Hyderabad : Amrita Vidyalayam, Hyderabad, collaborated with AYUDH and devotees of Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM) to achieve a resounding success during the C20 Global Seedball Campaign at Suraram Reserve Forest in Chinna Shankarampet. The event witnessed the distribution of an astounding 1 lakh 15 thousand seedballs, symbolizing a strong commitment to nature and environmental conservation.

The C20 Global Seedball Campaign, an integral part of the CBSE SEWA (Social Empowerment Work in Action) syllabus, aimed to instill social responsibility and environmental consciousness among participating students. Students from classes IX and X at Amrita Vidyalayam actively took part in dispersing seedballs, contributing to vital reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts.

The event received an overwhelming response from participants, with enthusiastic involvement from students, staff members of Amrita Vidyalayam, AYUDH members, and devoted followers of MAM. Their combined dedication exemplifies the importance of fostering a culture of living in harmony with nature and working towards a sustainable future.

Principal and Mata Amritanandamayi Math in-charge Swamini Suvidyamrita Prana expressed, “The seedball dispersal event served as an excellent platform for our students to actively engage in environmental preservation. By sowing seedballs in the Suraram Reserve Forest, we are not only contributing to the growth of green cover but also emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices for a better future. We express our gratitude to Suraram Reserve Forest officials for their immense support and the highly motivational session offered to our students.”

The C20 Global Seedball Campaign is gaining remarkable momentum, with numerous participants, including students and NCC cadets, eagerly contributing to seedball creation. The initiative received widespread support from the local community, commending its commitment to environmental stewardship. Through the concerted efforts of Amrita Vidyalayam, AYUDH, and the devotees of MAM Hyderabad, a significant impact has been made on the ecosystem of the Suraram Reserve Forest, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.

The event will be open to the whole public and the timings will be from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, followed by bhandara.

In Hinduism, the devotees consider Jyotirlinga to be the most sacred devotional depiction of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. The Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga at Andhra Pradesh has a unique devotional charm of its own. The temple is marked as not only one of the twelve Jyotirlinga, but also one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas. The devotees will gain one-of-a-kind experience with the Ram Katha being organized at the location with such auspiciousness. The timing could not have had more important, as Bapu will embark on this journey during the month of Saawan, one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar, which the devotees believe to be even more auspicious for spiritual initiatives.

Two special trains named Kailash Bharat Gaurav and Chitrakoot Bharat Gaurav are facilitating the yatra, which will allow devotees to join directly at the location along the route. This visionary initiative is a testament to Morari Bapu’s dedication to spreading the words of wisdom from Ram Katha, exploring the inter-connectedness of Lord Rama and Jyotirlinga, fostering the sense of commonality and unity between the Vaishnavas and Shaivites. The yatra will cover over 12,000 km in a record of 18 days, connecting the devotees across the country as they embark on a journey to explore the rich cultural heritage as well as essence of Sanatan Dharma in the country. Bringing together the shared experiences to absorb the wisdom from Ram Charit Manas, the journey will see the amalgamation of traditions, culture and festive atmosphere onboarding the train of spirituality. The collective chanting of hymns and holy mantras will fill the atmosphere as the journey will traverse through the 12 Jyotirlinga.

As the country progresses in the modern world and celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Kal, reminiscing the glorious past of this land becomes even more relevant. With the eminent knowledge of the scriptures, this unique initiative will showcase Morari Bapu’s dedication to keeping ancient traditions alive and relevant in modern times.

The Katha is being organized by Bapu’s flower (devotee) Rupesh Vyas from Indore through the Aadesh Trust. He has been working tirelessly with IRCTC to make this Jyotirlinga Ram Katha Yatra a success.

Visakhapatnam : In a groundbreaking initiative, GITAM (Deemed to be University) is pioneering a transformative approach to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the local Scheduled Tribe (ST) population in select villages of Andhra Pradesh. By establishing four (04) Science Technology and Innovation Hubs (GITAM STI Hubs), this prestigious educational institution is blending academic research and community service to create a platform that nurtures entrepreneurship and empowers the tribal youth, ultimately leading to a remarkable improvement in their overall lifestyle.

Funded by the Government of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology, and to be executed under the purview of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), these STI Hubs are the first of its kind in Paderu and Araku Valley Mandals.

