All posts by Rabindra

Comments were made on January 13 at FICCI’s Federation House during an official pre-summit event organised by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Industry (FICCI), leading up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026.

Titled Who Owns the Future of Entertainment?: India, AI, and the Next Global Shift, the one-day seminar focused on how India can harness AI to strengthen its creative economy while safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of creators.

The event was supported by industry partners AVIA, FFI, IBDF, IFPI, IFTPC, IMI, IMPAA, JioStar, PGI, TFCC, and WIFPA, and drew strong participation from across film, television, music, digital platforms, and advisory services.

Prabhat, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said that from a public policy perspective, three objectives must be addressed together. AI, he emphasized, must be used to expand creativity, improve competitiveness, and preserve trust and rights, ensuring that innovation remains sustainable rather than fragile.

The opening session tackled the policy and regulatory questions raised by AI’s rapid adoption across creative industries, including copyright, ownership, training data, attribution, and remuneration. Chaired by James Cheatley, Vice President – VOD, Digital Affairs and Intellectual Property, Motion Picture Association, Asia Pacific, the discussion featured Dr. G. R. Raghavender, Senior Consultant, IPR and former Joint Secretary to the Government of India, DPIIT; Ameet Datta, Co-Chair of the FICCI IP Committee and Founder of ADP Law Offices; and Blaise Fernandes, President, IMI, among other senior experts.

Highlighting the importance of copyright-led growth, Blaise Fernandes said, “At WAVES 2025, our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, set the benchmark for India’s creative sector to power the Orange Economy to global heights. Any AI policy must ensure that the copyright sector is given the opportunity to unlock the value of copyright through voluntary licensing models. This is very important to reach global heights.”

James Cheatley emphasised what is at stake, saying, “AI is transforming every stage of the creative lifecycle. The policy decisions made now will shape how creators, companies, and markets evolve. India has a real opportunity to work in dialogue with industry to establish frameworks that support creativity, investment, and responsible technological growth.”

Mira Chatt, IFPI Regional Director (Asia), said: “The creative industries have stepped up to shape future opportunities for music and AI by pursuing voluntary licensing opportunities. Governments should support this by enforcing, not undermining, existing copyright laws to ensure a level playing field for creators, right holders and AI companies. It’s a basic question of fairness. Right holders in India should be able to negotiate a license for the use of their music. This benefits the whole creative ecosystem and its future.”

The second session shifted focus to real-world application, examining how AI is already being deployed across scripting, music, animation, visual effects, and distribution. Chaired by Vivan Sharan, Partner at Koan Advisory, the panel featured senior industry practitioners including Andrew Ure, Vice President, Global Affairs, Asia Pacific, Netflix; Akash Saxena, Chief Technology Officer, JioStar; Vikram Malhotra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Abundantia Entertainment; Pankaj Kumar Mishra, Head – Enterprise Technology Group, Sony Pictures Networks India, and others.

Pankaj Kumar Mishra, said, “AI in media and entertainment is not a single debate, it is a strategic set of choices across capability, economics, creativity, competitive advantage and governance. The technology is ready, the talent is here, and the market is massive; what will separate leaders is whether AI becomes just a faster way to do the same work, another round of cost or labour arbitrage, or a way to create what we have never been able to create before. Get that balance right, AI for speed, humans for soul, and India will be globally competitive, not merely globally present.”

The AI Impact Summit 2026 will take place in New Delhi from 16-20 February, continuing the conversation on how AI can drive inclusive growth, innovation, and global influence for India’s creative economy.

New Delhi, January 14, 2026:

The Federation of Indian Publishers (FIP), in collaboration with NielsenIQ BookData, has announced the launch of the India Book Market Report – Edition 3, a study that will assess changes in India’s publishing industry across print, digital and audiobook formats, along with their economic contribution.

The announcement was made during a media interaction at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2026. The report is expected to be released by August–September 2026.

Speaking at the event, Pranav Gupta, Vice President of FIP, said the third edition marks a departure from earlier studies that focused largely on print publishing. “This report will cover the Indian print book market along with all forms of digital publishing, including audiobooks, and will also measure their economic contribution to the Indian economy,” he said.

Pranav Gupta referred to the India Book Market Report 2022, which estimated that India has over 24,000 publishers and publishes more than 2.5 lakh ISBNs annually, with school education accounting for 71 per cent of the print market, followed by higher education at 25 per cent and trade publishing at 4 per cent.

