Dr. K Laxman Envisions Indian Railways as a World Leader by 2040
“Indian Railways will play a transformative role in spearheading development and making India a $5 trillion economy” said Dr. K Laxman, Hon’ble Member of Parliament & Member-Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, at the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention held today at PHD House. The Theme of the convention was “Indian Railways – Journey towards Viksit Bharat through Innovation, Infrastructure, Investment & Industry Partnership”.
Stating the achievements of India Railways Dr Laxman mentioned that Indian Railways has achieved 94% electrification. He also highlighted ambitious projects like Mumbai Bullet Trains, 4,000 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, and the allocation of ₹10-12 lakh crore for railway infrastructure in the next five years.
The present government is allocating sizeable budgets for the Railways which has led to the immense growth of Indian Railways, from technology advancement to sustainability and indigenisation, the Indian Railways has progressed commendably.
In the last budget, almost ₹9,000 crore was allocated to Andhra Pradesh and ₹5,000 crore to Telangana. Many railway stations are being developed on par with international airport standards in Hyderabad. For example, in Secunderabad, a railway station is being built with an investment of over ₹750 crore. He also appreciated the work done on Tirupati Railway Station.
The AI-driven smart railway system and the Kavach system to prevent collisions are being implemented, with almost 44,000 km of tracks being laid. All of this will significantly contribute to the PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat. At this pace, almost 3,000 million tons of cargo can be transported by 2040, and Indian Railways will become a global leader in the railway sector.
Mr Arunendra Kumar, Chair – PHDCCI Railways Committee & Former CRB stated, that Viksit Bharat is a mission in which railways have a defined role. Indian Railways has opened up significantly in the last 10 years and with technology innovation, the new design of Vande Bharat trains, Kashmir connectivity, and hydrogen fuel trains are a recent example of this.
He added, PHDCCI has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the railway sector and is part of the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ initiative. He emphasized the need for finding ways to ensure passengers get confirmation, increase passenger capacity by 30%, and make railway stations hubs of multimodal connectivity. He added, Railway technology should be world-class, with a strong emphasis on research. For the first time, we do not hear that the government has no funds to invest in railway infrastructure.
Mr Sajal Gupta, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Railways Committee & President Monnet Group highlighted, that the theme of the event is not just a vision but a roadmap to redefining India’s transportation landscape. With a 68,000 km network, Indian Railways moves 1.6 billion tons of trade annually. Modernization of railways is at the heart of this transformation journey and the production of 400 Vande Bharat trains will revolutionize it further. Alongside this, the railway plans to convert 4,000 coaches to Vande Bharat.
He also mentioned the 1,000 km expansion plan over the next two decades and discussed that the deployment of the updated Kavach 4.0 system will significantly reduce accidents caused by human error. He concluded, cybersecurity implementation is another critical area requiring attention. It requires collective effort together, we can ensure that Indian Railways becomes a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat.
Dr. Jaideep Gupta , Addl. Member (RE)Railway Board, Ministry of Railways mentioned that the first electric train ran on February 3, 1995. We are now almost 90% electrified, and in the next 2-3 months, we will achieve 100% electrification. With this, India will become the first country, apart from Switzerland (which is much smaller), to achieve this. He added, by 2030, energy requirements will increase to around 30,000 gigawatts and to achieve the Hon’ble PM’s net-zero carbon emitter goal by 2030, we will require clean power.
However, solar energy is limited to daytime usage, so RTC (Round-The-Clock) storage capacity is crucial. If SMR technology becomes commercially available, it will be a game-changer.
Vijay Pratap Singh, Addl. Member (traction )Railway Board, Ministry of Railways informed that the railways have also drawn a vision for 2047 and have already enhanced infrastructure capex for modernizing railways. He informed, more than ₹2.5 lakh crore is being invested annually to improve capacity and double freight carrying capacity by 2030. Particularly in electrification, we have increased the pace in the last few years. We are now planning to introduce 1,500 locomotives, and we have stopped the production of diesel locomotives, moving towards the greener railways.
