Bangalore, April 7, 2025: IIIT-Bangalore, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, successfully organized the 3rd edition of the Miles4Meals Marathon 2025 on April 6, at Electronic City, Bangalore. Held with the noble mission to support midday meals for underprivileged school children across India. The marathon was flagged off by Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, and was graced by Mr. Vinod Sudhakar, Technology Director at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, who attended as the honored guest.

The marathon featured two race categories—10K and 5K runs—with further segmentation for male and female participants below and above the age of 50, encouraging inclusive participation across all age groups. The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of over 300 runners, ranging from students to senior citizens.

A prize pool of ₹1,50,000 was awarded to top performers in both race categories, while every finisher received a medal and lifetime certificate in recognition of their effort and support.

The winners were:

10K Winners

• Male (Below 50): Mr. Ergete Fekade Desta
• Male (Above 50): Mr. Ranjit Shivaji Kanbarkar
• Female (Below 50): Ms. Alemu Senayit Ayele
• Female (Above 50): Ms. Amuthanayagi

5K Winners

• Male (Below 50): Mr. Nithin A S
• Male (Above 50): Mr. A Baba
• Female (Below 50): Ms. Impana K R
• Female (Above 50): Ms. Shyamala

Winners were felicitated on stage in the presence of Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-B, Commodore S.R. Sridhar (Retd.), Registrar, IIIT-B, Dr. Neha Arora, Sports Officer, IIIT-B, Mr. Jagadish Patil, CAO, IIIT-B, and Mr. Vinod Sudhakar, Technology Director, Akshaya Patra Foundation.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Debabrata Das said:

“Miles for Meals is more than a run—it is IIIT Bangalore’s heartfelt stride towards social responsibility. This year, we are proud that the funds raised will support the Akshaya Patra Foundation in providing nutritious mid-day meals to school-going children from underprivileged backgrounds. The overwhelming participation—from children to senior citizens—reflects the collective spirit of Bengaluru coming together for a noble cause. Our students, staff, and volunteers turned this into a celebration of fitness, compassion, and community action. We’re delighted that Miles for Meals has grown into a signature event with a meaningful impact.”

Mr. Vinod Sudhakar added: “Fundraising events like Miles4Meals play a crucial role in helping Akshaya Patra implement the PM Poshan scheme and provide mid-day meals to underserved schoolchildren across India. With 80+ kitchens already in operation, we aim to expand more, to take forward this noble cause. My sincere gratitude for all the donations and to the runners, who laced up their shoes and ran for a cause that nourishes both bodies and futures.”

Among the other, most inspiring participants were 7-year-old Kiara Gupta, the youngest runner, and 75-year-old Saroja M. Thimmegowda, the oldest. Another highlight was the participation of Ms. Arpita Patra, a professor from IISc, Bangalore, and an accomplished mountaineer who has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Elbrus.

For participants, Zumba warm-ups, refreshment zones, and on-site medical support were arranged. A lively exhibition area with games, food stalls, and merchandise added to the festive spirit. Miles4Meals 2025 stood as a shining example of how institutions and individuals can come together to run for a purpose and make a tangible difference in the lives of children across the country.

India, 7^th April 2025 TOTO, a global leader in sanitaryware and bathroom innovation, has been ranked among the “World’s Most Sustainable Companies 500” by TIME Magazine, securing the 309th position this year. This prestigious recognition underscores our long-standing commitment to sustainability and its proactive role in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Furthermore, TOTO has consistently been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a globally recognized benchmark for companies demonstrating strong ESG performance, marking a significant achievement in its sustainability journey.

Aligned with its global mission to foster a carbon-neutral society, TOTO India is implementing pioneer sustainability initiatives at its Halol plant in Gujarat. Through a series of energy-efficient and eco-friendly measures, TOTO India is trying to reduce its carbon footprint. For instance, the company’s innovative use of electrical timers & variable frequency drives for process and machine operations that has led to more than 10% in energy savings. Additionally, waste heat from the Tunnel Kiln is utilized for mould & product drying, resulting in over 35% reduction in gas consumption and a significant decrease in CO₂ emissions. TOTO India has also introduced a solar water heating system in tandem with a Hot Water Generator, achieving a 40% reduction in natural gas usage.

In another sustainable advancement, TOTO India has adopted an OPEX model for wind power energy procurement, covering over 30% of its total energy needs with renewable sources. The facility at Halol continues to set high standards by repurposing crushed fired-ware scrap for industrial reuse, installing high-efficiency burners in kilns and dryers, and maintaining daily energy consumption monitoring practices. Other sustainable practices include reusing raw materials collected from dust and spillovers on the shop floor, and treating wastewater with an RO system to be repurposed for equipment cleaning.

Shiozawa Kazuyuki, Managing Director, TOTO India, said “Being recognized among the World’s Most Sustainable Companies by TIME Magazine is an affirmation of our unwavering dedication to sustainability and responsible innovation. We are proud to advance this mission in India through groundbreaking initiatives at our Halol plant. By optimizing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy use, and reducing our carbon footprint, we aim to meet the highest standards in environmental stewardship. We see this as part of our responsibility to foster sustainable growth, not only for TOTO but for the communities and industries we serve.”

TOTO continues to invest in environmental technologies and policies that not only improve energy efficiency but also drive sustainable growth across the industry. The brand is committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices by advancing eco-friendly product innovations and intensifying its ESG efforts both globally and locally in India. Through these initiatives, TOTO strives to provide comfortable, healthy lifestyles to all while contributing to a greener and more sustainable world.

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.

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.

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.

Chitradurga: 7^th, April 2025: The 77^th World Health Day, themed as “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures” is being marked on 7^th 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.

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.