Human Mobile Devices (HMD) has partnered with Mattel to launch the HMD Barbie Phone, a retro-inspired flip phone designed for those seeking a break from smartphone overuse.

The bright pink device features a mirror on the front, two interchangeable covers (1992’s Totally Hair Barbie design and a vintage ‘shooting heart’ pattern), and comes with customization options including crystal stickers and Barbie-themed charms on a beaded phone strap.

Commenting on the launch, Ravi Kunwar, VP and CEO, HMD India and APAC said “In today’s hyper-connected world, we’re proud to offer a refreshing alternative with our Barbie-inspired feature phone. By partnering with this beloved cultural icon, we’re committed in helping people to take meaningful breaks from the constant digital noise without sacrificing style or fun. This collaboration perfectly aligns with the growing demand for feature phones and Barbie’s enduring popularity. We’re thrilled to bring this unique device to consumers who want to occasionally disconnect from their smartphones and reconnect with what truly matters.”

Ruth Henriquez, Head of Licensing at Mattel EMEA commented, “At Mattel, our dedication to innovative design continues to drive everything we create. This exciting Barbie phone collaboration with HMD addresses the growing desire for mindful technology use while delivering the playful experience our fans expect. The delightful Easter eggs and thoughtful features HMD has incorporated create a truly special product that celebrates the Barbie brand in an entirely new way. We’re confident this unique device will captivate Barbie enthusiasts across India and offer them a fresh way to connect with a brand they love.”

The phone blends retro charm with practical features, sporting a Y2K-aesthetic 0.3MP camera, generous nine-hour talk time, and convenient dual SIM functionality. Users can expand storage up to 32GB via microSD and enjoy the S30+ operating system across its dual-screen design (2.8″ internal and 1.77″ external displays).

Style-conscious consumers can get their hands on this limited-edition device during the celebration sale, exclusively at www.hmd.com , starting at 12 Noon on March 20, 2025.

About Human Mobile Devices

We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.

Coming this year, you can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships.

Samsung, India’s largest electronics brand, today announced the launch of its latest AI-powered PC line up—Galaxy Book5 Pro, Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 and Galaxy Book5 360. The new range of AI PCs combine the power of Galaxy AI with Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC experience, ensuring seamless productivity, creativity, and intelligent workflows. 

POWER OF AI

Galaxy Book5 series comes with AI for the first time. The new series features a neural processing unit (NPU) for AI computing along with Galaxy AI features such as AI Select and Photo Remaster. AI Select, a feature similar to Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy smartphones, enables instant search and extraction of information with a single click. Photo Remaster enhances images with AI-powered clarity and sharpness. 

EXTREME PERFORMANCE

Galaxy Book5 series is powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2), featuring powerful NPUs up to 47 TOPS (Tera operations per second), a 17% increase in GPU for improved graphics performance and a 16% increase in CPU single-core performance. Featuring Intel AI Boost, Galaxy Book5 series offers top-tier performance, security, and efficiency. Lunar Lake’s redesigned CPU-GPU setup, upgraded NPU and next-gen Battlemage GPU deliver a 3x boost in AI compute power and result in 40% lower SoC power consumption compared to previous generations, enabling smarter workflows, seamless multitasking, and extended battery life. 

MASSIVE BATTERY LIFE

Galaxy Book5 series line up provides much-improved battery with up to 25 hours of battery life with super-fast charging. Galaxy Book5 Pro is capable of reaching 41% charge in 30 minutes. 

MICROSOFT COPILOT+

Galaxy Book5 series gets on-device Microsoft Copilot+ assistance for even greater productivity, along with a dedicated key, making AI-powered assistance just a touch away. Integrated with Windows 11 and Microsoft’s AI-enhanced Copilot+ experience, which is transforming everyday tasks with contextual intelligence, it also offers intelligent assistance for various tasks, including writing, research, scheduling, and presentations. 

IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Built to enhance work and entertainment, Galaxy Book5 series features Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays on Pro models, offering 3K resolution, a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and Vision Booster technology for stunning visuals in any lighting condition. For an immersive experience, Quad Speakers with Dolby Atmos deliver rich and clear sound, perfect for entertainment and professional use. 

