Category Archives: Amazing Feats

INTERNATIONAL: U.K.: Over 30 British Indians Honoured by King Charles in New Year List: Who Are They?

Several prominent Indian-origin people received knighthoods, OBEs, MBEs, and CBEs in the name of King Charles III.

Over 30 Indian-origin academics, economists, philanthropists, medics, and politicians were honoured by Britain in the country’s New Year’s Honours list – issued in the name of King Charles III – for their “incredible public service” in the United Kingdom (UK) and overseas.

Recipients on the list were hailed for contributions in their respective fields, particularly public service, youth engagement, and community work.

Among them, Alok Sharma, an Indian-origin former minister, was given a knighthood for serving as the president of the COP26 summit, which was held in Glasgow, Scotland, in October and November last year.

Sharma, 55, was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and moved to the UK’s Reading when he was five years old. He currently serves as the MP from Reading West and was a Cabinet-level minister in the Boris Johnson government till October last year.

What did the UK say about Sharma’s contributions? In a statement, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said that Sharma had been honoured with a knighthood for his “contribution to combatting climate change through his leadership at COP26” and “driving the UK to agree a historic agreement from individual countries that will have a major impact in addressing climate change in the future.”

List of Indian-Origin People On the List

Apart from Sharma, several British Indians were given high honours by the UK.

British Indians awarded Knighthood:

  • Partha Sarathi Dasgupta, an 80-year-old professor, received a Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for his contributions to economics and the natural environment.Dasgupta was born in Dhaka and raised in Varanasi, following which he moved to the UK to study at the University of Cambridge and the London School of Economics in the 1960s.
  • Pune-born businessman Ivan Manuel Menezes was knighted for “services to business and equality.” The 63-year-old has been the CEO of Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverage company, since 2013.
  • Mayur Keshavji Lakhani, Chair of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management and General Practitioner at the Highgate Medical Centre in Loughborough, received a knighthood for his contributions towards “general practice.”Born in East Africa to Indian-origin parents, he moved to the UK in 1972.
  • Indian-origin recipients of Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE):
  • Vengalil Krishna Kumar Chatterjee, a professor at the University of Cambridge, was awarded a CBE for serving people with endocrine disorders. The 64-year-old obtained multiple degrees from the University of Oxford in 1982.
  • Ramesh Dulichandbhai Mehta, a Nagpur-born paediatrician, was honoured for his efforts towards “equality, diversity, and inclusion.”The 75-year-old was born in Nagpur and moved to the UK in 1981. He currently serves as the president of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO).
  • Nageshwara Dwarampudi Reddy, an Indian-origin portfolio director of the Department for Work and Pensions, was honoured for his efforts towards public service.
  • Gurdial Singh Sanghera, CEO of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, received a CBE for his contributions to the UK’s technology sector.
  • The principal of Walsall College, Jatinder Kumar Sharma, was honoured for his services towards education.
  • Jasvir Singh, a family law barrister and chair of the City Sikhs, was honored with a CBE for his contributions towards charity and social cohesion. The Labour Party politician is also the co-founder of South Asian Heritage Month.
  • Keshav Singhal, a professor, was honoured for his contributions to medicine in Wales.

British Indians given the Order of the British Empire (OBE):

  • Nishi Chaturvedi, a professor at University College London, received an OBE for her contributions to medical research. She had graduated from the University of London in 1985.
  • Ravinder Gill, founder of the College of Accountancy, was hailed for his services to higher education.
  • Puneet Gupta, CEO of PG Paper, was awarded an OBE for his contributions to business, charity, and the community in Scotland.
  • Sharon Kaur Jandu, director of the Yorkshire Asian Business Association, was honoured for the contributions towards international trade.
  • Krishna Rohan Kandiah, founder of the Sanctuary Foundation, was given an OBE for services towards refugee integration.
  • Hitan Mehta, executive director of the British Asian Trust, was recognized for his efforts towards the British Asian community.
  • On the overseas list of Army OBEs were Corporal Pardeep Kaur and Acting Major Daljinder Singh Virdee.