Currently, a field survey is underway to identify and enroll the target beneficiaries for the project that is expected to run for a period of three years (up to 31-03-2026). This project will see several departments work in synergy as GITAM STI will collaborate with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-KVK), Integrated Tribal Development Authority (ITDA), National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC), and several local NGOs.

Associate Professor Dr. I. Sarat Babu, Principal Investigator from the Department of Biotechnology, GITAM School of Technology, and the team of researchers at the Science Technology and Innovation Hub of the GITAM (Deemed to be University) have been granted a funding amounting to Rs 3.65 crore towards a project aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the tribal population by setting-up a revenue generating model. Dr. Babu is leading the team along with co-investigators, Dr Raja Phani Pappu, Director, Dept of Research & Consultancy and Dr P Manjushree, Professor, GITAM School of Business.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Raja Pappu said, “The tribal communities have long faced socio-economic challenges that hindered their growth and progress. However, GITAM (Deemed to be) University has recognized the immense potential hidden within these communities, and is leading the initiative to provide them with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary for self-sustenance and success.” 

Speaking about the novelty of the project Dr. Babu added, “The GITAM STI Hubs go beyond the traditional boundaries of academic research by directly engaging with the tribal communities and uplift their socio-economic conditions. Professors, researchers, and students from diverse fields collaborate closely with the local inhabitants, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By leveraging their expertise, the university creates an environment that fosters innovation, problem-solving, and skill development, tailored specifically to the needs and aspirations of the tribal population.”

The overall goal of the STI Hub is to improve the livelihood of small and marginalised tribal communities and help with skill development through the formation of 2 FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisation) and 20 SHGs (Self Help Group) reaching out to 1000 beneficiaries. It also aims at creating value chains through Science and Technology Interventions and the develop social enterprises. The activity will help improve the physical and human capitals of selected beneficiaries as well as lead to improvement in the health and nutritional status of the tribals.

To function within the framework of Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, four business units will be set up, each of which will initiate economic enterprises such as Niger Seed Oil Mill Units, Honey Processing Units, Solar Based Cold Storage Units, and Vegetable Processing Units for vegetables including broccoli, cucumber, ginger, etc.

The GITAM STI Hub is operated in the “Hub and Spoke Model”. The main hub will be in Paderu (district headquarters) while the 12 identified villages in the Paderu (Thumpada, Modapalle, Minumuluru, Raigedda, Talarisingi and Yegumodaputtu) and Araku Valley (Padmapuram, Pappuduvalasa, Yandapallivalasa, Chompi, Hattaguda and Lotheru) Mandals will act as spokes. The hubs are well equipped with Niger seed oil Processing Units, Honey Processing Units, Solar based Cold storage Units, Vegetable Processing Units, and Quality Assurance, Quality Control Laboratories for Honey, and Niger oil, along with the training centers. 

Visakhapatnam : In a groundbreaking initiative, GITAM (Deemed to be University) is pioneering a transformative approach to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the local Scheduled Tribe (ST) population in select villages of Andhra Pradesh. By establishing four (04) Science Technology and Innovation Hubs (GITAM STI Hubs), this prestigious educational institution is blending academic research and community service to create a platform that nurtures entrepreneurship and empowers the tribal youth, ultimately leading to a remarkable improvement in their overall lifestyle.

Funded by the Government of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology, and to be executed under the purview of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), these STI Hubs are the first of its kind in Paderu and Araku Valley Mandals.

Currently, a field survey is underway to identify and enroll the target beneficiaries for the project that is expected to run for a period of three years (up to 31-03-2026). This project will see several departments work in synergy as GITAM STI will collaborate with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-KVK), Integrated Tribal Development Authority (ITDA), National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Girijan Co-Operative Corporation (GCC), and several local NGOs.

Associate Professor Dr. I. Sarat Babu, Principal Investigator from the Department of Biotechnology, GITAM School of Technology, and the team of researchers at the Science Technology and Innovation Hub of the GITAM (Deemed to be University) have been granted a funding amounting to Rs 3.65 crore towards a project aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the tribal population by setting-up a revenue generating model. Dr. Babu is leading the team along with co-investigators, Dr Raja Phani Pappu, Director, Dept of Research & Consultancy and Dr P Manjushree, Professor, GITAM School of Business.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Raja Pappu said, “The tribal communities have long faced socio-economic challenges that hindered their growth and progress. However, GITAM (Deemed to be) University has recognized the immense potential hidden within these communities, and is leading the initiative to provide them with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary for self-sustenance and success.”