Additionally, Multi-Device Connectivity integrates features like Phone Link, Quick Share, Multi-Control, and Second Screen, allowing users to work effortlessly across their Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Moreover, Samsung Knox ensures a secure and collaborative privacy foundation. 

PRICING, AVAILABILITY & PRE-BOOK OFFERS

Galaxy Book5 Pro with Intel Core Ultra now starts INR 114900, which is INR 15000 less as compared to the previous generation. As part of pre-book offers, customers who pre-book the Galaxy Book5 Pro, Galaxy Book5 360, and Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 can get Galaxy Buds3 Pro at just INR 2999 (against the original price of INR 19999). 

Consumers can pre-book the Galaxy Book5 360, Galaxy Book5 Pro, and Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 starting today on Samsung.com, Samsung India Smart Cafés, and select Samsung authorized retail stores and other online portals. The Galaxy Book5 series line up will be available in India starting March 20, 2025, across Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, leading online platforms, and key retail partners.

Source: Press Release

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) course is an educational program that focuses on the principles, practices, and techniques of Chinese medicine. These courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and the philosophy behind TCM, such as the balance of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and Qi (life force energy).

Course Name: Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Course Duration: 6 months

Course Overview:

This 6-month diploma course in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of TCM. The course covers the fundamental theories of TCM, including the concept of Qi, Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions using TCM methods.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of TCM, including the concept of Qi, Yin-Yang, and the Five Elements.
2. Identify and diagnose various health conditions using TCM methods, including tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and questioning.
3. Apply TCM treatment methods, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and tuina massage.
4. Understand the importance of lifestyle and dietary factors in maintaining health and preventing disease.
5. Develop skills in communicating with patients and providing holistic care.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to TCM

– Overview of TCM history and philosophy
– Fundamental principles of TCM: Qi, Yin-Yang, Five Elements
– TCM diagnostic methods: tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, questioning

Module 2: TCM Diagnosis and Treatment

– TCM pattern identification and diagnosis
– TCM treatment methods: acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage
– Case studies and practical applications

Practical Training:

– Students will participate in practical training sessions, including:
– Tongue diagnosis
– Acupuncture
– Cupping
– Moxa

Assessment:

– Written exams (40%)
– Practical exams (30%)
– Case studies and assignments (30%)

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be awarded a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Course Schedule:

– Classes will be held 3 times a week, 2 hours per session

Course Fees: 24999/-
Registration Fee: 4999/- (included in course fee)

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact:

Trainer Name: Mithun M Vernekar
Title: 6 months Diploma course in TCM
Institution: AATMSHAKTI INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATED MEDICAL RESEARCH LUCKNOW
Phone number: 9742758508, 9741192429
Email address: surya.theindialooks@gmail.com, info@theindialooks.com

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Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) hosted the very first convocation for online graduates on 8th February celebrating the achievements of 426 students who successfully completed postgraduate programs., including MBA (Master of Business Administration), Master of Science (MSc) in Business Analytics, MSc in Data Science, Post Graduate Certificate (PGCP) in Business Analytics, and PGCP in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, through a fully online learning experience.

 Students from 22 different countries around the globe attended online and including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, attended in person to receive their degrees, highlighting the far-reaching impact of MAHE’s online education programs. MAHE’s Online Education Initiative by partnering with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India helps to make higher education accessible to African Youth. In the first convocation of online education around 204 African students received their degrees under the e-Vidya Bharati Pan-African Scholarship Project.

 Reinforcing the credibility of online education, the UGC guidelines affirm, “The online degree is recognized as equivalent to the conventional degrees offered on campuses, and students can apply for all job opportunities and higher education as per their eligibility.” MAHE pioneered its online degree programs in September 2022, envisioning a future where learning transcends geographical boundaries

The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. H S Ballal – Pro-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The ceremony was graced by distinguished leaders, including Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh – Vice-Chancellor of MAHE, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Technology & Science) MAHE, Dr. Sharath K Rao – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr. Dilip G Naik – Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Madhu Veera Raghavan – Pro Vice-Chancellor (MLHS & Head – MAHE Bangalore campus), Dr. Giridhar P  Kini – Registrar, Dr Vinod V Thomas – Registrar, Evaluation, and Dr. Manojkumar Nagasampige, Director – Directorate of Online Education. The event also welcomed the Guest of Honor, Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO – of Unext Learning.

 Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The Convocation for online graduates highlights the significant milestone achieved by Manipal Academy of Higher Education in impacting the lives of the students in a better way as well as strengthening and maintaining the bond with international countries. This momentous occasion is not only a defining milestone for our graduates but a significant chapter in MAHE’s legacy, as we embrace the future of education in an evolving world.”

 Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh VSM, (Retd) Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The initiative by Manipal Academy of Higher Education is shaping the education of students from all over the world. The very First Convocation for Online Graduated held highlights MAHE’s legacy in embracing the future of education. Under the UGC guidelines, MAHE has been pioneering in the field of online education programs ever since its launch in September 2022. The convocation event inspired many by bringing together the working professionals from the industries together.

Snap Inc. showcased the transformative power of Augmented Reality (AR) at the second annual India AR Day event held in Mumbai, highlighting how the company is driving a future-forward vision for AR, fostering creativity, and building a thriving ecosystem, particularly within India’s dynamic developer landscape.

Bobby Murphy, CTO, Snap Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering creativity and self-expression through AR innovation in India. “Our mission with Snap AR is to be a platform for creativity. We develop new technology and tools to enable creators to build amazing experiences for millions of people to enjoy. Indian developers are at the forefront of innovation, bringing engaging and creative experiences to life. In fact, among all countries, the highest number of lenses published on Snapchat come from India. And the developer community here has grown by more than half, over the last two years. India is an extraordinary country where AR has become a part of daily life. It’s a country where the creative energy is electric, and AR is not just a tool for entertainment but a medium for cultural expression.”

Pulkit Trivedi, MD, India, Snap Inc., added “India is home to a thriving community of creators and developers who are shaping the future of AR. With over 200 million Snapchatters in India using the platform to visually express themselves, connect, and enjoy content, AR has become central to communication and creativity. We believe long-term success in AR relies on a strong developer ecosystem, and we remain deeply committed to fostering this vibrant community. Seeing Snapchatters engage with AR Lenses over 80 billion times a month is a testament to the power of creative expression, and we’re excited to continue supporting and celebrating this innovation.”

Experiencing AR Innovation Firsthand: Snap’s Fifth generation Spectacles 

The Mumbai event brought together India’s top AR creators, developers, brands, partners and the wider community. Attendees saw how creators, developers, and brands can use the technology to connect more deeply with their audiences and the interactive experiences showcased AR’s potential across various fields taking it from entertainment to utility. Snap’s “Any Body Can Develop” experience offered guests a hands-on opportunity to learn and create their own Lenses.

Spectacles, Snap’s fifth-generation see-through AR glasses, were available for demonstration for the first time in India. These standalone, see-through AR glasses powered by Snap OS enable you to interact with AR in a whole new way. Snap OS is a new kind of operating system purpose-built for AR that powers Spectacles and delivers a seamless engaging experience. Designed to carefully balance wearability and AR capability, Spectacles are untethered with see-through display and built-in dimmer for indoor and outdoor use, making them unique to the other hardware available in the market.  Snap OS is designed to seamlessly integrate into one’s life without taking you out of it. Its natural interface allows you to see and interact with augmented reality together with friends, and is controlled entirely by your voice and hands.

This newest version of Spectacles, and the launch of Snap OS, builds on Snap’s innovations across hardware and software, which the company has been pursuing for over a decade.

Empowering a New Generation of AR Creators

In India, where over 85% of Snapchatters use Lenses for connecting with friends and family, especially around key cultural moments and festivals, the focus on creative expression is undeniable.

Snap’s AR ecosystem is booming, as more than 375,000 creators worldwide have built over 4 million AR Lenses, which Snapchatters have engaged with more than 4.5 trillion times in just the last year. India’s AR developer community is remarkable with growth of the creator network coming not only from capital cities but also other towns including Goraya, Prayagraj, Cochin, Ambala, to name a few.