British Indians who are given Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs):

  • Among the British Indians awarded MBEs are doctors Minal Bakhai and Jyotiben Shah, for their contributions to medicine and the field of education.
  • Bhavena Patel, senior relationship manager at the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education, was hailed for the services to further education.
  • Nipa Devendra Doshi was awarded for contributions to design.
  • Chef Vineet Bhatia, for services to British cuisine, hospitality, and international trade.
  • Sarah Johal, for services towards adoption and fostering
  • Inderpaul Singh Johar, for contributions towards architecture.
  • Psychologist Aditya Kamal, for his role in health psychology during the COVOD-19 pandemic.
  • Jaspal Singh Mann, director of Simply Shred and Recycle Ltd, for his contributions to environmental protection.
  • Businessman Veejay Kumar Chimanlal Patel, for contributing towards employment and training.
  • Professor Prashant Pillai for his role in cyber security and education.
  • Keranjeet Kaur Virdee, for contributions towards art.
  • And urologist Jyotiben Shah, for contributing to medicine.

Further, Robina Shah—one of Britain’s leading patient care experts—received a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her immense role in the National Health Service.

source/content: thequint.com (headline edited)

NATION: The Great Indian Startup Shift : 2023’s Lessons and 2024’s Promise

With over $20 billion of dry powder awaiting deployment, the stage is set for a revival of India’s startup ecosystem, with sectors such as AI, fintech and EV poised to lead the resurgence.

India’s startup ecosystem has undergone a transformative journey this year. This shift, while tremendously challenging, ushered in a period of strategic reassessment and realignment for both startups and investors. 

Amid an extended funding winter, desperate pivots, governance lapses, and layoffs, investors have lined up about $20 billion in dry powder–capital waiting to be deployed in startups. 

That brings us to a pivotal question: How will this capital and emerging tech trends reshape the startup ecosystem in the coming year? To attempt an answer to that, we need to have a quick glance into the rearview mirror.

A year of reassessment and realignment

The story of 2023 began with a sobering wake-up call. Venture capital, the lifeblood of startups, receded dramatically from its zenith of $35 billion in 2021 to $8 billion in 2023. This wasn’t merely a financial fluctuation; it was a seismic shift in investor sentiment, mirroring a global trend of cautious retrenchment.

This set the stage for entrepreneurs to pivot, seeking resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Despite the funding chill, a few startups, including Zepto and Perfios, demonstrated agility and vision, securing significant investments and propelling to unicorn status.

The investor’s calculated manoeuvre

For investors, 2023 was a tale of recalibration. With late-stage funding plummeting by over 73% to $4.2 billion, their focus shifted to a more measured approach and early-stage players, valuing sustainable business models over rapid growth. The perseverance of certain sectors, particularly fintech, which garnered $2.1 billion in funding, highlighted areas of continued investor interest.

Venture debt: A rising star

Amid this capital conundrum, venture debt emerged as a strategic partner for entrepreneurs. While VC investments retracted, venture debt in India witnessed a modest yet meaningful uptick. 

The average deal size, which had once soared to ₹45-50 crore, now mostly hovered at around ₹25 crore. This recalibration wasn’t merely numerical but strategic–a pivot towards robust business models, away from the regulatory quagmires. 

Venture debt, traditionally a side actor, took centrestage, offering critical support to startups, especially in sectors ripe with innovation such as electric vehicles and companies heavy on research and development.

The ecosystem’s resilient response

The year 2023 was one of reckoning for sectors such as edtech and healthtech. The overestimation of the target addressable market for digital education and teleconsultation services, plus governance lapses, amplified by market dynamics were vital learnings and tests of resilience for the ecosystem. 

The Indian startup ecosystem, globally the third-largest, navigated these challenges by pivoting towards high-quality revenue. Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai, as the epicentres, continued to foster innovation despite the slowdown in unicorn creation. 

The ecosystem’s response was not just reactive but proactive, with the government investing in infrastructure and pushing growth-oriented policies, maintaining India’s stature as a significant technology hub. Startups must continue to navigate this constrained funding environment, focusing on corporate governance and robust margin improvements.

Mega deals resurface

The valuation landscape of 2023 was akin to navigating through a foggy sea. Startups, in the absence of clear valuation benchmarks, turned to convertible notes and flat rounds (raising funds at the same valuations as earlier), buying time in the hope of fairer weather.

As 2023 nears its end, a flicker of optimism has sparked in the form of mega deals. High-profile investments in companies like Perfios and PhonePe have rekindled hopes. The artificial intelligence and EV sectors, along with vertical software-as-a-service, emerged as the new darlings of investors, signalling a market ripe for a rebound. 