We are committed to sustainable development, and significant work is already underway. Our diesel freight costs have reduced from ₹30,000 crore annually to ₹12,000-13,000 crore this year. The transition and benefits of electrification are evident, if the current traffic were handled by diesel, it would cost an additional ₹5,000 crore monthly, added Mr. singh
Mr. Sameer Dikshit, Addl. Member (Telecom), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways appreciated PHDCCI for bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders for the holistic growth of the sector. He informed that Indian Railways, being the lifeline of the nation, has been a unified force and a catalyst for social inclusion. We are at a critical juncture, witnessing a paradigm shift driven by innovation and industry partnerships. Indian Railways has now built a robust ecosystem for innovation.
The adoption of AI and IoT is being implemented on a large scale. The Kavach system is a testament to India’s capability for innovation, and smart mobility solutions are also being adopted, added Mr. Dixit.
Mr. Mukul Saran Mathur, Addl. Member (Comml.), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways discussed how Indian Railways is a flagbearer of innovation and economic development, and the government is using it effectively. Indian Railways has always been an enabler of innovation—be it creating ICF in the 1950s or Concor in the 1980s. It was ahead of its time and pushed the economy forward. In the vision of PM’s Viksit Bharat, I want to highlight that we have always been significant contributors. Enhancing capacity, network size, safety, and passenger connectivity, and taking up big-ticket projects, are some areas where more can be done. We are focusing on regional connectivity projects like Kashmir, the Northeast region, Char Dham. The Namo project is also coming up, and the government is vigorously pushing for passenger convenience. Digitization in freight and passenger services has transformed operations. For example, e-tickets now account for 88% of ticketing. Refund processing has also been reformed—from an average of 40-45 days earlier to 24 hours in 90% of cases and within 6 hours for e-tickets.
IndiGrid reports another quarter of consistent performance
Mumbai, Thursday, 24 January 2025: IndiGrid [BSE: 540565 | NSE: INDIGRID], India’s first and largest listed power sector infrastructure investment trust (InvIT), today announced its results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. On a year-on-year basis, the consolidated revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% to ₹ 7,722 million and the consolidated EBITDA was up 2.0% to ₹ 6,944 million. The Net Distributable Cash Flow (NDCF) saw a year-on-year growth of 6.8% and was ₹ 3,331 million for the quarter.
The Board of the Investment Manager approved a Distribution Per Unit (DPU) of ₹ 3.75 for Q3 FY25. The record date for the distribution is January 28, 2025, and shall be paid as ₹ 2.7533 per unit in form of interest, ₹ 0.1284 per unit as dividend, ₹ 0.8188 as capital repayment, and ₹ 0.0495 per unit as other income, all in accordance with section 115UA of the Income Tax Act.
Consequent to the earlier announcement, IndiGrid signed definitive agreements with BII and Norfund for establishing EnerGrid. EnerGrid will receive an aggregate investment of USD 300 million which will be contributed equally by the three partners. EnerGrid is expected to start bidding for greenfield transmission and Battery Energy Storage projects by the end of the ongoing fiscal.
During Q3 FY25, IndiGrid signed the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) for the BESS project won earlier this year. With an estimated capital expenditure ~INR 7,500 million, the project will be built over the next 18 months.
IndiGrid also commissioned two ongoing augmentation projects under its PTCL and Kallam assets. These projects were awarded under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) scheme and were constructed on a cost-plus basis.
Commenting on the quarter, Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer, and Whole Time Director of IndiGrid, said, “We delivered yet another quarter of consistent performance providing predictable yield for our unitholders in-line with our guidance. During the quarter, we signed the BESPA for our Rajasthan BESS project and commissioned two RTM augmentation projects. Further, we finalized all details of our partnership with BII and Norfund and signed definitive agreements to set up EnerGrid. As the platform gears to start its bidding journey, we foresee it playing a pivotal role in driving growth for IndiGrid.”