Snap is also deeply invested in expanding AR adoption across India, including in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Localized initiatives like Lens Studio training meet-ups in cities like Surat, Coimbatore, Rajkot, Trichy, Trivandrum and Gwalior  are empowering aspiring creators to build their first Lenses and start their AR journeys. Snap has hosted 120+ meetups in 2024, reaching over 6,000 AR Developers.

Snap team is also working with educational institutions to nurture young talent with vital creative digital skills and this year have partnered with K.J. Somaiya – Mumbai, Pearl Academy – Bangalore, Mumbai & Delhi, Loyola College – Chennai. These partnerships provide a unique opportunity to build the creative digital skills that are vital for advancing mixed reality and driving innovation in the evolving XR landscape.

To nurture this ecosystem, Snap also announced the launch of  the India Lens Awards, an annual competition to celebrate the most innovative AR Lens creators across five categories. The winners are Best Viral Lens : Perfect Pitch Game by Pratyush Gupta, Best Game : Diwali Game by Krunal MB Gediya, Best Artistic Lens : Ethereal Dress by XRFX Studio, Best Technical Lens : Domino Pro LIDAR by Wasim Ghole and Best Festive Lens : Rang De Mohey by Jeetesh Singh.

Brands leveraging AR 

Snap leads in sponsored AR, powering everything from viral moments to high-ROI engagement, while constantly pushing AR innovation.This growing network also benefits from Snap’s AR advertising tools, helping brands connect with audiences in innovative ways.

These initiatives are making a real difference for creators like Persica Picardo, co-founder of XRFX Studio. This enthusiastic lens developer discovered AR back in 2018. “When I began my journey, Snap’s Lens Studio provided me with tools to turn my passion into a profession. Its versatile features help me bring my ideas to life, collaborate with influential brands across beauty, fashion, and grow within Snap’s dynamic AR creator ecosystem. After honing my skills for almost 5 years, I co-founded XRFX Studio, which specializes in crafting custom AR effects for brands. In less than two years our team has expanded and today we build for brands like Coca-Cola, Google, Nykaa, Tira, Amazon Prime Video, Ajio, Max, Swiggy, Zepto, etc. We recently hit a $100,000 revenue milestone, a testament to how AR is transforming brand engagement and digital experiences. “

 Strategic initiatives and partnerships with top brands – Nykaa, Myntra, Doritos – Pepsi Co., Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Swiggy, Ajio, Spotify, Surf Excel,  – are creating  monetization opportunities, empowering creators to build sustainable careers.

India AR Day reflects Snap’s vision for India’s AR  future – an ecosystem where creators, developers, and brands flourish, driving  unprecedented engagement, innovation, and cultural expression. It’s a future where India’s creative spirit shines globally powered by AR’s boundless potential.

As more of our daily activities move online—whether for work, socializing, or shopping—scammers use sophisticated methods to steal information and money from unsuspecting consumers. This Safer Internet Day on February 11^th, Visa shares tips to help you protect your digital information.

1. Secure Your Devices with Biometrics: Use biometric security features in your phones and laptops like fingerprints or facial recognition – these provide a higher degree of security compared to traditional PINs and passwords that may get compromised, especially for digital payments.
2. Tokenise your cards if you have not done it yet: The RBI made it compulsory for cards to be tokenised for online transactions so your payments are safe and secure. In a market where almost 100% of cards are now tokenised, don’t get left behind!
3. Use trusted websites: The most common red flag is a website address that does not start with https:// which means there is a potential security issue on it. For an app, download from a trusted app store to protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of malicious software.
4. Read privacy policies: It might not be the most exciting read, but checking privacy policies helps you understand how your data is being used. Know what you’re agreeing to so you make informed decisions.
5. Know What to Do if You’re a Victim of Fraud: If you suspect online fraud, immediately contact your bank or payment provider as well as log a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Helpline by dialing 1930 to report any unauthorised transactions.

By following these tips, you can make your digital experience more secure. Stay vigilant and proactive to protect yourself from the growing risks of the digital world, this Safer Internet Day!

Great Learning, a global leader in professional learning and upskilling, is leveraging AI to chart the next phase of its growth with the launch of AI Mentor and AI Teacher. These breakthrough AI innovations are set to transform the overall digital learning experience, making high-quality education personalised, accessible, affordable and scalable for learners worldwide.