We witnessed e-commerce continuing its steady sail, undeterred by the market disruption. This resurgence wasn’t confined to equity alone; the financial services sector witnessed a remarkable surge in debt funding, heralding a more mature and diverse ecosystem preparing for a spate of IPOs in FY2024-25.

The road ahead: 2024 and beyond

Looking to 2024, the startup ecosystem stands on the cusp of transformation. With over $20 billion of dry powder awaiting deployment, the stage is set for a potential revival. Sectors such as AI, fintech and EVs, buoyed by investor interest and government support, are poised to lead this resurgence. 

For entrepreneurs, the path forward involves balancing innovation with financial prudence, while investors are expected to continue their judicious allocation, focusing on startups with long-term viability. 

Meanwhile, venture debt is anticipated to play an increasingly significant role, offering a lifeline to startups navigating the intricate balance of growth and sustainability.

Charting new waters 

As the Indian startup journey continues into 2024, it will likely be a narrative of adaptability, strategic foresight, and collaborative growth. Entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader ecosystem are jointly scripting a story of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. 

The ecosystem is not just poised for gradual recovery but for a period of strategic growth, potentially leading to an increase in the number and quality of successful ventures and a more robust, diversified startup economy by the end of 2024.

Ishpreet Singh Gandhi is the founder and managing partner at Stride Ventures

source/content: livemint.com / opinion (headline edited)

NATIONAL: DEFENCE & SECURITY: FIRSTs -WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP : Senior IPS Officer Nina Singh takes Charge as CISF’s First Woman Director General

Singh, who served as DG in-charge of CISF after her predecessor Sheel Vardhan Singh retired on August 31, was accorded a guard of honour at the CISF headquarters.

Senior IPS officer Nina Singh on Friday took over as the first woman Director General of CISF, a central force that guards civil airports and other vital installations.

Singh, who served as DG in-charge of CISF after her predecessor Sheel Vardhan Singh retired on August 31, was accorded a guard of honour at the CISF headquarters. Among those present was her husband, IAS officer and Union consumer affairs secretary Rohit Kumar Singh.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) issued an order for her appointment to the post on Thursday. Originally from Bihar, Singh studied at the Patna Women’s College before obtaining Master’s degrees from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Harvard. “She is also trained in the evaluation of social programmes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA and co-authored research papers with Economics Nobel laureates Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo, both from MIT on evidence-based police reforms initiatives,” CISF chief PRO Shrikant Kishore said.

“She is recipient of the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2005, the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2014 and the ‘Ati Utkrisht Seva Medal’ in 2020. She has also been honored with the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award for outstanding contributions and the Nari Shakti Samman. She also earned the title of ‘Champion of Evidence-Based Policing’ from the Cambridge University Police Executive Programme, UK,” he said in a statement.

An MHA official said the decision to appoint Singh as the CISF chief was taken “on the basis of her vast experience” in the force. “She has been working in the CISF since 2021 — first as Additional DG and then as Special DG and DG in-charge since August 31,” the official said. Singh earlier served as Joint Director of CBI during 2013-2018. During her tenure, she

supervised many high profile cases relating to corruption, economic offences, bank frauds and sports integrity. She also headed the investigation of the Sheena Bora murder case.

A 1989-batch officer, Singh was the first woman IPS officer to be allocated the Rajasthan cadre, taking on several important assignments in the state. “With a distinguished career spanning 34 years, she has worked on various assignments across Rajasthan and acquired in-depth knowledge of the police administration, training, criminal investigation and maintenance of public order. She was the Member-Secretary of Rajasthan State Commission for Women,” CISF PRO Kishore said.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS / MUSIC : ‘Largest Tabla Ensemble’ Guinness World Record set in Gwalior during the 99th International Tansen Samaroh (Festival), December 2023

Around 1,300 tabla players who performed at the 99th International Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Monday entered the Guinness World Records for achieving the “largest tabla ensemble”.

The Guinness World Records certificate was handed over to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who said his government would henceforth observe December 25 as ‘Tabla Day’ to commemorate the feat and honour all musicians.

“The largest tabla ensemble was achieved by Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh (India), during 99th International Tansen Samaroh, in Gwalior, India on 25 December, 2023”, the certificate read.

Tabla players made this event the “Kumbh of music”, Ysadav said at the event.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the state Department of Culture, said three generations of tabla players participated in the event, with the youngest being four years old.

PTI ADU BNM BNM / This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source/content: theprint.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE: AMERICAN BEAUTY PAGEANT: Surgeries to Stilettos: Dr Piyali Roy Wins Mrs Universe USA 2024, Seattle November 2023.

