Press Release

Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Organisation inaugurated the DRDO-Industry-Academia Center of Excellence (DIA-CoE) today, 19th April 2024. The DIA-CoE is poised to revolutionize interdisciplinary research and foster the next generation of innovators in defense technology through collaboration between academia, industry, and DRDO research labs. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, alongside Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT Jodhpur, Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (TM) DRDO Hq., and Prof. Samanwita Pal, Dean R&D, IIT Jodhpur. The Center of Excellence will spearhead directed research in identified verticals, including Desert Warfare Technologies, Futuristic Omni Mobility Systems, and Artificial Intelligence for Information and Wargaming Technologies. Furthermore, it will undertake science and technology initiatives as identified by DRDO, heralding a new era of innovation and collaboration.   In his address, Dr. Samir V. Kamat expressed his optimism about the collaborative venture, stating, “This day marks a very important milestone in the journey of DIA-CoE.  We aim to utilize DIA-CoE as means for building an ecosystem comprising DRDO labs, academia, and industry. It is our wish that in the years to come, these Centers of Excellence will be like the hubs in the United States where MIT Caltech, Stanford played a big role in making the US a superpower in technology. We hope that these centers will provide us with the same impetus to build a nation that leads in technology, fulfilling the wish of our Prime Minister.” Under the first phase of collaboration, IIT Jodhpur and DRDO will embark on a diverse range of innovations, encompassing projects such as Multi-agent Amphibious Quadcopter System, Bioinspired Flapping Wing Model, AIOT Based Water Monitoring Technologies, Smart Apparel for Desert Warfare, and more. Additionally, future projects in the pipeline will delve into critical areas such as Cold Plasma-based technologies, Hydrogen-based power generation systems, and Energy Harvesting for defence applications, among others.   Prof. Santanu Chaudhury, Director, IIT Jodhpur, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Centers like these should really evolve into hubs of R&D, addressing the defence capability needs of our country. Research is profoundly fundamental to have new technologies invented. However, it must not end with invention alone; the entire journey towards innovation, product development, and implementation is equally imperative. This holistic approach is exceptionally critical, underscoring the unique role of this center. It transcends mere academic research, delving into real-world problems that demand solutions, yet it does not stop there—it progresses towards transformation. This comprehensive ecosystem marks a significant step, one that academia must wholeheartedly appreciate and take it forward.” The establishment of the DIA-CoE at IIT Jodhpur, initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 6th October 2022, underscores a concerted effort to pursue directed basic and applied research in identified verticals, with the overarching goal of developing futuristic technologies and products to meet defence requirements. Shri Ravindra Kumar, Former Director of Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, currently serves as the Director of the center, overseeing its strategic initiatives and collaborative endeavors. DRDO will finance all research projects undertaken by the Centre, facilitating interaction between IIT Jodhpur faculty and different DRDO laboratories to identify areas of research and coordinate their execution. IIT Jodhpur’s expertise in multiple domains directly connected with strategic and warfare areas, such as Technologies for desert operations, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mobility, and Robotics, positions it as a fitting choice for DRDO to establish the CoE. The DIA-CoE at IIT Jodhpur embodies a symbiotic partnership between academia, industry, and the defence establishment, aimed at harnessing collective expertise and resources to tackle complex challenges in defence technology. By leveraging talent and state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Center endeavors to emerge as a global leader in identified areas of research.

