTA).

The marathon started from IIM Bodh Gaya’s Academic Block to Maya Sarovar Lake through the Magadh University campus and back to the Academic Block, covering a total distance of 8.5 km. Refreshments (food and beverages) were available at all stages of the run. The initiative was supported by the State Bank of India (SBI), Coca-Cola, Union Bank, and Raasta Café.

The celebrations started with a Republic Day observance, which included solemnly hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem. The day unfolded with sports matches and cultural programs, culminating in a valedictory ceremony. The Hon’ble Director and Mr. Kumar Anurag, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Gaya recognized the achievements of students in various sports such as cricket, football, basketball, table tennis, throwball, badminton, chess, and volleyball, followed by the cultural prize distribution. A lively DJ night and dance performances in the evening concluded the festivities.

Hyderabad, January 28, 2024: The Institute of Vision Rehabilitation (IVR) of the L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Divyangjan Welfare on January 26, 2025, at Raj Bhavan. The award included a citation and a cheque for rupees two lakhs. The esteemed recognition highlights the institute’s exceptional contributions to empowering, including, and supporting persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). As one of the very few eye institutes in the world that has integrated vision rehabilitation into its functional arms since inception (in 1992) the award is a recognition of LVPEI’s dedication, diligence, progress, performance and impact.

The first series of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence 2024 — the first of its kind in the history of Raj Bhavan (Telangana State) recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations, were presented on the 76th Republic Day at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad.

The award was received by Dr Beula Christy, Head – IVR from Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, the Honourable Governor, in the presence of Mr. Revanth Reddy, the Honourable Chief Minister, Telangana High Court acting Chief Justice Sujoy Pal, and Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries.

The award acknowledges the Institute’s dedicated efforts over the past five years (since 2019) to enhance accessibility, provide essential services, advocate for rights, and create opportunities for Divyangjan to lead dignified and independent lives. Key initiatives include direct support, inclusive education, skill development, and innovative solutions to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in all aspects of life. The award is a recognition of our commitment to build a more inclusive and equitable society and whose efforts inspire others to contribute to the welfare and upliftment of Divyangjan.

The Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the field of Divyangjan Welfare recognized individuals and Institutions/ Organizations/Societies/ Trusts for their extraordinary contributions to the empowerment, inclusion, and welfare of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan).

Bangalore, 28 January, 2025: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and InMobi’s 1Weather, a global leading weather app, have formed a unique strategic partnership to deliver national weather warnings and alerts to millions of Indians on their Glance-enabled smartphone lock screens.

The Letter of Agreement (LoA) between IMD and InMobi will enable 235 million Indian smartphone users to stay informed about critical weather conditions instantly, without having to unlock their phones. This distinctive experience will not only help citizens stay safe and prepared but also facilitate swift action at scale during emergency situations.

IMD employs advanced numerical weather prediction models to analyze and forecast critical weather conditions, continually enhancing this capability. Long-term and large-scale weather alerts for events such as cyclones, low-pressure systems, and depressions can be predicted 3 to 5 days in advance, allowing people to prepare and minimize potential loss of life or property. Additionally, hyper localised alerts provide timely warnings for short-term events such as localised heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, or dusty winds which may last only for a few hours. The distribution of these alerts will now be accessible directly on smartphone lock screens, enabling wider reach and quicker dissemination of critical information with the help of 1Weather and Glance.

Glance is an AI-driven platform that delivers diverse, personalized, relevant, and serendipitous experiences directly to the lock screens of Android smartphones, allowing the users to access content without unlocking their phones, searching or downloading multiple apps. This makes it an essential platform for timely content such as weather alerts, enabling people to notice and act instantly. Additionally, localisation plays an integral part of this communication as Glance can adapt alerts to suit the location and visual preferences of users across different regions, ensuring the information is accessible and easily understood by people throughout the country.

Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD said, “IMD is continuously enhancing its capabilities to improve weather and climate services. As we celebrate the 150-year milestone, we are further committed to innovating to build a better climate future for India. With the use of smart AI and strategic partnerships such as InMobi and 1Weather, we are optimistic of achieving newer and quicker ways of sharing life-saving weather alerts.”

Srikanth Subramanian, Vice President and General Manager of 1Weather, said, “At 1Weather, we believe that this first of its kind collaboration, between 1Weather and IMD, will alert users ahead of time on severe weather right on their Android lock screens, and help them prepare better, saving precious lives in the process. We truly believe in helping people own their day with actionable weather insights. After success in the USA, we are hoping to reshape the climate story in India too and make a larger difference to society at large.”

The weather alerts feature represents Glance’s commitment to social responsibility through its Glance for Good program. This initiative uses Glance’s AI-powered platform and vast reach to leverage its platform for social impact, which includes initiatives in public safety, disaster preparedness, and community well-being.

“Weather affects everyone, from daily commuters to farmers. Through Glance for Good, we’re democratizing access to critical weather data and ensuring it reaches those who need it most,” added Bikash Chowdhury, Chief Marketing Officer at InMobi and Glance. “Our mission is to use technology not just for information and experiences, but as a force for social good.“

These live updates will be available soon on the Glance lock screen and later through the 1Weather app, which is available on the Google Play Store, across all major Android smartphone brands in India. 1Weather is one of the top 5 weather apps in the USA and LATAM regions.

January 28, 2025: Navi Finserv Limited successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, the Navi Lenders Summit 2025, at its headquarters in Bengaluru. The event brought together over 135 senior leaders from banks, NBFCs, family offices, and other financial institutions, along with representatives from rating agencies and bureaus reaffirming Navi Finserv’s position as a trusted partner in the financial ecosystem.

The full-day summit kicked off with a management presentation that outlined Navi Finserv’s strategic vision and future roadmap. Renowned industry leaders, including Mr. Srinivasan Kannan, India Head of Innovation Economy at JP Morgan; Mr. Gaurav Goel, National Head for Fintech & New Economy Business at Yes Bank; Mr. Ajit Velonie, Senior Director at Crisil Ratings, and Mr. Anshul Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Wint Wealth shared their insights on emerging trends in the financial sector, enriching the experience for all attendees.

In the latter half of the day, the team at Navi Finserv showcased its cutting-edge technological capabilities, including proprietary in-house tools and applications, demonstrating its tech-first approach to solving problems in the financial services industry and enhancing customer experience.

Since December 2024, Navi Finserv has successfully raised over ₹1,200 Crores across multiple instruments, including NCDs, Commercial Papers, Term Loans, Securitization and Co-lending. This milestone includes a fundraise of ₹295 Crores through a securitization transaction rated AAA by a reputed rating agency — the highest ever in a single transaction, for the company through PTCs.

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Bansal, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Navi Finserv, said, “Over the years, Navi Finserv has built strong and enduring collaborations with its partners, and I am grateful to each one of our partners who have stood by their conviction in the company, its processes and systems. The success of this summit is a testament to the strength of our partnerships. I am excited for the next stage of the company’s growth story, and I look forward to sustaining and building on these partnerships.”

The University of Tasmania (UTAS), is now inviting applications for its Master Strategic Communication program for 2025.

The Master of Strategic Communication at the University of Tasmania equips students with the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to navigate diverse communication landscapes, spanning the sciences, creative industries, and politics. Designed for those looking to drive and implement change across social, environmental, political, and business settings, this program prepares graduates for the complexities of a global, digital-first communication environment in sectors spanning Arts, Law, Education, Engineering, Sciences and Health professionals among others.

With jobs requiring communication skills growing rapidly, this degree caters to students from various backgrounds—whether fresh from undergraduate study or transitioning from professional roles in the sciences, arts, or business. Graduates will develop advanced analytical abilities and professional-level communication expertise, tailored to tackle real-world challenges.