Unapologetic in her evolution Dr Piyali Roy created an inspirational bench mark for other women to emulate from the multitudinal transformation she underwent in different spheres of life which led to her win at the Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 pageant, held at Seattle on the November 11, 2023.

Dr Piyali Roy is a beauty queen in its true sense, besides being a New York University trained dental surgeon, an author, international fashion model.

According to Piyali, her infectious smile, confidence and charm forayed her way into the top 3 of Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 after leaving everyone in awe of her creativity and reverence that she displayed while walking down the National Costume Round depicting Washington DC’s state flag and emblem displayed on her while she took on the look of the National Flower herself, The American pink rose. Dr Piyali Roy in her electric blue evening gown displayed royalty and looked majestic, as she walked the ramp leaving all the judges and audiences mesmerised by her attractive personality, grace and oozing charm.

Icing on the top was her on point answer to a question based on domestic violence during the interview round and the finale answer which generated loud applause in the audience, demarcating her as the clear winner of the pageant. Piyali was crowned by the reigning queen Mrs Universe 2023 Meranie Gadiana Rahman in Mrs Universe USA Pageant.

As she steps into the limelight after winning Mrs Universe 2024, Dr Piyali Roy is not just a model or a dentist or an actor; she is an inspiration. A beacon of resilience, showcasing that with confidence and determination, one can transcend boundaries, redefine norms, and truly embody the essence of empowerment and grace.

Today Dr Piyali Roy stands as an example as to how versatility can shape one’s journey. She is testament to the magic that happens when grace meets tenacity, and when confidence becomes one’s guiding light.

Her time at New York University, where she honed her skills as a dentist, gave her insights into the intricacies of human aesthetics. This foundation, perhaps unexpectedly, served as a springboard into the world of fashion. As she transitioned to the runway, the parallels became evident. Just as she would sculpt and perfect a smile in her clinic, she sculpted her presence and poise on the runway. Every detail, from her posture to her gaze, became an expression of her artistry.

The New York Fashion Week runway became a platform where Dr Roy communicated a narrative – of reinvention, courage, and limitless potential. This narrative was further enriched as she collaborated with global fashion stalwarts, from Mumbai’s Rohit Verma to visionary African designers from Paris. Each collaboration, each walk, became a testament to her versatility.

Her win at Mrs Bharat (India) DMV 2023 in Washington DC, USA wasn’t just a title; it was a recognition of her ability to captivate and inspire. That’s not it, Dr Piyali Roy was also the winner of Mrs Universal Petite 2023 Audience Choice Crown in Mexico.

With her spirit and talents, Dr Piyali Roy is exemplifying how one can craft a rich tapestry of diverse yet harmonious paths, leaving an indelible mark of grace, strength, and confidence in every stride.

Dr Piyali Roy’s achievements are testament of her skills, talent and above all her dedication. We are certain that she will continue to soar, while she celebrates this milestone.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: BUSINESS & ECONOMY: From US to India: Chandigarh Man Sidharth S Oberoi’s Razor-sharp Journey to Crores

From a small inventory room in Ambala where initially Sidharth S Oberoi got only 30 to 40 orders a month to over 20,000 orders a month, he is going places.

Chandigarh boy Sidharth S Oberoi was working as a project engineer in the US when one day he just resigned from his job to start a new company- LetsShave. The 31-year-old returned to India and began working on high quality razor blades with diamond coating. From a small inventory room in Ambala where initially Oberoi got only 30 to 40 orders a month to over 20,000 orders a month, he is going places. Today, LetsShave is spread over 100 countries and the firm has raised $6 million in four years with firms such as Wipro and Korean giants too having stakes in it.

How did this idea strike you and when?

The idea struck me in my university dorm room in America. The frustration of limited shaving options in a market flooded with choices for other grooming products sparked the concept of revolutionizing the shaving industry. But then I was focussing on my studies and I went on to pursue my job as project engineer.

But this idea was still there on my mind. And somehow I kept working on it if I could sign an exclusive partnership with Korean giant Dorco as I was only 22 years old. It took me 2 years to negotiate and convince that I could do it.

Two years went by and I had even begun my job as a project engineer in US then. One day I got to know that the Korean firm had agreed to partner with me on this concept of mine. It was then I resigned from my job and returned to India in 2015 to start LetsShave. And basically the realization that there was a gap in the market for quality razors, combined with my passion for grooming and the desire to bring something extraordinary to consumers, led to the birth of LetsShave.