Indian Institute of Technology Mandi commemorated its 15th Foundation Day on 27th February 2024, with esteemed guests and dignitaries gracing the occasion. Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DD (R&D) and Chairman Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), honored the event as the Chief Guest, along with Shri G. A. Srinivasa Murthy, DS and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and Shri Manoj Jain, Director R&D, Bharat Electronics Limited, attended as Guests of Honor. The event also saw the presence of Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, along with faculty, students, and staff members. While Lt. Gen. K. J. S. Dhillon, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Mandi, presided over the event virtually.   Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary DD (R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, while congratulating IIT Mandi on its 15th anniversary, said, “Amidst the serene Himalayan backdrop, taking  Prime Minister’s vision to be a world leader by 2047 IIT Mandi is rapidly evolving into technological landscape. The collaboration between DRDO and academia is vital for research and development, paving the path for a leader in defense in this constantly evolving technological development.”   Dr. Kamat further added, “Encouraging student involvement in R&D is key to fostering a culture of innovation. Leveraging engineering talent is imperative for our transition to a developed economy. It is up to all of us to work together and achieve the vision of our Hon’ble PM of becoming a developed country by 2047.”   Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Laxmidhar Behera, Director, IIT Mandi, said, “The journey of IIT Mandi has been marked by remarkable growth, innovation, and academic excellence, culminating in our Foundation Day celebrations. As we commemorate this occasion, we honor the tireless efforts of our faculty, staff, and students, whose dedication has been instrumental in shaping our institution into what it is today. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our state-of-the-art infrastructure, which spans 18 acres and encompasses academic and administrative facilities, student and faculty housing, laboratories, libraries, and sports complexes. Furthermore, our Green Committee’s proactive efforts in environmental conservation have earned us accolades such as the prestigious ‘Green University’ award at COP 28.”   Emphasizing the Institute’s future development plans, Prof. Behera stated, “We have ambitious plans to expand our faculty and student strength, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Our ongoing projects, such as the construction of new hostels, academic blocks, and sports facilities, underscore our commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for all.”   During his virtual address, (Retd.) Lt. Gen. K. J. S. Dhillon, Chairman, Board of Governor, IIT Mandi, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing the significance of the achievements by adding, “Your dedication and achievements not only reflect your personal excellence but also serve as a beacon of inspiration for others to aspire towards greatness.”   While addressing the students, Guest of Honour, Shri Manoj Jain, Director R&D, Bharat Electronics Limited, said, “The primary aim of an educational institute is to provide education, but equally important is leveraging the rich knowledge of students and faculty to fuel versatile growth in the industry. IITs excel in creating world-class talent, and I urge all students to adapt themselves to contribute to the betterment of our country. I am pleased that IIT Mandi has brought together stakeholders from the government (DRDO), industry (BEL), and academia (IIT Mandi) – a perfect combination to drive success from basic ideas to innovation and ultimately develop final products for the advancement of our nation.”   While speaking, Guest of Honour, Shri G. A. Srinivasa Murthy, DS and Director, Defence Research & Development Laboratory, said, “I am honored to participate in the festivities commemorating IIT Mandi’s 15th Foundation Day. The cutting-edge facilities available at IIT Mandi, spanning from the Advanced Materials Research Centre to the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, and from the Centre for Design & Fabrication of Electronic Devices to the Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications Centre, among others, vividly underscore the Institute’s dedication to innovation and excellence. To all the talented researchers and innovators, I extend a sincere invitation to explore potential research collaborations with the Defence Research & Development Laboratory. It is our paramount duty to serve our nation and propel research forward. I implore you all to unite in our mission to establish India as a frontrunner in global technology leadership.”  In the calendar year of 2023, IIT Mandi secured significant external funding through 63 sponsored projects totaling over Rs. 29.62 crores and 47 consultancy projects amounting to over Rs. 2.21 crores. The Institute’s proactive engagement in green initiatives earned it the prestigious Green University Award at COP-28. On the outreach front, IIT Mandi organized numerous national and international seminars, conferences, and workshops, facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration among scholars, researchers, and professionals. Events like ICDECP’23, the Annual Conference on ‘DNA IN BIOX 2023’, Mind Brain and Consciousness Conference, and workshop on ‘Doing Ethnography’ exemplify the Institute’s commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue and intellectual exchange. IIT Mandi has expanded its global presence through academic exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and industry partnerships, fostering collaboration with esteemed institutions worldwide. The Centre for Continuing Education is playing a pivotal role in extending the Institute’s impact beyond academia, offering a diverse array of educational opportunities, and fostering lifelong learning within the regional community. Along with this, the Technology Business Incubator, IIT Mandi Catalyst, is serving as a dynamic hub for nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation, providing startups with essential support services, funding opportunities, and industry partnerships to thrive in the competitive landscape. With these achievements, in the past 15 years, IIT Mandi has emerged as a beacon of excellence in education, research, and innovation, laying a solid foundation for continued growth and impact in the years to come. History of the Institute On 24th February 2009, the foundation stone of IIT Mandi was laid at Kamand, signifying the establishment of its permanent campus. The first batch of students embarked on their academic journey in July 2009, with classes commencing on 27th July 2009 at a