Financial Highlights – Consolidated Results (in ₹ million):
₹ Mn | Q3 FY25 | Q3 FY24 | % change |
Revenue | 7,722 | 7,542 | 2.4% |
EBITDA | 6,944 | 6,807 | 2.0% |
DPU
(₹ per unit) |
3.75 | 3.55 | 5.6% |
GNITS Students Take the Spotlight at Prestigious ‘Nexora 2025’ Technical Fest
Hyderabad, January 23, 2025: G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science (GNITS), accredited by NBA and NAAC, hosted Nexora 2025, its prestigious National-Level Technical Fest. Organized by the esteemed student Professional Societies like ISTE, CSI, IEEE, I&I, ACM, IE, IETE, and R&D, today at GNITS. The first day of the event showcased remarkable innovation and technical brilliance.
The day featured exciting activities such as Paper Presentations, Poster Presentations, and the highly anticipated Aarani 1.0 Hackathon. The Project Expo provided an opportunity for students to display their projects, demonstrating cutting-edge ideas and technological solutions. Captivating shows like the Drone Show, Robotics Show, and Electric Vehicle Show amazed the audience, highlighting advancements in technology and innovation.
In addition to these major events, the festival also hosted 26 parallel technical and non-technical activities, including competitions such as Tech Race, Tech Trivia, and Tech Tanka, designed to bring out the best in students and promote creativity and problem-solving skills.
Over the next two days of the Nexora 2025, GNITS students will present Alankriti, a vibrant literary, cultural, and sports festival featuring enthralling performances, debates, and exciting competitions. The grand finale day after tomorrow will feature the Annual Day Celebrations, and will include cultural programs, award ceremonies, and reflections on the year’s achievements.
Nanhi Kali Celebrates 9th Proud Fathers for Daughters Edition
Chandigarh, January 24, 2025: The ninth edition of Proud Fathers For Daughters, an annual fundraising event by Project Nanhi Kali, took place on January 11 and 12, 2025 at the National Sports Club of India, Worli, Mumbai. The event witnessed an extraordinary turnout of 265 father-daughter duos from across the country, with 527 portraits captured during the two-day event. The proceeds from the event will go towards the education of 527 underserved girls, empowering them with opportunities for a brighter future.
Proud Fathers For Daughters was founded by Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of the Mahindra Group and K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, and renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar to shift societal mindsets towards the girl child and reinforce the importance of gender equality. The event challenges entrenched stereotypes, showcasing fathers not just as caregivers, but as active champions of their daughters’ dreams, ambitions, and independence. It’s a powerful reminder that when fathers support their daughters wholeheartedly, they unlock limitless potential, breaking down barriers for future generations.
Since its inception, Proud Fathers For Daughters has become a symbol of hope and empowerment, creating 2,397 stunning portraits that celebrate a father’s unwavering support for his daughter’s dreams. Each portrait tells a powerful story of love, encouragement, and the belief in a brighter future for all girls. Through the funds raised at the event through the years, Project Nanhi Kali has been able to support the education of over 5,597 underserved girls, giving them the tools to break barriers of inequality, pursue their ambitions, and rewrite their stories.
This year’s theme, “Her First Coach,” drew inspiration from Project Nanhi Kali’s new curriculum, which focuses on 21st-century skills and sports leadership to foster holistic development in girls. The event highlighted the pivotal role fathers play as their daughters’ first guides, mentors, and cheerleaders and encourage fathers to championing their daughters dreams and ambitions.
Renowned photographers Atul Kasbekar, Colston Julian, Jaideep Oberoi, Prasad Naik, Rafique Sayed, Tarun Vishwa, and Tejal Patni generously dedicated their time, talent, and creative expertise to make Proud Fathers For Daughters a truly unforgettable event. These celebrated photographers came together not only to capture tender moments of pride and joy between fathers and daughters but also to champion a transformative cause. By lending their skills to this initiative, they turned every portrait into a cherished memory, while underscoring the power of storytelling through photography to inspire change and drive impact. Their commitment to using their art for social good added a profound depth to the event, amplifying its message of empowerment and hope.