He added that the new edition will analyse print and digital formats together to present a clearer, data-backed picture of how the industry is evolving. For the first time, the study will also examine the economic impact of digital publishing.

Vikrant Mathur, Executive Director, NielsenIQ BookData India, said earlier editions of the report examined the impact of COVID-19 on the sector, education infrastructure expansion, enrolment trends across school boards, import-export patterns, copyright policy and piracy-related challenges.

“The idea now is to revisit the market after five years and understand how digital publishing is growing—its scale, direction and segment-wise impact across school, higher education and general trade,” Mathur said.

He added that the report would also benchmark publishing against other entertainment industries such as music and films to assess relative growth and economic contribution, with findings expected to support industry stakeholders and policy discussions.

Hyderabad, January 11, 2026….The delivery boy refused to deliver death—instead delivered life—and Hyderabadis saluted this Chennai-based delivery executive for his thoughtfulness and saving a life in a workshop held at Media Junction on Sunday, and gave him a standing ovation.

In a powerful reminder that humanity can prevail even in the most routine of transactions, a Blinkit delivery executive from Tamil Nadu was applauded for his extraordinary presence of mind after he reportedly refused to deliver poison to a distressed woman and instead counselled her—saving her life.

The incident was highlighted by Vijaya Saradhi, a participant at a four-day public speaking workshop currently underway at Media Junction in the city, as part of an assignment where participants were asked to choose and speak on impactful news items.

As Saradhi narrated the incident, the hall fell into pin-drop silence, visibly moved by the courage and compassion shown by the delivery executive. Moments later, the entire audience rose in unison and gave a standing ovation, acknowledging the young man’s act of humanity.

“Thank God for his presence of mind. Had he delivered the poison, the outcome could have been fatal,” said D. Ramchandram, who was felicitating the workshop.

“Hats off to the delivery boy. He deserves to be honoured,” said N. P. Rajashekhar.

“He chose humanity over transaction. He is a true hero,” remarked Abdul Ghani, another participant.

Calling it a deeply emotional moment, Radheyshyam Tiwari said the incident touched every heart in the room.

“This was a powerful moment of humanity. It shows that ethics and empathy still matter,” observed D. Kalpana, Director of Media Junction.

“With his presence of mind, he refused to deliver death. That single decision saved a life,” noted Sheikh Zaheeruddin, Advocate and workshop participant.

“True humanity can sometimes come in the form of a delivery. Not all heroes wear capes,” said Dr. Venkat

Echoing similar sentiments, Srujana, another participant, added,

“The real heroes sometimes come in the guise of delivery boys. They are human beings first. Hats off to him.”

The session concluded with another spontaneous standing ovation, symbolising collective gratitude for an unsung hero whose courage reaffirmed faith in humanity.

The participants urged that such individuals be publicly recognised and honoured, stating that stories like these deserve wide media attention to inspire society at large.

“This incident reminds us that gig workers are human beings first. They feel, they think, and they care. His humane choice has earned long-overdue respect for delivery executives,” added D. Ramchandram.

Bengaluru, Jan 10: Indira IVF Hospital Limited announced the inauguration of its new fertility clinic in Electronic City, Bengaluru, strengthening its presence in Karnataka and bringing specialised reproductive care closer to patients in the city’s rapidly growing technology corridor.

Located at 3rd Floor, Vandana West Ridge Plaza, Doddathoguru Village, Begur, Above SBI Bank, Neeladri Road, Electronic City, Bengaluru, the new centre is designed to offer comprehensive fertility and IVF services under one roof, supported by Indira IVF’s established clinical protocols and technology-driven systems.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by senior clinicians from Indira IVF, including Dr. Shyam N Gupta, Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist and Centre Head, Indira IVF J.P. Nagar, Bengaluru, and Dr. Kratika Kamath, Consultant Gynaecologist and Centre Head, Indira IVF Electronic City, Bengaluru.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Nitiz Murdia, Managing Director, Indira IVF Hospital Limited, said, “Our expansion into Electronic City reflects a long-term commitment to improving access to fertility care beyond traditional healthcare hubs. Bengaluru continues to see a young, working population that is increasingly seeking early fertility guidance. This centre strengthens our ability to support patients closer to where they live and work, without compromising on quality or clinical standards.”

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Shyam N Gupta said, “Fertility care often comes with emotional and physical challenges, and proximity to reliable medical support makes a meaningful difference. With the launch of the Electronic City centre, Indira IVF is addressing a clear need for fertility treatment in this part of Bengaluru, where patients earlier had to travel considerable distances for specialised care.”