Speaking about the novelty of the project Dr. Babu added, “The GITAM STI Hubs go beyond the traditional boundaries of academic research by directly engaging with the tribal communities and uplift their socio-economic conditions. Professors, researchers, and students from diverse fields collaborate closely with the local inhabitants, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By leveraging their expertise, the university creates an environment that fosters innovation, problem-solving, and skill development, tailored specifically to the needs and aspirations of the tribal population.”

The overall goal of the STI Hub is to improve the livelihood of small and marginalised tribal communities and help with skill development through the formation of 2 FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisation) and 20 SHGs (Self Help Group) reaching out to 1000 beneficiaries. It also aims at creating value chains through Science and Technology Interventions and the develop social enterprises. The activity will help improve the physical and human capitals of selected beneficiaries as well as lead to improvement in the health and nutritional status of the tribals.

To function within the framework of Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, four business units will be set up, each of which will initiate economic enterprises such as Niger Seed Oil Mill Units, Honey Processing Units, Solar Based Cold Storage Units, and Vegetable Processing Units for vegetables including broccoli, cucumber, ginger, etc.

The GITAM STI Hub is operated in the “Hub and Spoke Model”. The main hub will be in Paderu (district headquarters) while the 12 identified villages in the Paderu (Thumpada, Modapalle, Minumuluru, Raigedda, Talarisingi and Yegumodaputtu) and Araku Valley (Padmapuram, Pappuduvalasa, Yandapallivalasa, Chompi, Hattaguda and Lotheru) Mandals will act as spokes. The hubs are well equipped with Niger seed oil Processing Units, Honey Processing Units, Solar based Cold storage Units, Vegetable Processing Units, and Quality Assurance, Quality Control Laboratories for Honey, and Niger oil, along with the training centers.

The program has been designed to equip students with a strong foundation in emerging topics, including Logistics, Inventory Models, Supply Chain Management, Data Analytics, and Marketing Analytics. By leveraging data analytic techniques, students will gain the expertise to analyze and solve complex problems in logistics and supply chain management. Furthermore, students are encouraged to enroll in internship or in-plant training programs during summer and winter vacations to enhance their practical skills.

Dr. S.Mahadevan, Principal, Amrita School of Physical Sciences, Coimbatore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, said, “We are delighted to introduce the MSc Program in Data Science with Logistics and Supply Chain Management. With the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making in the industry, this program aims to develop skilled professionals who can leverage advanced analytics to optimize logistical operations and enhance supply chain efficiencies. One of the highlights of this program is the opportunity for independent study and research, culminating in a project work that will be transformed into a dissertation. These projects will involve comprehensive literature surveys, investigations, and contributions to specific areas of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, leveraging the power of Mathematics and Data Science. The resulting research articles have the potential for publication in reputable journals, making them an invaluable asset for those planning to pursue a Ph.D.”

Eligibility criteria for prospective students includes a pass in BSc in Mathematics/Statistics; BSc in Computer Science with courses in Mathematics and/or Statistics; B.E./B.Tech in CSE/Mechanical/Production Engineering, or equivalent, with a minimum of 50% marks in each course and an aggregate of 60%. Registration for the new session commencing in August 2023 is now open, until June end 2023.

As part of this 5-year initiative, ETS will evaluate and certify the English language proficiency of students ranging from Class 3 to 10 across all government schools through its TOEFL^® Young Students Series assessments. Schools will leverage TOEFL Primary^® and TOEFL Junior^® Standard Tests to assess the English reading and listening skills of students in Class 3 through 5 and Class 6 through 9, respectively, while the TOEFL Junior Speaking Test will assess the English-speaking skills of Class 10 students. Since most of these students are considered first-generation English-language learners, customized “Readiness Tests” will determine their readiness to take Certification Tests.

“Our mission is to empower our students to become globally employable individuals, transcending the boundaries of government schools. By taking up this noble endeavor, we are committed to making a profound societal impact. Challenges fuel our determination, and it is through these challenges that we rise. Our vision extends beyond the junior level as we aspire to expand our efforts to the senior levels, leaving no student behind.  Together, we will revolutionize education and pave the way for a brighter future.” –  Honorable Chief Minister Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh.

The integration of ETS’s world-class assessment resources into the educational framework of Andhra Pradesh will have a significant impact, benefiting millions of students enrolled in government schools across the state.