Participants contributed INR 10,000 for a professional father-daughter photoshoot, with each contribution funding the education of one underserved girl for an entire year at Project Nanhi Kali. Beyond providing education and skilling, Project Nanhi Kali’s updated curriculum emphasises leadership through sports, teamwork, and critical thinking, preparing girls to thrive in the 21st-century.
Sheetal Mehta, Executive Director at Project Nanhi Kali and Senior Vice President, CSR, Mahindra, remarked: “At Project Nanhi Kali, we are committed to creating an ecosystem where girls are empowered to dream big. Through our new curriculum, we equip girls with 21st-century skills and sports leadership skills, enabling them to lead and succeed. The theme of this year’s Proud Fathers For Daughters—‘Her First Coach’—beautifully underscores the important role fathers play in shaping their daughters into future leaders. We are deeply touched by the overwhelming response and thank the participants for their unwavering support towards our cause through the years. Not to forget, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the photographers for their creativity and unwavering support. This edition’s success reaffirms the belief that when families and communities champion a girl’s dreams, the impact is transformative—not just for her, but for society at large.”
Build Capital Invests in Satyam Group’s Project in Navi Mumbai
Mumbai, January 24, 2025: Build Capital, an innovative early-stage real estate fund, has completed its maiden investment in the Navi Mumbai market. This investment in Satyam Group’s project is part of Build’s strategy to become a preferred partner in early – stage real estate financing in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Build Capital has further announced that it plans to invest close to Rs 150 crore in the Navi Mumbai market out of its total target investments of Rs. 400 crore for the year 2025. Mr. Kuldeep Jain, CEO and Co-Founder, Build Capital said, “We are plugging the existing gaps of early-stage financing in the real estate industry with our inventive approach. As a strategy, we are focusing on investments in the MMR and Navi Mumbai is a focus micro-market for us considering the surge in real estate development in the area”.
Build Capital is further eyeing at a total early-stage financing book of over Rs 400 crore through 15-20 transactions targeted across MMR in the year 2025. Since inception in April 2024, the fund has clocked transactions worth Rs 100 crore. So far Build has invested in SRA projects, Society redevelopment projects and with this transaction it has entered the CIDCO plot development market segment as well.
Mr. Rahul Nahata, Co-Founder of Build Capital said, “This new investment in Satyam Group has enabled us to create a formidable offering within the MMR real estate financing space. We hope to double our team size this year thereby allowing us to quickly assess and mobilize capital for RE developers of the MMR zone. Based on our in-house expertise we are able to quickly assess project opportunities and deploy capital, sometimes as early as 15-20 days.”
The real estate financing industry is projected to achieve a market size of US$ 1 trillion by 2030, rising from US$ 200 billion in 2021 and contributing 13% to the country’s GDP by 2025. An early-stage financing occupies a significant chunk, which is largely overlooked by conventional modes of financing over to the nature and duration of investments required therein.
New Skill Development Centre to be Built in Meerut by NSDC and NAS College
Meerut, January 23: In a step towards enhancing employability and skilling for thousands, particularly from rural areas, the National Skill Development Corporation and Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskrit College (NAS) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up a skill development centre at the college. The aim of the partnership is to train students in industry-relevant skills, capacity building to thrive in a competitive job market, and make them future-ready in new emerging trades.
“The partnership with Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskrit College is a big step in closing the divide between learning and finding a job in both rural and urban areas of Meerut. The MoU will give students the chance to learn useful, job-related skills from sectors like BFSI and Tourism & Hospitality that will boost their chances of getting a good job. At NSDC we are dedicated to making paths for skill growth all over India, and this teamwork will be a guide for others to follow. We are eager to team up to help students of Meerut and further gain the tools they need to do well in work,” NSDC representative said during the inking of the agreement.