Sharing her perspective on the new centre, Dr. Kratika Kamath, Consultant Gynaecologist and Centre Head, Indira IVF Electronic City, Bengaluru, said, “Every fertility journey is deeply personal. Our focus here is to create a space where patients feel informed, supported and confident at every stage of treatment. By combining medical expertise with consistent protocols and patient education, we aim to help couples make timely and well-informed decisions about their reproductive health.”

With this launch, Indira IVF continues to expand its national footprint, adding to its network of 169 clinics across India. The Electronic City centre will offer a full range of fertility and assisted reproductive services for both male and female infertility, supported by standardised laboratory practices, electronic medical records and patient safety systems.

Hyderabad, Jan 10: TiE Hyderabad hosted an inspiring and exclusive session titled “Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Impact!” on Saturday morning, featuring Kanwal Rekhi, Co-founder of TiE and a renowned Silicon Valley pioneer. The event marked the launch of his much-anticipated book, The Groundbreaker, and was held at The Quorum, Sattva Knowledge City, Hyderabad.

The book was formally unveiled by Murali Kakarla, the newly sworn-in President of TiE Hyderabad. Following the launch, Kanwal Rekhi signed copies of the book and interacted informally with the guests, offering personal reflections and insights from his journey.

The event reaffirmed TiE Hyderabad’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and leadership by connecting the ecosystem with global visionaries and thought leaders, shared Murali Kakarla, President of TiE Hyderabad

Organised by TiE Hyderabad, the session brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and ecosystem enablers for an engaging dialogue on innovation, leadership, and long-term impact. During the conversation, Rekhi shared stories and lessons from his extraordinary entrepreneurial career, as chronicled in The Groundbreaker.

Speaking at the event, Rekhi revealed that he had recently inaugurated the Kanwal Rekhi Rural Entrepreneurship and Startup (KREST) Centre in Nizamabad.

KREST is a dedicated startup vertical under Kakatiya Sandbox, a non-profit organisation working towards the economic transformation of North Telangana. Kakatiya Sandbox is co-founded by Raju Reddy, Founder of Sierra Atlantic, and Phanindra Sama, Founder of redBus.

Sharing his experience from Nizamabad, Rekhi said, “I met many young rural entrepreneurs there. They are in no way less in ideas or implementation capability. India lives in its villages, and talent is abundant in rural India.” He emphasised the urgent need to build robust entrepreneurial ecosystems beyond urban centres.

During the interaction, Rekhi also reflected on a pivotal policy moment from India’s past. He recalled that when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee described Information Technology as India’s future, Rekhi had respectfully differed, arguing that telecommunications infrastructure needed to be built first. Though the idea initially met resistance from sections of the bureaucracy, Vajpayee later accepted the proposal in toto, a decision that Rekhi noted proved transformative for the country.

Commenting on India’s current economic trajectory, Rekhi said the country is on a strong growth path, with GDP growth consistently estimated at around 7–8%, making it the world’s fastest-growing major economy. He added that to sustain this momentum, entrepreneurs must be given greater freedom to bring in capital and scale globally.

The Groundbreaker captures the risks taken, rewards earned, and timeless lessons from Rekhi’s life as a pioneering entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in shaping the global startup ecosystem and mentoring generations of founders.

Rekhi’s life spans extraordinary historical and technological shifts. He was born into a family displaced during Partition. He grew up in India. He was inspired by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s call for scientific temper and has lived long enough to witness modern India navigating the complex intersections of power, technology, and artificial intelligence.

His formal journey into technology began at IIT Bombay, where he earned his B.Tech at a time when computers were absent from campus and programming involved punched cards and mainframes.

Rekhi later shifted to the USA and studied his MS in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. This formative era shaped his systems-oriented thinking, a recurring theme in the book that underscores how tools may change, but the mindset required to build enduring systems remains constant.

Rekhi built Excelan, the company that would define much of his professional legacy. At a time when proprietary networking technologies dominated the market, Excelan championed open standards, helping popularise TCP/IP and laying crucial groundwork for the internet and networking revolution.

Bhubaneswar, Jan 10 — On the occasion of World Hindi Day, the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, hosted a grand and inspiring celebration that showcased a remarkable confluence of science and literature. Organized under the aegis of the Rajbhasha Division of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the event highlighted the growing significance of Hindi as a language of knowledge, research and administration in scientific institutions.