“We are proud to work with the Government of Andhra Pradesh on this ground-breaking initiative,” said Sachin Jain, Country Manager, ETS India. “We have seen first-hand the power of the English language as a gateway to global opportunity. Through the emphasis of English skill development at a young age, students in Andhra Pradesh will be better prepared for success is the long term. We commend Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for his partnership and look forward to seeing the impact of our collaboration on this region and beyond.”

The collaborative efforts of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and ETS are poised to position the state’s students on an accelerated trajectory of linguistic competence and academic success. Through this momentous alliance, Andhra Pradesh reaffirms its commitment to providing a robust educational environment conducive to holistic development and global competitiveness.

Moreover, this partnership extends beyond student-centric initiatives. ETS will also contribute to the enrichment of teacher capacity in English language instruction via a 3-day workshop at ETS’s headquarters in Princeton, NJ, USA. Among the many benefits, these teachers will have the unique opportunity to engage with the creators of the TOEFL Young Students Series tests.

Hyderabad : Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar visited Dhanuka Agritech Limited’s stall at the ongoing G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Hyderabad and appreciated the Group’s contribution to the field of agriculture. Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary was also present on this occasion.

During his visit to the stall, Hon’ble Shri Tomar and Shri Kailash Choudhary interacted with the Group Chairman Mr. R. G. Agarwal around various opportunities in the agriculture sector and challenges that the agrochemical industry faces.

On the inaugural day, the stall put up by the Dhanuka Group was also inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Kailash Choudhary. During the exhibition, the company displayed its innovative plant health management solutions, drone technologies, and achievements in agriculture and allied sectors.

Commenting about Hon’ble Ministers’ visit at the Dhanuka stall, Mr. R. G. Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Group said, “Dhanuka Agritech Ltd’s participation in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting demonstrates our commitment to work with global stakeholders in addressing the challenges faced by the agriculture sector. We at Dhanuka are striving to contribute towards the advancement of sustainable agriculture and food security by sharing our expertise and innovative solutions to various stakeholders including farmers.”

The 3-day meeting of the Agriculture Ministers under the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) of the G-20 began on Thursday wherein more than 200 delegates from member countries, invited countries and international organizations are participating. As a leading name in the agriculture arena, Dhanuka Group is also proudly participating in the exhibition being organized alongside the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Hyderabad.

Dhanuka is one the leading companies in the agriculture space having a countrywide presence. With its wide range of products and services as well as a robust distribution network, enables it to reach approximately 10 million Indian farmers.

The commitment of Dhanuka Agritech Ltd to research and development, along with international collaborations, ensures the introduction of novel technologies into Indian farmlands. It has one of the most extensive market penetrations in the agrochemical industries, with over 328 total registrations to date, including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators/bio-stimulants, seed treatment pesticides, surfactants, and over 350 active stock-keeping units.

The Group has association with two American, three European, and six Japanese companies in order to stay ahead in the agriculture sector by introducing new generation and novel crop protection solutions. It recently established a cutting-edge Dhanuka Agritech Research and Technology (DART) Lab in Palwal, Haryana, to strengthen its role in plant protection R&D, which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Manoharlal Ji.

Please visit www.dhanuka.com for more information on Dhanuka Agritech Ltd. and its initiatives.

Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest as the Union Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal; the Union Minister of Culture, Tourism & DoNER Shri  G Kishan Reddy; the Union Minster of State for Ayush Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai actively participated in making this grand event a great success. Celebrities from the city like Padma Bhushan awardee & noted Badminton player & coach Pullela Gopichand; cine actors Srileela, Vishwak Sen, Krishan Chaitanya among other dignitaries were also witness to the electrifying atmosphere here today. Dr Ishwar V Basavaraddi, Director, MDNIY conducted the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) as thousands performed Yoga in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

Speaking on the occasion, the Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan said that this is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to celebrate Yoga as a festival of happiness, festival of health. She urge everyone to embrace yoga.  She further said that Yoga will make you happy, yoga will make you healthy, yoga will make you beautiful.”