“The students will get an opportunity to equip themselves with industry-related skills in sync with the new job market in the high-end skill lab at the center. The partnership in all likelihood will be a game changer, as we are targeting youths for increasing their professional skill set and adding to the country’s high-tech workforce,” NSDC representative said, adding that both the NSDC and Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskrit College have high hopes from the center, with it being a catalyst of social change in the Meerut region.
The MoU entails NAS College providing suitable space and essential physical infrastructure for the establishment of the training sectors, while NSDC will ensure the designing and implementation of the program, and industry-recognized certifications on the completion of the course.
Commenting on the setting up of the skill development centre Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, Member of Rajya Sabha said: “The initiative in the form of this state-of-the-art center at the historic NAS college will go a long way in empowering youths of the region and checking unemployment through skilling. It would be very beneficial for youths, particularly from small towns and villages around Meerut, to come and take admission, learn life-changing skills in new technology, and help our great nation become the skill capital of the world.”
“Skilling is a powerful tool for women empowerment, encouraging them to break stereotypes. I would urge girls from colleges in the region to take advantage of this opportunity and enrol themselves at the center and equip themselves with skills that will help them get employment and jobs in BFSI and tourism sectors,” said Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh, District Magistrate, Meerut, who also assured all out support of the district administration to the NAS college and the skill center for fostering an environment where skills lead to employment.
Awareness campaigns would be launched in the region for spearheading about skilling programmes. Information sessions and workshops at the center will benefit students and faculty in understanding the importance of skill development and the opportunities it creates. The presence of industry professionals and successful alumni as speakers would further underline the impact these programs can have.
The tie-up, among others, also highlights the importance of skilling the local communities for contributing to the skilling ecosystem and ensuring regional development. The Ministry of Skill Development and NSDC have been focusing on improving employability in the region by a slew of such initiatives, including Kaushal Mohotsavs, or job fairs or job readiness programs.
Last year, a month-long Kaushal Mahotsav was organized at Bijnor, nearly 70 km from here. During the month-long job readiness program, more than 13,500 youth from Bijnor district registered on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Out of these, 3500 candidates were selected and offered jobs after five days of rigorous training and career counselling.
The MoU signing meet was also graced by esteemed presence of Shri (Prof.) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Principal, NAS College, and Shri Mayank Bhatnagar, National Head, State Engagement, NSDC, and Shri Amit Kumar Sharma, Secretary, NAS, College Management Committee.
University of Leeds Offers Scholarship for Outstanding Indian Students
The University of Leeds is pleased to announce its International Excellence Scholarship for 2025, which aims to draw in and assist exceptional students from all over the world. This award, which offers financial aid to outstanding overseas students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, demonstrates the university’s dedication to academic quality, diversity, and global involvement. A merit-based prize, the International Excellence Scholarship seeks to celebrate and reward exceptional academic achievement. Qualified applicants will have a strong academic record, the capacity for leadership, and a dedication to supporting the lively and diverse community at the University of Leeds.
The University of Leeds is a globally renowned institution, consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. Known for its innovative research, outstanding faculty, and inclusive campus environment, Leeds is committed to empowering the next generation of global leaders.
Prof. Manuel Barcia, Dean of Global Engagement, University of Leeds commented “We are delighted to offer the International Excellence Scholarship to talented students from across the globe. This initiative reflects our dedication to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to the transformative education we provide.”
Eligibility: To apply for a masters International Excellence Scholarship, a candidate must:
- be considered for fee purposes as a foreign student
- Candidate has completed an application for a master’s program that is eligible for entrance in 2025–2026.
- Before applying for the scholarship, a candidate does not need to have been offered a place to study.
- A student can be either self-funded or partially funded.
- Need to show a strong academic record and be expected to get or have earned a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent
- exhibit outstanding interpersonal and professional abilities as demonstrated by extracurricular activities and/or work experience.