Program Delivery: The postgraduate program is provided full-time in English for two yearsThe program offers the chance to specialise in areas that leverage Tasmania’s unique industry connections and the Media School’s reputation for cutting-edge research. Students can choose from specialisations including Environmental Conservation and Management, Marketing Communication, Public and Environmental Health, and Tourism and Experience.

Entry Requirements: Eligibility requires meeting the minimum grade requirements in prior studies, satisfying any prerequisite subject criteria, and demonstrating proficiency in English.

English Language Requirements: Applicants who do not meet the English language requirement through citizenship or prior education in an approved English-speaking country must provide evidence of an approved English language test taken within the last two years. Detailed information is available on the English Language Requirements page.

The minimum English proficiency standard for this course is an IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.

Course-Specific Requirements: For entry into the Master’s program, candidates must have either:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any field with a credit average; or
• A minimum of three years’ professional experience in journalism, public relations, event management, or related industries.

Bengaluru, 28th January 2025: JK Cement Ltd., one of the leading building materials company and one of India’s leading manufacturer of grey cement, as well one of the largest producers of white cement globally, announced that it has entered into a joint venture agreement with Saifco Cements Pvt. Ltd., one of the leading cement brands in the Kashmir valley and having an enterprise valuation of INR 290 Crores. JK Cement will acquire 60% stake in Saifco Cements at a value of INR 174 Crore.

This acquisition marks a strategic step in expanding JK Cement’s presence in one of the fastest growing regions of the country and furthering its footprint in Northern India.

Saifco Cements brings strong manufacturing capabilities and an impressive presence in Jammu & Kashmir market, which will scale up to meet the business plan objectives for JK Cement over the next few years. This move aligns with the government’s focus on boosting infrastructural growth in Jammu and Kashmir region, accelerating the development journey.

Expressing his delight, Dr. Raghavpat Singhania, Managing Director, JK Cement Ltd. said “Known for its rich culture and resilience, Jammu & Kashmir brings a special meaning to us, this acquisition is a significant step forward in accelerating JK Cement’s growth journey. We are committed to ensuring a seamless and successful integration of our businesses, bringing together our combined expertise and experience. The state of J&K holds not only holds strategic importance but also has immense potential for infrastructural development and partnering with Saifco Cements is a step towards solid cementing goal to manufacture the best for our customers and nation.”

Saifco’s integrated manufacturing unit at Khunmoh in Srinagar is spread across 54 acres of land and has a clinker capacity of 0.26MTPA and grinding capacity of 0.42MTPA. It has captive limestone reserves spread on an area of 144.25 hectares with a total minable reserve of 129MnT.

Sharing his views on the acquisition, Mr. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Joint MD and CEO, JK Cement Ltd. said “With this acquisition, we are strategically positioned to build a robust presence in Jammu and Kashmir. The location and rich limestone reserves of Saifco offer a unique opportunity to significantly increase our overall capacity. Currently, per capita cement consumption in Kashmir stands at approximately 168 kilograms, nearly 55% of the national average, presenting a vast growth potential. Cement demand typically leads economic expansion by a factor of 1.2X in regions with significant infrastructural development opportunities, and Kashmir is undoubtedly one of these regions. This acquisition opens up limitless possibilities to drive growth and foster progress in the region.”

The government is committed to Jammu and Kashmir’s progress and has undertaken multiple projects and initiatives for the states’ growth and infrastructural development. The acquisition will involve both the companies working together to increase the capacity of the cement production by leveraging the expanse of the limestone reserves in the next 5 years.

Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Guna, Chairman, Saifco Cements Pvt. Ltd. said “We are very happy to join hands with JK Cement who are deeply committed towards nation’s growth, people, and communities. We are excited about the opportunity to work together to scale our operations and establish ourselves as the leading cement players in the Kashmir Valley. At Saifco, we take pride in our endeavour towards bringing the country’s leading business houses to the valley and contribute to its growth and development through such strategic alliances. We are confident that this partnership will empower us with the expertise and resources needed to drive continued success.”