Addressing the gathering, Shri   Sarbananda Sonowal said, “My heart is filled with joy to see massive participation in the Yoga Mahotsav by the people celebrating the cause of good health through Yoga. As a true sign of India’s glorious heritage, Yoga received an unprecedented boost when the world started celebrating Yoga every year on 21 June. Yoga has continued to reach more and more people around the world and has benefited all for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Yoga has surpassed all divisions of caste, creed, gender, religion and nationalities. In the whole world, people of all ages have embraced it for their benefit. The theme of IDY for this year is quite apt — Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam. It perfectly echoes the mood, spirit and acceptance of Yoga at national and global levels. From villagers to city dwellers, from students to home makers to corporate employees – all are embracing Yoga to remain healthy both physically as well as mentally. The untiring efforts of our charismatic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji have resulted in ever increasing impact of Yoga and its acceptance by the world community. Today, the whole world is accepting Yoga as an unfailing vehicle of holistic health and well-being.”

Highlighting the novelties in the celebration of this year’s IDY, Shri Sonowal added that these novelties would be on international, national and local levels.

He informed, “On the International level, an Ocean Ring of Yoga will be created on June 21^st when with the help of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Yoga demonstrations at many ports, on many ships will take place and many friendly countries will also join hands in this exercise. Similarly, Yoga demonstrations will also take place from Arctic to Antarctica— countries falling on or near the Prime Meridian line will join the Yoga demonstration. The flight Decks of INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya will showcase Yoga demonstration in synergy. Under Yog Bharatmala. Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and Border Road Organisation will join hands for Yoga demonstration at borders, coasts and Islands to form a Yog Bharatmala. Yoga will also happen on North and South Pole regions. Himadri — the Indian Research Base in Svalbard, Arctic as well as Bharati — the third Indian Research Base in Antarctica. At the local level, Panchayats, Anganwadis, Asha/ANM will be involved in Yoga demonstrations. Health and Wellness centres of both Health and Ayush Ministries, which are more than 1.5 lakh in the country and all the Amrit Sarovars (around 50 thousand) will have Yoga demonstrations. This year we will witness ‘Har Aangan Yog’ is going to happen in true spirit.”

Speaking on the occasion Shri G Kishan Reddy said, “Yoga is a wonderful gift of India’s rich heritage to empower humanity to remain hale & hearty. As all of us have congregated here, the massive turnout by all of you has affirmed people’s outpour of love for Yoga. This wonder of India’s culture was rejuvenated under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji as it has now become a global movement towards living healthy. In today’s world, the role of Yoga in keeping one calm and focussed is immense. We must all embrace Yoga and keep doing it regularly thereby celebrating it always. Let us make this event a grand success as we move on to celebrate International Day of Yoga.”

In his welcome address, Dr Munjpara Mahendra said, “International Day of Yoga is now well known throughout the world. Thanks to the untiring and visionary approach of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the ancient science of Yoga is now fast becoming part and parcel of wellness journey of almost all nations in the world. This 25 Day Countdown is an indication that IDY 2023 is just round the corner and I congratulate all of you again to be part of such an important event. I appeal to all to keep this torch alight.”

The event was also attended by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; Joint Secretary, Kavita Garg, Ministry of Ayush among other senior officials of union government and state government of Telangana. The event was also attended by Table Tennis player Naina Jaiswal, actress Eesha Rebba, G Sridhar Rao of Patanjali Yoga Peeth, Nandanam Krupakar, Joint Secretary, National Yogasana Sports Federation among other dignitaries and guests.

Ahmedabad : The Adani Group is developing an ‘Integrated Data Center and Technology Business Park’ in Madhurawada, Vizag, to boost local technology ecosystem in the region. The groundbreaking ceremony at the park site in Madhurawada, Vizag was held today in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP) Mr Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Managing Director of the Adani Group, Mr Rajesh Adani, and CEO and Whole Time Director of Adani Ports & SEZ (APSEZ) Limited, Mr Karan Adani.

The facility, which will have a data center, technology and business park, and skill development center, will generate jobs for local communities and open new gateways of growth in the region, connecting Vizag to the APAC (Asia-Pacific) IT ecosystem.

AdaniConneX, a 50:50 joint venture between Adani Group and EdgeConneX, will host within the park an integrated 200+ MW data center facility. The park will be powered with up to 100% renewable energy and connected with robust terrestrial and submarine infrastructure to help deployment of cloud and emerging technologies in the region. It will be the first of the three technology zones planned in Vizag and one of the largest hyperscale data center parks in India.

“Our world is being defined by our ability to generate, store, access and move data,” said *Mr Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group*. “With the advancements in AI, high-definition content and massive digitization, the need for compute and storage is increasing exponentially. Andhra Pradesh, with its geographical advantages of land for renewable energy and a long coastline, is well positioned to host data center parks not only for our country but also for those nations that are short of land or energy. What the Adani Group brings through our ports, data centers and green energy capabilities is a uniquely powerful combination of unmatched strategic adjacencies within the data center world.”