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, launched the ‘SWAYAM Plus’ platform that will offer courses developed collaboratively with the Industry at an event in Delhi today (27th Feb 2024). These employability and professional development‐focused programs have been developed with leading industry players such as L&T, Microsoft, CISCO etc. to bring to its learners. Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) will be operating the ‘SWAYAM Plus’ Platform. IIT Madras was among the founder institutions of Swayam-NPTEL, the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform providing educational opportunities for a vast number of learners. A popular e-learning platform, SWAYAM has the largest enrolment base today, with the total enrolment increasing from 31 lakh in 2017 to more than 72 lakh by end of 2023. The establishment of SWAYAM Plus would enhance employability of both college students and lifelong learners. The Industry-academia partnership would combine the academic rigour of SWAYAM’s educational platform with the real-world expertise and relevance offered by industry partners. SWAYAM Plus platform will offer programs in sectors like Manufacturing, Energy, Computer Science and Engineering/IT/ITES, Management Studies, Healthcare, Hospitality and Tourism besides Indian Knowledge Systems, among many others. Launching the ‘SWAYAM Plus’portal, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, said, “The National Education Policy (NEP) is on roll and for the first time, reputed industrial houses will be coming with their own academy, partnering with the UGC, esteemed education departments, and prestigious institutes like IIT Madras. All these courses will be accredited.” Elaborating on ‘SWAYAM Plus’, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said, “SWAYAM Plus offers employability, entrepreneurial mode, and job-centric courses, emphasizing practical, hands-on learning. Our goal is to make education industry-fit, providing learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the professional world.” Further, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Higher education is no longer limited to the traditional student. It is now accessible to the working population as well. The NEP 2020’s provision for multiple entry and exit points allows individuals to pursue education at their own pace. This concept is embodied in SWAYAM Plus, a vehicle that enables working professionals to balance their work and studies by offering a plethora of online courses. With SWAYAM Plus, we are empowering individuals to upskill and reskill, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to India’s knowledge economy.” Reskilling and upskilling initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing skill gaps, ensuring employability, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Through collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and the government, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 endeavours to create a workforce that is well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world and can thrive in diverse sectors, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development. Speaking during the launch event, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “There is an exponentially growing demand for trained manpower in core areas spanning across not restricted to health care, logistics, technology, energy, infrastructure and manufacturing. With rapid changes in these areas, there is a need to augment certain recent topics for fresh students and upskilling for the already employed. Swayam Plus will be a single window solution serving the above National cause.” The exposure through these courses would equip students with not only theoretical knowledge but also the skills, practices and latest trends demanded by the job market. It would bridge the gap between academia and industry, making college graduates more job-ready and competitive. Additionally, for lifelong learners, this partnership could offer a unique opportunity to upskill or reskill in response to evolving industry needs. Such a collaboration with industry partners could ensure that the courses provided are aligned with the ever-changing demands of the workforce Highlighting the importance of this platform, Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning), and Faculty, Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Madras, and the IIT Madras Coordinator for ‘SWAYAM Plus’, said, “the initiative enables students and working personals to upgrade their skills in their domain. Internship opportunities will be provided through this portal.  Skill based courses are provided with credit recognition that will be recorded in the respective academic bank of credits of the student.” The Key Features of SWAYAM Plus include: Multilingual content: The platform will be multilingual, encouraging a diverse audience to choose SWAYAM Plus as a platform of choice. AI-Enabled chatbot: An AI-enabled chatbot will assist the students choose the right courses based on their needs. Credit Recognition: Credit equivalency shall be established for courses offered by industry players. It also enables students of HEIs to earn credits simultaneously for their degree requirement, thereby providing academic flexibility.  

Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has appointed Ramesh Kumar, former ESPN Vice President and Head of ESPN (India and South Asia) and Global Head of ESPNcricinfo, as the Chief Executive Officer of Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA). The Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics at IIT Madras will be a global platform for fostering innovation in sports technology and deliver products and solutions to enhance athlete performance and also serve general fitness and health consumers. It will also create and deliver products and solutions across media platforms and work with sporting federations and bodies (creating their platforms and enhancing on ground experience and working with other media platforms) to increase fan engagement. CESSA will also be establishing an Incubator ecosystem for Sport Tech start-ups. This will be supported by inter-disciplinary faculties accomplished in the field of modelling, data science, IoT and AI and wearables and biomechanics. The center will also deliver high quality Sports science and education courses and sports coaching products targeted at students and coaches through various strategic collaborations with IIT Madras’ credibility, expertise, content and certification. Over the next few years, CESSA will also take the lead in carrying out cutting-edge research in sports science and analytics in collaboration with leading institutes in the world. Welcoming Ramesh Kumar to IIT Madras, Prof. Mahesh Panchagnula, Dean (Alumni and Corporate Relations), IIT Madras, and the Head of CESSA said, “We are delighted that CESSA will be led by Ramesh, an industry veteran with a proven track record of impact. This aligns with our commitment to be at the forefront of sports tech helping athletes, coaches and all stakeholders.” Mr. Ramesh Kumar, an alumnus of IIT Madras (BTech (ME), 1992 Batch) comes with more than three decades of industry experience with an initial corporate stint with the Tata Group in India and close to 24 years in the sports industry. He has been providing leadership to drive global digital leadership, innovation and growth of the world’s no 1 digital sports brand ‘ESPNcricinfo’. He also drove overall strategic leadership for ESPN India and South Asia operations. Outlining his vision, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA), IIT Madras, said, “I am excited to join the Center and leverage the deep tech knowledge and domain strengths in the fields of AI, ML, data science, IoT/sensors, computer vision technology and bio mechanical analysis to envision solutions and products for sportspersons, general athletes, media platforms, sports fans, sporting federations and players in the sports education domain.” CESSA is already collaborating with leading institutes nationally and globally focussed in the field of Sports science, technology and engineering including Sports Authority of India, National Center for Sports Science Research, Insipre Institute of Sports, Northwestern University and University of Birmingham. The Centre is equipped not only with state-of-the-art infrastructure but also undertakes teaching, and research. It aims to incubate 25 start-ups a year and serve as develop a central data, insights and analytics hub to provide sports-related analytics service to various stakeholders in the sports industry world-wide. The CESSA is going to be housed in a state-of-the-art indoor sports facility which will provide a test bed for piloting sports tech in an agile environment. This Centre is being set up with support from the ‘Institute of Eminence’ initiative of the Government of India. IIT Madras was accorded the ‘Institute of Eminence’ (IoE) status in September 2019. It is part of the Government of India’s vision to empower educational centres to be world-class teaching and research institutions.