Application Deadline: Friday 16 May 2025, 5 PM UK time.
Application Outcome: students will be notified of the outcome of the scholarship application by Friday 13 June 2025. If candidates are selected for the scholarship, they will need to accept the award within the timeframe stated in their scholarship letter.
Yami Gautam Joins Piramal Pharma’s Brand Little’s
Chandigarh, January 24, 2025 – Piramal Pharma Limited’s India Consumer Healthcare (ICH) today announced the launch of its new campaign, #SwitchToSofter, for its flagship baby care brand, Little’s®. The campaign features actress Yami Gautam as the brand’s new ambassador and introduces Little’s Fluffy Soft Diaper Pants—crafted with superior imported materials to ensure 12-hour absorption, an anti-rash formula, and a wetness indicator for all-round protection and enhanced softness for babies.
Young mothers often turn to family, friends, and their social circles instead of actually conducting proper research themselves, when selecting baby products. Brand Little’s aims to break this trend by convincing mothers to make an informed choice by trying the brand which promises to give smoother and softer diapers, which can be felt tangibly. The brand strongly conveys this message through a #SwitchToSofter campaign with their new brand ambassador Yami Gautam. To further assure the consumers on product quality, the brand is offering a money back guarantee if the consumer is not happy with the product, thus building more confidence.
Sai Ramana Ponugoti, CEO, Piramal Consumer Healthcare said, “With the rise of urbanization, greater exposure to global trends, and growing awareness about child health and hygiene, the expectations of new mothers in India have increased significantly for baby care products. Today, new mothers demand a diaper that guarantees not only absorption but also gentle softness to protect delicate baby skin. Little’s Fluffy Soft Diaper Pants have been thoughtfully designed to meet these needs with comfort, protection, and innovation.”
Speaking on this association with Little’s, Yami Gautam said, “As a new mother, I am incredibly happy to partner with Little’s, a brand that truly understands the needs of both babies and mothers. Motherhood is a beautiful yet challenging journey, and having Little’s by my side makes it easier. The launch of Little’s Fluffy Soft Diaper Pants exemplifies their commitment to ultimate comfort, enriching the softness experience for babies. This focus on comfort helps keep my baby relaxed, allowing me to enjoy motherhood with less stress.”
Little’s, founded in the 1980s, has built a strong legacy as a trusted name in baby care. Over the past three decades, it has become one of India’s most beloved brands for baby products, gaining the confidence of Indian mothers. The brand offers a comprehensive range of products catering to babies from birth to 2 years of age, addressing their diverse needs at different life stages. Its product portfolio includes diapers, wipes, feeding, toys & baby personal care, all of which are widely used and recommended by parents. Little’s has earned a reputation for providing reliable and high-quality products to support babies’ well-being and growth.
Palo Alto Networks Paves the Way for Quantum Security with New QRNG Open API
Mumbai, India, January 23, 2025 – Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the release of a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Open API framework, empowering organizations to prepare for future quantum security threats. The framework, developed in partnership with six innovators across the QRNG field, addresses the need for multi-vendor interoperability across the industry and enables organizations to invest in and build QRNG-based systems that are resilient regardless of the underlying technology or company.
Rich Campagna, SVP Product Management, Palo Alto Networks:
“Helping the world become quantum safe is much more than any one cybersecurity company, government agency or critical infrastructure organization can tackle alone. Collaboration in the QRNG field is vital to future-proofing against quantum computing threats and we are committed to our work with standards bodies, global governments and our partners to help steer the industry toward standardization. We are thrilled to launch the QRNG Open API to benefit as many organizations as possible.”
The future convergence of AI, ML, deep learning and classical supercomputing with quantum computing necessitates securing today’s systems against quantum-enabled attacks. QRNG is a technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate truly random numbers, which are essential for creating secure cryptographic keys. recently released NIST post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards in combination with QRNG to give organizations the best chance to protect against future threats. The QRNG Open API framework eliminates barriers to QRNG adoption, helping global organizations access the highest quality cryptographic operations possible as they prepare for quantum computing technology.