With the AI Mentor, every learner gets their own personal learning coach to support them through their learning journey at every step. It delivers an uninterrupted learning experience with 24/7 doubt resolution, and step-by-step guidance while working on projects. If a learner gets stuck while coding, the AI Mentor provides real-time coding support by dropping intelligent hints to nudge them towards the correct solution without revealing the answer directly. It also makes them job-ready through AI-driven mock interviews to simulate real-world job interview scenarios, which help learners build their confidence to crack interviews.

Since its rollout across select cohorts of learners over the past few months, the AI Mentor has made a significant impact, with over 400,000 coding hints generated, 130,000 learner queries resolved, and 300+ mock interviews conducted.

The AI Teacher, a breakthrough innovation, ensures a highly personalised, and interactive learning experience. It customises the lessons based on learners’ context, evaluates their understanding, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides valuable feedback on their progress—just like a great human teacher would. This is all in addition to the guidance and mentorship from industry experts & faculty that learners already have access to as part of Great Learning’s ‘Mentored learning’ model.

The company also announced that all their AI powered learning enablements will come under the umbrella brand ‘Glaide’ – a combination of ‘GL’ (Great Learning), ‘AI’ and ‘aide’ – which is the true essence of what it delivers.

Commenting on the launch, Mohan Lakhamraju, Founder & CEO of Great Learning, said: “Our singular focus has always been on delivering exceptional learning outcomes.

We were the first to bring together the best of classroom and online education in 2013, and the first globally to introduce online mentored learning in 2017 —combining the flexibility of self-learning with the power of expert human guidance to drive real outcomes at scale. However, great teachers are few and most learners never get to experience the magic of learning from them. This is what we are trying to solve using AI. We are leveraging AI to bring that same magic of great teachers to everyone. As AI advances further, we will continue to push boundaries, making high-quality education more accessible, affordable, and impactful for learners everywhere.”

 Over the coming months and years, Great Learning will roll out its AI-powered learning experiences to newer and larger audiences. As AI permeates through all aspects of our professional and personal lives, Great Learning aspires to be the trusted source of learning for everyone to navigate this transformation.

• AI Mentor delivers 24/7 doubt resolution, hints for tackling coding challenges and conducts mock interviews with personalised feedback
• AI Teacher enables highly personalised and impactful learning mapped to each learner’s context and ability
• These AI innovations will pave the way for quality education to become more accessible to millions of learners

Human Mobile Devices, HMD, announces the launch of one-of-a kind service initiatives at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, demonstrating its commitment to enriching the pilgrim experience through innovative technology and support services. The company has established a comprehensive presence in Prayagraj with multiple programs designed to assist visitors during their spiritual journey

Key Highlights of HMD Initiatives at Maha Kumbh:

• Comprehensive Mobile Care: The HMD Care Camp offers diagnosis and repairs for HMD Smartphones, Feature Phones, and Nokia Feature Phones. The brand is also providing a replacement unit to the customers if their feature phones are under the 1-year replacement guarantee. As an additional service, the company is also running a unique loaner phone program providing temporary devices during the repair period
• local travel information feature: In collaboration with Radioline, HMD provides real-time access to essential Maha Kumbh information, including important dates with significance, local travel information feature, and extensive guides for pilgrims
• Tourism Partnership: In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Uttar Pradesh government, HMD advocates the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, promoting domestic tourism through digital engagement and on-ground activities at the premises of the Maha Kumbh Mela
• Regional Integration: Working closely with the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, HMD has established branded touchpoints across Prayagraj, creating a network of support centers in retail stores and key locations throughout the procession grounds.

Along with these support initiatives, the company has also planned a 360-degree campaign spread across OOH, social media and digital as an extension of HMD’s Khoob Chalega Campaign of HMD 105 and HMD 110. The campaign resonates with the brand ethos of providing longer battery life, bigger screen and inventive UPI application, enabling secure financial transactions even without a smartphone.