Mandi, 19th February 2024: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi), in collaboration with Institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité (INRS), France, and the National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), India, have conducted a comprehensive study on the detrimental effects of indoor air pollution resulting from traditional cooking practices in rural kitchens across three Northeast Indian states. In a series of three papers, a research team from IIT Mandi comprising of Mr. Bijay Sharma, Ph.D. scholar, and Dr. Sayantan Sarkar, Assistant Professor, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and his collaborators analyzed the extent and consequences of harmful emissions produced during indoor cooking using firewood and mixed biomass. Despite advancements, more than 50% of the rural population in Northeastern India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya) continues to use traditional solid fuels such as firewood and mixed biomass for cooking, leading to the release of significant pollutants into the kitchen air. The research aimed to gauge the severity and disease burden associated with the use of biomass cooking fuel compared to LPG-based cooking. The researchers measured size-resolved concentrations of aerosols, i.e., particles suspended in the air, and toxic trace metals and carcinogenic organic substances bound with it, during cooking with firewood, mixed biomass, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas. They modeled the deposition patterns of these particles and associated chemicals in various sections of the human respiratory system. The resulting inhalation exposure to these chemicals during cooking was then calculated. Utilizing this data, the researchers estimated the health impact (disease burden) on the rural NE Indian population, focusing on respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pneumonia, and various cancers, using the ‘Potential Years of Life Lost’ (PYLL) metric. This metric estimates the potential number of years lost in a population due to premature death from ill health. The study revealed that exposure to harmful aerosols in firewood/biomass-using kitchens was 2-19 times higher than in LPG-using kitchens, with respiratory deposition ranging from 29 to 79% of the total aerosol concentration. The fraction of population using firewood and mixed biomass faced 2-57 times higher disease burdens than LPG users. Furthermore, the research found that the potential for oxidative stress, which leads to damaged cells, proteins, and DNA, was likely to be 4-5 times higher among people using biomass in kitchens than those using LPG. This stress is driven by the inhalation of metals and organic chemicals produced during indoor cooking using biomass fuel. Highlighting the uniqueness of this research, Dr. Sayantan Sarkar, Assistant Professor, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, IIT Mandi, said, “Our study combines real-world aerosol measurements in rural kitchens with dosimetry modeling to robustly estimate the impact of cooking emissions on the respiratory tract. It is the first effort to estimate disease burdens caused by exposure to indoor cooking emissions in India in terms of potential years of life lost. The study also measures for the first time the potential for oxidative stress resulting from such exposure in the Indian context, and quantifies the additional risk that biomass users face compared to those who use the cleaner alternative LPG.” This research holds practical implications, emphasizing the urgent need for rural communities in Northeast India to transition to cleaner cooking methods. Recommendations include making LPG more accessible, improving cookstove programs, spreading awareness in rural areas, funding local solutions, and organizing health camps for rural women. The three studies have been published in two journals – Science of the Total Environment and Environmental Pollution and are accessible through the following links: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167163 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123246 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162539

As JG College of Commerce steps into 25 glorious years of its establishment, they hosted a one day international conference From Upanishads to Artificial Intelligence – Indian Knowledge System through ages on 10th February 2024 in their Campus of Excellence. The conference was presided Dr. M P Chandran, President, JG University, Dr. Neerja Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University, Dr. Achyut Dani, Director General & Provost JG University, Shri P M Patel, Registrar, Gujarat University & Dr. Minnie Mattheew, Principal, JG College of Commerce. In a groundbreaking convergence of ancient wisdom and modern technology, scholars, researchers, and technologists from around the globe gathered at the International Conference which served as a platform to explore the profound connections between the timeless teachings of the Upanishads and the cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence. Dr. MP Chandran, President, JG University, shared about the relevance of Indian Knowledge System in the present education system according to the New Education Policy and also mentioned about how scriptures like the Upanishads are a source of constant enlightenment and inspiration, every time we read them. The Chief Guest Dr. Neerja Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat University highlighted the importance of Indian Knowledge System, with examples taken from various Indian epics and their stories, including the idea of Lakshman Rekha, the bifurcations of Before Christ(BC) and Common Era (CE). 110 scholars, faculty members and corporates presented research papers on topics of Management, Commerce, Literature, Religion, Ethics, Philosophy, Medicine, Physiotherapy, Nursing, and Art. With 160 registered participants, the conference catered to Indian Knowledge throughout the day. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a hard copy and the e copy of the book on Indian Knowledge System with 40 selected research papers and an online edition of a journal that has more than 60 selected research papers published. The event also witnessed a valedictory function addressed by Chief Guest Dr Achyut Dani, Director General & Provost, JG University and Guest of honour Shri P M Patel Registrar, Gujarat University. This conference at JG marks a significant step towards realizing this vision, igniting a new chapter in the ongoing dialogue between ancient wisdom and modern innovation.