Available through the Palo Alto Networks GitHub portal, the QRNG Open API can be embedded into any application. Later this year, Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) will support the QRNG Open API, enabling the network security platform to bring in entropy for cryptographic functions.
Developed by Palo Alto Networks and leading QRNG technology partners, Anametric, ID Quantique, Qrypt, Quantinuum, Quantropi and Quside, the QRNG Open API will:
- Simplify QRNG integration by removing proprietary silos.
- Maximize interoperability in multi-vendor networks and promote freedom of choice, allowing customers to select the best technologies and systems for their needs, including both cloud-based and on-prem solutions.
- Accelerate QRNG adoption by removing barriers with a collaborative, open approach.
- Provide a common mechanism for obtaining high-quality entropy from an external QRNG platform.
QRNG Open API initiative partners commented:
Fernando de la Iglesia, VP of Product, Quside:
“As a leader in quantum technology, Quside is committed to advancing the adoption of quantum randomness in cybersecurity and high-performance computing. Our key objective is to make quantum randomness more accessible by reducing adoption barriers. The QRNG Open API initiative is crucial for establishing clear and robust guidelines that meet precise user needs.”
Kenny Huebsch, Director of Software Engineering, Qrypt:
“The biggest hurdle in helping organizations adopt quantum entropy isn’t convincing them of its value – it’s how complex it is to integrate into their systems..Driving toward a standard is an essential first step on a path to broader first-class support of quantum entropy sources.”
Wil Oxford, CEO, Anametric:
“Anametric is pleased to join the efforts of the QRNG Open API initiative. Establishing a standardized QRNG Open API is crucial for the cybersecurity landscape, facilitating the seamless transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Our collective expertise and collaboration will ensure that our digital infrastructure remains resilient, secure, and future-ready, safeguarding data in an increasingly quantum-enabled world.”
Duncan Jones, Head of Cybersecurity, Quantinuum:
“Participating in the QRNG Open API initiative enables us to work alongside other industry leaders to address a critical aspect of quantum safety that’s often overlooked – the quality of randomness used in cryptographic operations. By developing a common standard for access, we’re helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity today while ensuring they maintain flexibility for the future.”
Mike Redding, CTO, Quantropi:
“We believe that open standards are essential to give clients the confidence to adopt new technologies. Quantropi was honored to contribute our expertise to the QRNG Open API initiative to help make the Open API a reality. The Open API will allow clients to focus on the quality, reliability, security, and value of QRNG service offerings without the complication of evaluating implementation differences.”
Grégoire Ribordy, CEO, IDQuantique:
“ID Quantique (IDQ) commercializes quantum hardware and software systems compliant with the relevant applicable standards, ensuring smooth integration with existing security framework, infrastructures, and applications. Ultimately Quantum Entropy combined with existing security solutions improves the security of end-user data and organization infrastructure today and in the future. We were delighted to support Palo Alto Networks initiative to provide a QRNG Open API to customers.”
EMAAR India Launches Urban Ascent in Gurugram
Gurugram, 23 January 2025: Emaar India, the Indian business entity of the globally renowned brand EMAAR, announced the launch of its latest luxury residential project, ‘Urban Ascent’ at Sector 112, Gurugram, strategically situated on Dwarka Expressway. The location is at the cusp of Delhi and Gurugram, offering easy access to robust physical and social infrastructure. Dwarka Expressway, since its inauguration, has been a hotbed of investment, especially for Delhi residents, owing to the ease of access it has created to both Gurugram business & entertainment hubs as well as to national capital-Delhi.
