The activity was aimed at fostering creativity, boosting imagination, and motivating fun learning

The students of The Academy School (TAS), Pune, participated in a special event conducted to celebrate and understand art through the world of cartoons and animations. The ‘Animated Adventure’ activity was organised to boost students’ imagination, foster creativity, and motivate fun learning.

Students were excited to dress up as their favourite animated characters’ T-shirts, adding a colourful and playful vibe to the activity. Additionally, students witnessed a live skit inspired by the famous cartoon series Tom and Jerry and other cartoons. Students came dressed as their favourite cartoon characters and brought their roles to life by performing scenes from popular stories. They were engrossed in the performances, which opened up a new world of possibilities through art and entertainment.

Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), who spearheaded the initiative, said students learn best when they have fun. While learning never stops, students should not feel pressured to attain knowledge. Education can also be imparted in a fun manner. What better way to teach them art and animation than their favourite cartoons, which they can relate to and connect with?”

The activity also saw students display their creativity by painting and drawing their favourite animated characters, thereby allowing them to express themselves and polish their preferences through art.

I am reaching out to introduce Urban Space, a home furnishing brand revolutionising the decor industry with high-quality, and innovative designs. As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, we would like to share a quote from Rohit Agarwal, Co-Founder of Urban Space, for Republic Day story:

“This Republic Day, let us celebrate the warmth and comfort that make a house truly a home. Just as India is built on the foundations of diversity and unity, our homes are a reflection of who we are—deeply rooted in tradition yet embracing modernity.

As we envision a self-reliant India, it’s time to champion homegrown brands that bring our culture to life through thoughtful design and innovation. By supporting local craftsmanship and creativity, we not only build beautiful homes but also strengthen the foundation of our nation’s growth.

Panjim, 28th January, 2025: Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose Start-Up India vision has inspired countless entrepreneurial journeys across the nation, and with the steadfast commitment of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to foster innovation and self-reliance in Goa, the state continues to champion entrepreneurship.

With the support of the Government of Goa, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Goa Centre, is organizing a transformative three-day Entrepreneurship Development Program from 28th – 30th January 2025, at Nalanda Hall, EDC House, Panaji. This initiative is a part of Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent and accelerate economic growth across the state. This initiative, aligned with the Chief Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (CMRY) and the Goa Tribal Employment Generation Program (GTEGP), is subsidized under EDC Goa’s CSR initiative to promote entrepreneurship across the state.

The comprehensive program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. The curriculum covers a range of critical topics, including the essence of entrepreneurship, where participants will learn about the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, identifying business opportunities, and crafting a robust business plan. Additionally, the program will delve into marketing strategies, including branding, social media marketing, e-commerce, customer relationship management, sales strategies, and business pitching. Furthermore, participants will gain insights into financial and legal management, covering the fundamentals of financial management, business accounting, legal structures, operational efficiency, scaling, and diversification, providing a holistic understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a thriving business.

The subsidization of program fees under the EDC Goa CSR initiative ensures that the workshop is accessible to a wide range of participants, fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment. This initiative seeks to further bolster innovation, create job opportunities, and drive Goa’s journey toward becoming a hub for startups and self-reliant businesses.

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.