Commenting on the new initiative, Ravi Kunwar, CEO & VP, India & APAC, HMD, said: “The Maha Kumbh Mela is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey, and at HMD, we take pride in enhancing this profound experience through our strong regional presence and groundbreaking feature phone innovations. By collaborating with the UP Government under the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ campaign, we’re not only celebrating India’s cultural heritage but also empowering pilgrims with reliable connectivity, disruptive technology like UPI application, and dedicated support services to ensure their journey is as seamless and fulfilling as possible”

The initiatives align with HMD’s mission to provide technology solutions that serve real human needs while supporting cultural and spiritual experiences.

About HMD

We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.

Kisan Diwas honors the hard work and dedication of India’s farmers, who not only nourish the nation but also drive the growth of its rural economy. Here are stories of five farmers whose remarkable journeys highlight the transformation of traditional farming into entrepreneurial success. Their stories reflect the power of resilience, innovation, and community support, showcasing how empowering farmers with the right tools and knowledge is helping pave the way for a Viksit Bharat.

Supported by Project Unnati, an initiative by Anandana, they gain access to the tools and knowledge needed to boost productivity, adopt modern agricultural techniques, and contribute to a more sustainable rural economy.

Here are five extraordinary journeys that demonstrate the enduring power of these efforts:

1. Sowing Seeds of Change: Chenna Reddy’s Journey to Sustainable Farming: Once a plumber in Bangalore, Chenna Reddy returned to his ancestral land in Jangalapalli village, Andhra Pradesh, where water scarcity had left the soil barren. Through Project Unnati Mango by Anandana – The Coca-Cola India Foundation, he learned modern techniques like Ultra High-Density Planting (UHDP) and drip irrigation.

These advanced methods not only enhanced fruit yield and quality but also reduced the need for fertilizers and pesticides. With training in climate-smart farming and crop management, Chenna transformed his unproductive land into a thriving mango orchard, proving that sustainable practices can rejuvenate even the most arid lands and reconnect farmers with their heritage.

2. Tulabati Badanayak: Blending Coffee Farming with Eco-Tourism: From Coffee Farmer to Eco-Tourism in the tribal village of Koraput, Odisha, Tulabati Badanayak has transformed her life and community through resilience and innovation. Once struggling to sustain her family as a coffee farmer, she adopted sustainable practices under Project Unnati Coffee, such as selective harvesting and sun-drying. These techniques improved her coffee quality, helping her secure better prices.

Beyond farming, Tulabati initiated an eco-tourism venture, leveraging the village’s natural beauty to create additional income streams. Today, she not only supports her family but also empowers other women by sharing her knowledge and fostering collective growth.

3. Engineering a Green Revolution: J.C. Punetha’s Orchard Success

Former textile engineer J.C. Punetha, at the age of 70, transitioned from a thriving industrial career in Ahmedabad to apple farming in Champawat, Uttarakhand. His decision was fueled by a desire to reconnect with nature and make productive use of his land.

Under the guidance of Project Unnati Apple, he planted saplings and implemented drip irrigation systems. Despite initial challenges and managing the farm remotely from his family in Ahmedabad, Punetha achieved remarkable success. His focus now is on expanding his orchard and helping fellow farmers adopt sustainable practices, proving that innovation and persistence can yield remarkable results.

4. Geetha Maheshwari: Empowering Her Community Beyond Farming
   Geetha Maheshwari, a dedicated farmer from Theni, Tamil Nadu, has been cultivating the land for over a decade. A few years ago, she enrolled in a training program under Project Unnati Grapes and CENDECT KVK, where she learned advanced farming techniques, including pest management and the use of insecticides. This knowledge helped her double her income, significantly expanding her harvest.

Beyond farming, Geetha used the benefits of a subsidy scheme from KVK CENDECT to open a wedding hall, PSP Mahal, in her village, Chinnaovalapuram. The hall provides affordable services to underprivileged families, easing the financial burden of wedding arrangements. Geetha’s journey reflects not only her personal growth but also her commitment to empowering her community.

5. From Civil Service to Apple Farming: Khilanand Joshi’s Second Act

At 75, after retiring from government service, Khilanand Joshi returned to his village in Champawat, Uttarakhand, with a vision to revitalize his family’s farming legacy. Despite having no prior experience in sustainable agriculture, he embraced apple farming under Project Unnati Apple.