“The establishment of 300 MW data centers by the Adani Group will facilitate the laying of a submarine cable from Singapore and help change the future dynamics of broadband services,” said Mr Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh. “The technology park will propel Vizag into a tier-1 city which will also deploy renewable sources of energy to power it up.”

The investments will be on top of the Rs 20,000 crore already invested in the state, which created more than 18,000 direct and 54,000 indirect jobs. The Adani Group’s investments in AP span multiple sectors, including ports, logistics, and renewable energy. The Group operates two of the state’s largest private ports at Krishnapatnam and Gangavaram and is also committed to developing 15,000 MW of renewable power projects and 10 million tonnes per annum of cement manufacturing capacity in AP.

Supported by the team from EdgeConneX and their more than a decade of experience in building a global platform of data centers for some of the world’s largest and most demanding technology and cloud firms, AdaniConneX is rapidly executing on its plan to deliver 1 GW hyperlocal to hyperscale data center capacity throughout India. The proposed data center facility will be part of AdaniConneX’s strategic investment roadmap and will serve as a model investment for other locations, as it builds India’s largest integrated data center platform.

Hyderabad::Mahindra University’s Ecole Centrale School of Engineering (India) and Ecole Centrale group of institutions (France) have successfully concluded the Indo-French Conference on Frontiers in Photonics and Metamaterials-2023 (IFCFPM) after three days of insightful and inspiring discussions. The conference, held at Mahindra University, brought together over 100+ attendees from India and around the world, including leading academicians, industry professionals, young scientists, and enthusiastic students.

The IFCFPM provided a platform for experts and researchers to share their innovative contributions and challenges in the fields of Photonics and Metamaterials, with the ultimate goal of inspiring innovation in this rapidly evolving field. The event featured 11 plenary talks and several parallel sessions on Optics, photonics, Terahertz, and high-speed communications, which focused on the cutting-edge research and innovations in the respective fields. Budding research students also had the opportunity to showcase their work in poster presentations, which allowed them to share their research with leading experts from around the world.

Prof Dibakar Roy Chowdhury (FInstP (UK)), HOD, Department of Physics at Mahindra University said “IFCFPM allowed exposure to Photonics based next-generation discoveries with potentials in shaping future technologies that can influence all aspects of life”.

According to Professor Nikolay Zheludev, Deputy Director, Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, UK and Director, Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies (CDPT), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, “The IFCFPM was a perfectly organized international meeting at the very attractive location of Mahindra University. It has attracted some of the most prominent researchers in photonics and metamaterials from India, USA, Europe, Singapore, and Australia”.

Prof. Miguel A. Alonso Professor, Centrale Méditérranée and Institut Fresnel, Marseille, France said “This event was a great opportunity for scientists from India, France, and many other countries to exchange ideas and establish new connections in an intimate setting. The topics discussed were varied but interconnected, so that all presentations were of interest to all participants. I congratulate the organizers for their excellent work, and I thank them for inviting me to be a part of it.”

The Hon’ble Chief Guest of the conference, Consul General of France, Mr. Thierry Berthelot, inaugurated the conference and addressed the gathering where he elaborated on the thriving Indo-French collaborations in research and development. Intense technical presentations followed by discussions were pursued by the leading photonics and optics community people. Prof. David Payne (University of Southampton), Prof. Miguel Alonso (University Marseille), Prof Nikolay Zheludev (NTU Singapore and University of Southampton), Prof. Venugopal Achanta (Director, NPL New Delhi), Prof. S S Prabhu (TIFR Mumbai), Prof. Siddharth Rama Chandran (Boston University, USA), Prof. Arseniy Kuznetsov (A*STAR Singapore) are few of the eminent speakers who enthralled the audience with their enlightening talks.

The conference highlighted two key takeaways: Photonics or optics-based technologies are pathways for implementing high-speed 6G communications and the Terahertz frequency domain is an awesome technology that holds solutions to several problems that mankind is facing, for example, in homeland security, medical diagnosis, high-speed communications, etc. The IFCFPM has been a tremendous success, providing a unique opportunity for experts and researchers to network, share their research, and collaborate. The conference has opened new doors for research collaborations between India and France and has set the stage for future meetings/conferences to come.