Urban Ascent, spanning 140,606 sq. m. (9.164 acres), is a statement of refined living, seamlessly blending modern luxury & convenience. The project offers a range of thoughtfully designed spacious 3 & 4 BHK residences to suit diverse customer needs, offering ample space for an opulent lifestyle. Urban Ascent boasts of seamless connectivity, being less than 0.5 Km from Dwarka Expressway, linking it to NH-48 providing quick access to Gurugram business hubs on one side and Yashobhoomi & Dwarka side of Delhi, on the other.
Safety & Elevated Lifestyle
The project strategically incorporates a central activity podium architecture designed that enhances safety, additionally, all amenities including the clubhouse, are designed and integrated on an elevated platform, eliminating any interference from vehicular movement. Furthermore, the living and dining areas are adorned with marble, seamless glass railings in the balcony, shower partition with frosted film in master toilet, modular kitchen with chimney & Hob and white goods like oven, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine & RO system.
Futuristic & Sustainable
Reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability, the project cultivates a vibrant landscape with over 350 native trees to be planted. Key sustainable features at this IGBC Gold pre-certified project include rainwater harvesting, water efficient plumbing fixtures, water waste recycling and reuse, environment friendly waste management, solar powered common area & provision for EV charging, ensuring a cleaner, greener environment for all residents.
Prime Connectivity
Urban Ascent offers seamless accessibility, located just 45 minutes from the airport, ensuring unmatched convenience for frequent travellers and effortless access for visitors. It offers seamless accessibility to the nearest Gurgaon railway station (6.8 Kms); Dwarka sector 25 metro station (5 Kms); and in close proximity to hospitals – Park Hospital (4.5 Kms), Columbia Asia Hospital (5.6 Kms), Manipal Hospital (6.1 Kms). Also, providing ease of access to educational institutes like – Orchids The International School (1.9 Kms), Shikshiyan School (4.7 Kms), Delhi Public School Sector 102 (8.5 Kms). The project is also close to commercial and retail destinations with EBD114Nxt, Arcade 114, Grand Central, Yashobhoomi Convention Center, within a radius of 8 Kms.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kalyan Chakrabarti, CEO, Emaar India, said, “We are excited to launch our first project of 2025, Urban Ascent is more than just a residential project – it’s a lifestyle crafted for those who seek comfort, convenience and a connection to nature. In line with our ethos of building state-of-the-art project with excellent quality, innovation and transparency; this project is designed to offer our residents not just a home, but an elevated lifestyle enriched with world-class amenities, seamless connectivity, and sustainable living spaces. At Emaar, we are committed to creating spaces that people are proud to call home, and Urban Ascent is a reflection of that vision. We are dedicated to building communities that perfectly embody a sense of belonging coupled with a cohesive and congenial living experience.”
Urban Ascent offers thoughtfully curated amenities for each age group, accentuating the experience of luxury and the feel of living in an elite community, staying true to the values of sustainability.
Refined Living & Indulgence
For fitness enthusiasts and wellness seekers, ‘Urban Ascent’ offers a safe and serene environment, featuring amenities like jogging track, yoga pavilion, Zen garden, and an open-air theatre and well-equipped gymnasium designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. The clubhouse of 36,000 sq. ft. built-up area includes premium facilities, such as a restaurant, café, banquet hall, squash court, indoor games area, and swimming pools for adults and kids, ensuring a lifestyle of convenience and luxury. Families can enjoy a multi-purpose court with tennis and basketball facility, kids’ play area, outdoor gymnasium, and pet park, perfect spaces for relaxation. Designed to enhance everyday living, the development seamlessly blends functionality with wellness and leisure.
Safe & Secure
Urban Ascent offers some of the latest safety and security amenities as a gated community, with biometric digital lock at apartment main door and video door phone. CCTV in the main entrance lobby, basement lobby, external periphery and inside lift cars. The tower lobby reception and main gate are equipped with VDP-cum-access control for enhanced security and convenience. Additionally, the Central Activity Podium ensures a vehicle free zone for all residents to enjoy nature within a safe environment.