With the help of ultra-high-density plantation techniques and drip irrigation, Khilanand transformed his farm into a diverse agricultural hub. His efforts have not only yielded impressive apple harvests but also inspired his community to adopt modern farming methods. Employing ten workers, he has created a local ecosystem of employment and knowledge-sharing. Khilanand’s late but impactful start highlights that determination, and innovation can drive agricultural success at any stage of life.

The Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Bengaluru, in collaboration with Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) which is sponsored by Schneider Electric, successfully organized HACKNOVA 2024, a 48-hour Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) Challenge. Held from December 16-18, 2024, at the MIT Bengaluru Campus, the event, powered by the Institution’s Innovation Council (MAHE) and hosted by the MITB ACM Student Chapter, brought together more than 40 teams from across India to compete in a landmark initiative promoting innovation in cybersecurity.

 The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Dayananda P, Professor and Head of the Department of IT, followed by the lighting of the lamp. Dr. Manohara Pai M M, Senior Professor from MIT Manipal, introduced the significance of HACKNOVA 2024.

Dr. Shreyas J, Convenor of HACKNOVA 2024 and Assistant Professor, Department of IT, MIT Bengaluru, introduced the Chief Guest, Brahmanand Basavachari, R&D Head – Digital Factory Automation Control, Schneider Electric. In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the role of competitive platforms like HACKNOVA in fostering innovation and developing real-world problem-solving skills.

The ceremony also featured a Presidential Address by Dr. Iven Jose, Director, MIT Bengaluru, and special addresses by Guests of Honour Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P (Deputy Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru) and Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan (Pro Vice Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru); Dr. Manohara Pai MM, Senior Professor and Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair, MIT Manipal.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Gururaj H L, Co-Convenor of HACKNOVA 2024, acknowledging the efforts of the organizing team and participants.

HACKNOVA 2024 serves as a dynamic platform for participants to showcase their cybersecurity skills, tackle real-world challenges, and promote collaboration and innovation in the field of technology.

HACKNOVA 2024 featured 48-hour CTF Challenge that tested participants’ expertise in cryptography, reverse engineering, and penetration testing, and a 24-hour Mini Hackathon that encouraged students to devise creative solutions to contemporary technological challenges. Both events drew significant attention and competition, with participants benefiting from hands-on experiences and expert mentorship.

The CTF Challenge culminated in three winning teams:

• First Place: Team comprising Sumedh Kashyap, Debashish Tripathy, and Archit Chadalawada
• Second Place: Team led by Dev Kothari, alongside Shashank Pandey and Vishal Bharat
• Third Place: Team featuring Ritu Raj and Aastha Sinha

The total prize pool of ₹1 Lakh was distributed among the top-performing teams, recognizing their outstanding problem-solving skills and innovative solutions. The judging panel, comprising industry experts from Schneider Electric—Mr. Manoj Kumar (Project Manager), Mr. Ravikant Kulkarni (Senior Pen Test Engineer), and Mr. Mohan Singh (Security Architect)—played a vital role in evaluating the participants’ efforts and providing valuable insights.

Reflecting on the event, Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, remarked, “HACKNOVA 2024 is a testament to our institution’s dedication to fostering innovation and advancing education in emerging fields. This platform not only empowers students but also strengthens our collaboration with industry leaders like Schneider Electric.” He further added, “We are proud to witness such exceptional talent and enthusiasm, which reinforces our commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity experts.”

The seamless execution of HACKNOVA 2024 was made possible through the dedicated efforts of faculty convenors Dr. Gururaj HL, Dr. Shreyas J, and Dr. Sumanth V, along with the MITB ACM Student Chapter and the support of the Department of Information Technology, MIT Bengaluru. The Dr. TMA Pai Endowment Chair for Intelligent Technologies further enriched the event with its backing.

Participants lauded the event for its enriching challenges, exceptional organization, and networking opportunities. The provision of food, accommodation, and midnight snacks contributed to a comfortable and engaging experience, ensuring high levels of participation and enthusiasm. HACKNOVA 2024 reaffirmed MIT Bengaluru’s leadership in advancing education and innovation in cybersecurity.