 Ahmedabad: Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD & CEO of Kalorex Group, a name synonymous with educational quality, spoke at a session organized as part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. On Friday, she spoke at the “Green School for Every Child: Preparing Pupils for the Planet” session at the Greening Education Hub in the UAE. She discussed the critical significance of education in developing environmental consciousness and sustainable behaviors in the next generation. Dr. Shroff emphasized in her speech the growing knowledge among today’s youngsters about the environmental difficulties our world suffers as a result of previous neglect. She emphasized the critical necessity for firms and startups to contribute to sustainability, in line with a shift in mentality toward long-term advantages over short-term gains. Kalorex Group has placed sustainability at the heart of its ambition to set new standards in education. Dr. Shroff emphasized the significance of incorporating sustainability into the curriculum, as well as encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a holistic learning experience. “As the new generation grows, so does their consciousness of the mistakes made by earlier generations, costing our planet dearly. We must guide them to prioritise sustainability, promote resilience and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. There is a need to envision students not just as learners but as proactive advocates of sustainability, instilling values that extend beyond the classroom, and equipping them with the knowledge and passion to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future,” she said. The Kalorex Group has demonstrated its commitment to global sustainability by including all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its K-12 curriculum through a variety of engaging activities. This novel technique assures that students not only understand academic concepts but also actively participate in efforts that address real-world problems. Dr. Shroff also discussed different environmentally friendly methods undertaken by the Kalorex Group of Schools. These initiatives include greeting guests with saplings, art and craft competitions themed reduce, reuse, and recycle, rainwater harvesting, tree plantation drives, energy week conservation celebration, participation in environmental research-based projects, best out of waste exhibitions, waste management awareness, paper recycling, sessions on green practices and the environment, and many more. “Since its inception, Kalorex Group has been unwavering in its commitment to encouraging sustainable and long-term impacts through education. The group recognises the transformative power of education as a catalyst for positive change in individuals and communities and we actively engage with them to drive sustainable practices,” she added. The session was followed by the launch of Dr. Shroff’s book “Baby Steps to Big Dreams – Essential Conversations for Modern Parents”. The book reiterates her belief that children are the core of our existence, a source of unlimited joy, and the reason we want to excel in all aspects of our lives.  

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in newsrooms is revolutionizing the way news is presented and consumed. Indian media houses are embracing this cutting-edge technology by introducing AI news anchors, ushering in a new era of journalism. With the recent launches of AI news presenters in Kannada news channels, including Power TV’s Soundarya and News First Kannada’s Maya, the influence of AI in the media industry is expanding rapidly. These AI-powered anchors are reshaping news delivery, raising both excitement and concerns about the future of journalism. Expanding the Horizon of AI News Anchors: Power TV’s Soundarya and News First Kannada’s Maya have joined the ranks of AI news anchors in India, following the footsteps of their counterparts in other regional languages. Earlier this year, the India Today group introduced Sana, an AI news presenter for their Hindi channel, Aaj Tak. MediaOne TV, a Malayalam news channel, also launched a male AI news anchor. Most recently, Odisha TV made waves with their AI newscaster, Lisa, who delivered flawless presentations in Odia and English. The Current Role of AI News Anchors: Although AI news anchors are still in the experimental phase, they have already made their mark in the industry. Currently, news channels utilize them to present short news bulletins, sometimes with voiceovers recorded by human journalists synchronized with the AI presenter. This approach allows for quick and efficient delivery of news content. However, it is important to note that AI news anchors are not yet replacing human journalists in breaking news segments. Instead, they are supplementing news programming with their unique capabilities. Advantages and Criticisms: The introduction of AI in newsrooms brings numerous advantages. AI news anchors operate 24/7 without requiring breaks or rest, ensuring constant news coverage. They possess language adaptability, catering to diverse linguistic backgrounds, making news accessible to a wider audience. AI anchors provide consistent performance, eliminating variations and fatigue often seen in human presenters. Moreover, they have the ability to process large volumes of information in seconds, delivering real-time updates. However, the rise of AI in newsrooms also raises ethical concerns and potential threats to human jobs. Critics argue that the integration of AI may