How did you translate this idea into Let’s Shave finally?

So, it all started from a small inventory room in Ambala and we used to get only 30 to 40 orders a month. The initial months were disappointing as we would hardly make a lakh a month. Today we are making around Rs 3 crore a month with over 20,000 orders. Translating the idea of LetsShave from concept to reality began with a vision to fill the void in the shaving market. Collaborating with the world’s finest razor blade manufacturer, I focused on creating a product that prioritized excellence, precision, and innovation.

How far have you taken this idea?

Today, we have expanded to more than 100 countries. Our business plans abroad are rooted in the belief that grooming should know no borders. Not just this, now even big giants like Wipro and Korean giant Dorco that produce second largest razor blades have stakes in my firm. But major stake which is 70 percent still belongs to me.

Do you think marks matter?

I did my class 11 and 12 from Vivek High school in Sector 38 Chandigarh before pursuing engineering from USA. I have studied at prestigious institutions such as Purdue University, Sapienza University of Rome, and eventually, the Harvard Business School. The diverse educational experiences provided a holistic perspective, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights.

However, I believe that while academic performance is significant, it is not the sole determinant of success in the entrepreneurial world. Real-world challenges often demand a blend of practical skills, innovative thinking, and resilience, aspects that go beyond conventional academic metrics.

What can Chandigarh do to retain talent?

A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem through initiatives like co-working spaces and mentorship programmes is needed. Colla-boration between local educational institutions and industries should be strengthened. Better transportation and healthcare facilities will also help.

What help should the government give startups?

Financial assistance through grants or low-interest loans and simplifying the regulatory framework can enable startups to focus on business development. Good R&D, innovation-friendly infrastructure, and regular policy advocacy also help startups thrive.

One thing you like and one thing you want to change about Chandigarh.

I admire Chandigarh’s dynamism and the wealth of talent. The city’s cosmopolitan character and the diverse skill sets of its residents. But I would also advocate for a more robust infrastructure specifically tailored to support startups.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: AIRPORTS / DESIGN: UNESCO Honors Bengaluru’s KIA Terminal 2: Named among ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 clinches UNESCO’s ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ and the ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023’ at the prestigious Prix Versailles. This recognition positions BLR Airport uniquely, celebrating its innovative design, sustainable ethos, and reflection of local heritage. T2, acclaimed for its blend of technology and artistry, aims to offer an unforgettable journey, accommodating 25M passengers annually, highlighting environmental responsibility and passenger-centric experiences.

The Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has been honoured with prestigious accolades at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles.

The airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has secured recognition as one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ and has been awarded the coveted ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023.’

Terminal 2 has been honoured by the Prix Versailles, an internationally acclaimed design and architecture award acknowledged by UNESCO. The Prix Versailles, established in 2015, focuses on “intelligent sustainability” as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, a reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and values of social interaction. 

With all this beautiful architecture, the Bengaluru Airport has become the only Indian Airport to win this esteemed recognition, T2, also known as the “Terminal in a Garden,” was inaugurated on November 11, 2022. Encompassing 255,661 square meters, the terminal is built upon four foundational pillars: technological leadership, a terminal in a garden, environmental and ecological stewardship.

Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said, “The nomination of Terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves.

The sustainable design of T2, the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a Platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council before operational commencement, reflects the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This remarkable achievement positions BLR Airport amongst the top airports globally.

Embraced in engineered bamboo, the terminal’s interiors offer a contemporary yet classic ambience. The terminal also features a spacious indoor garden with rammed-earth walls and waterfalls, as well as hanging planted bells, adding to the terminal’s unique aesthetic.

source/content: newsable.asianetnews.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: NATIONAL: AWARDS IN CHEMISTRY: Mumbai Professor and Dean Savita Ladage Wins Prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) Nyholm Prize

Professor Savita Ladage, who lives in Mumbai, has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Nyholm Prize for Education in recognition of contributions to chemistry education.

Based at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Professor Ladage won the prize for enthusiastically advocating the importance of chemical education, through mentoring chemistry educators and initiating teacher and student programs that promote chemistry education in India.

All the winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC’s prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.

Professor Ladage also receives £5000, a medal and a certificate.