undermine the role of human journalists and impact employment in the media industry. Additionally, algorithmic biases and the risk of manipulated information need to be addressed to maintain journalistic integrity and trust. Future of AI News Anchors: The emergence of AI news anchors marks a significant milestone in the media industry. It is clear that AI technology will continue to advance and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism. AI news presenters have the potential to evolve beyond short bulletins and expand into more interactive programs, further enhancing audience engagement and personalization. As AI algorithms improve, these virtual anchors may become more lifelike, allowing for seamless integration with human presenters and creating dynamic news presentations. Conclusion: The introduction of AI news anchors in Indian newsrooms represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of journalism. Soundarya, Maya, Lisa and other AI presenters are pioneering a new era of news delivery, blending technology and human expertise. While AI in newsrooms offers numerous advantages, there is a need for careful consideration of its ethical implications and potential impact on human journalists. Striking the right balance between AI and human involvement will be key in shaping the future of journalism, ensuring a harmonious integration of technology and maintaining the core values of accurate, reliable, and unbiased reporting. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

“Education has been hampered severely over the last few years during pandemic and in today’s era parenting for children up to 8 years also becomes very tough and adrift without the right preschool partner. Above all Children are evolving faster than we can imagine. Children are consuming knowledge from every aspect of their life. Bad or good, you can’t stop the flow of information in their lives. Their brain is a clean slate, and they’re hungry to scribble over it, which can impact their upcoming life significantly. There are no filters to the information freely available, and every detail adds to their being human. That’s why Holistic Education and approach can only redirect the child’s energy in the right direction,” said Dharmesh Kapasi – President of Shanti Juniors (The preschool division of Shanti Educational Initiatives Limited- SEIL). SEIL is a listed company, and Shanti Juniors has been successfully operating in 74 cities of India with 350+ Preschools since 2010. It has won more than 19 awards in various segments of early childhood education. We started with 6 preschools in 2010 from Ahmedabad and dramatically expanded our chain in Pune, Bangalore, Patna, Jaipur, Chennai and other parts of Gujarat. Now, we’ve 350+ preschools across India. First of all, we’re not dealing with any commodity and service and we’re nurturing children and that’s why we’ve to be extra cautious and sensitive while nourishing this generation Alpha. To cope with them and utilise their energy for fruitful, positive and productive learning, we’ve invested millions on curriculum development and conceptual learning. We keep upgrading our aids and toys, student kits and other material so that a child is gripped well and their inquisitiveness is satisfied. So, adaptability and sustainability have been key learning for this segment. Shanti Juniors has always focused on the holistic development of children through our unique teaching methodology called – The I-Cube Learning ladder, where the children’s Inquisitiveness is led to Interaction and later turns into Innovation. Our Preschool’s environment, Setup, Student Kit, Montessori toys and curriculum encourages child for self-exploration. Recently, we have added KIDDOWITTY kit with STEAM based approach to enhance the skill of a child blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math into a DIY format. We’re franchise-centric brand and to provide the best education to our children, the sustainability of our preschool partners becomes the highest paramount for us. We’ve simplified the preschool business; we’ve set up the process and SOPs; Shanti Juniors has been through many ups and downs, including the pandemic-induced challenges, which we have overcome strongly because we’re a process-driven organisation. Our support ecosystem comprises dedicated teams managing different roles like academics, marketing, admission support, and logistics, which comes together to handhold a franchise partner to empower them tremendously. Furthermore, we have formed various clubs based on their admissions numbers and offer varying privileges. These franchise partners who are now members of 100 clubs, 200 clubs, and 300 clubs were housewives, employees in some organisations, professionals from different backgrounds, and had no idea about operating a preschool earlier. Shanti Juniors also have (JAL) Juniors App Learn, where we were able to divert the energy and attention of our children with our gamified curriculum which enhances the skills of recognition, sorting, identification and revision. It also encourages a child with appreciations, scoring points and applause & cheer on their achievement and it comes with the daily screen time limit lock. Parents have understood the importance of Early Child Care & Education (ECCE) and they strongly prefer a branded preschool chain over the local preschools. As parents understand the importance of structured and scientific approach toward Early Child Care and Education. Happy for contributing to this beautiful journey of childhood celebration.