After receiving the prize, Professor Ladage said: “I feel deeply honoured to receive this prize and recognition in the community of individuals who are doing work in the area of chemistry education. I am thankful to the RSC for the same. The award and recognition has motivated me further to continue my work with greater zeal and enthusiasm. I am passionate about chemistry education in general.”

Ladage is passionate about teaching and learning chemistry. She interacts with chemistry students and teachers, especially at undergraduate level. One of her main interests has been chemistry lab education and helping students to make observations more carefully and critically. She designs experiments and highlights the associated procedures, difficulties and errors involved, and the data. Savita wants to change the perception of students and teachers of chemistry lab education.

When she’s not teaching, Ladage loves writing articles about different topics in chemistry, particularly the periodic table and the challenges involved in teaching and learning chemistry.

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.

“The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences – shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.

“Professor Ladage’s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.”

The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education – including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills – from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: Who Is Smital Dhake? First British Indian To Win UK RailStaff Award

A data scientist of British Indian origin, hailing from Maharashtra, clinched the Newcomer of the Year award at the 2023 RailStaff Awards in Birmingham.

Smital Dhake, the sole data scientist at Alstom, a major player in mobility, was born in Jalgaon, India, and pursued education at Watford Grammar School in England and later at King’s College London. Now 26, she works from Alstom’s Hatfield office in eastern England. Inspired by her grandparents’ work ethic, she aims to further hone her skills and apply them toward advancing engineering technologies.

“Smital is a fast learner who always finds ways to seek knowledge and grow herself in an exponential manner,” said Mifaz Miftha, Design Group Manager at Alstom.

He added, “She regularly takes on much more complex tasks above her role and delivers them with full commitment and with a high level of accuracy. Her meticulous approach to problem-solving and critical thinking on design have made Smital an asset to Alstom and the wider railway industry where innovation and sustainability are key to growth.”

Dhake draws inspiration from her grandparents, motivating her to dedicate herself to hard work. Her ambition lies in perpetually refining and utilizing her skills to contribute to the advancement of engineering technologies.

The 26-year-old scientist is often said to be an “enormous inspiration” to young women who want to pursue a career in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) category.

Miftha also said, “Smital has used her own time to visit numerous schools promoting careers in engineering and sustainability.”

The RailStaff Awards were initiated in 2007. It aims to honour the remarkable contributions of individuals within the rail industry, acknowledging those who play pivotal roles in sustaining the UK’s railways – spanning from drivers and cleaners to engineers and station staff.

As the sole national accolade program for UK rail personnel, these awards frequently highlight narratives of saved lives, transformed careers, and triumph over adversity.

Dhake joined Alstom’s Digital and Integrated Systems (D&IS) UK signaling division, based in Hertfordshire, to collaborate on the pioneering Modular Advanced Route Setting (M-ARS) system.

This groundbreaking M-ARS system for the UK railway, integrating machine learning techniques like reinforcement learning, utilises real-time data to anticipate future occurrences.

This capability facilitates swift decision-making to resolve conflicting train movements, consequently amplifying railway efficiency.

Alstom has indicated that its M-ARS system is presently undergoing the approval process by Network Rail, with Smital playing an instrumental role in this evaluation. Once approved, the M-ARS system will be implemented across various prominent rail projects.

source/content: timesnownews.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION : NATIONAL: Meghalaya’s Smart Village Project Clinches Global Recognition at World Innovation Conference, Bilbao, Spain

Meghalaya’s smart village project has been acclaimed at the World Innovation Conference.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced on December 11 that the state’s Smart Village project secured the third-place honor at the prestigious World Open Innovation Conference held in Bilbao, Spain. The accolade was bestowed upon the project for its exceptional Best Practice Implementation.

Sangma took to the microblogging site X on December 11 to share the exciting news, highlighting the remarkable achievement on the global stage. The project’s recognition underlines Meghalaya’s commitment to pioneering innovative solutions to address pressing challenges.

The Smart Village project’s award-winning presentation focused on groundbreaking healthcare initiatives that employed a triple helix collaboration, integrating enterprise creation and frontier technologies. The conference, known for bringing together practitioners from industry, institutions, and individuals worldwide, served as a platform for Meghalaya to showcase its strides in adopting cutting-edge approaches to address healthcare challenges.

Expressing his elation, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated the significance of the collaboration with UC Berkeley in fostering new innovations.

Edited By: Bikash Chetry

source/content: indiatodayne.in / India Today NE / Home> News> Meghalaya / December 11th, 2023