The programme commenced at 9:30 a.m. with registration, followed by the inaugural session held at Prof. T. Pradhan Lecture Hall. The inaugural session was conducted by Shri Dinesh Bahadur Singh (NISER). The distinguished dignitaries present on the dais included Prof. Karunakar Nanda, Director, Institute of Physics; Shri C.V.R. Murthy, General Manager, IREL (India) Limited, OSCOM; Shri Pradeep Kumar Ray, Registrar, IISER Berhampur; Dr. Arun Kumar, Scientific Officer, NISER; along with other eminent guests and participants.

After the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, welcome address, inaugural remarks by the guests and vote of thanks, the most significant moment of the morning was the graceful release of the new Hindi poetry collection “Ankahe Ki Antardhvani” by Shri Abinash Das (Librarian, Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar). The book launch symbolized the Institute’s deep commitment to Hindi literature and the broader cause of Rajbhasha awareness in academic and research spaces.

In the technical session, renowned speakers delivered insightful lectures on diverse and contemporary themes. Prof. Karunakar Nanda spoke on the “Importance of Science and Language”, underlining the role of Indian languages in disseminating scientific temper. Dr. Rajeev Kumar Rawat (IIT Kharagpur) discussed the implementation of Rajbhasha in scientific institutions and the role of modern information technology in strengthening Hindi usage. Shri Chandra Bhushan Singh (IREL) highlighted “The Role of IREL Products in Viksit Bharat”, emphasizing the organisation’s contribution to national development. Other scholarly talks covered subjects such as the role of heads of offices in Rajbhasha implementation (by Shri Pradeep Kumar Ray), structural biology (by Dr. Shanti Swaroop Srivastava, IISER) and big data in scientific research (by Dr. Arun Kumar), enriching the audience with both scientific and linguistic perspectives.

The ceremony was further graced by the illustrious presence of Smt. Sharada Ghosh, Principal, Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar, whose attendance added to the dignity and significance of the occasion. The overall programme was conducted with exemplary poise and coordination: the effective anchoring and session conduction were carried out by Shri Dinesh Bahadur Singh (NISER) and Shri Bhagban Behera (Institute of Physics), whose adept handling ensured that the entire event proceeded smoothly, with decorum, discipline and enthusiasm.

Bengaluru, Jan 7: The All India Inter-University Yogasana Championships (Women) 2025–26 was formally inaugurated on January 5,2026 at the S-VYASA Deemed-to-be University, Sattva Global City Campus, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru, marking the commencement of a prestigious national-level sporting event organized under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

The august gathering was welcomed by women Dr. N. K. Manjunath, Vice-Chancellor of S-VYASA (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, who extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries’ women participants, coaches and managers.

The Championship was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest, Dr. C. N. Manjunath, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Bengaluru Rural Constituency The event was presided over by Dr. H. R. Nagendra, President of S-VYASA and Padma Shri awardee, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire excellence in yoga and holistic education. The event was also honoured by distinguished guests Sri M. D. Lakshminarayana, former Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, and Ms. Garima Jain, Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Adding further eminence to the occasion were the Guests of Honour—Dr. K. Dipla, AIU Observer, Hyderabad, and Acharya Ram Chandra Bhat, Former Vice-Chancellor, S-VYASA (Deemed-to-be) University, Pro-VC -Dr Shiv Shankar Sai, S-VYASA university, Dr Sony Kumari, Registrar -S-VYASA university

In their addresses, the dignitaries emphasized the importance of Yoga as a discipline that integrates physical fitness, mental focus, and India’s rich cultural heritage. They highlighted the role of universities in promoting indigenous sports, holistic education, and women empowerment through structured competitive platforms.

The championship, which is currently underway, has drawn participation from over 230 universities across the country, with more than 2,500 women athletes, supported by coaches, team managers, and technical officials. Competitions are being conducted in Traditional Yogasana (Team and Individual) as well as Artistic and Rhythmic Yogasana, across multiple stages at the campus.

The University also witnessed a landmark event of the inauguration of Robotics Lab at S-VYASA (Deemed-to-be) University – Newton School of Technology, Bengaluru, marking a key step towards strengthening future-ready technology education. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Siddharth Maheshwari, Founder of Newton School, stated that the lab will foster innovation, industry-aligned learning, and holistic development while contributing to India’s growing deep-tech talent ecosystem.

The Sattva Global City Campus has been transformed into a vibrant sporting arena with world-class infrastructure, athlete accommodation, medical facilities, and robust logistical arrangements. The event is being conducted strictly in accordance with AIU regulations, with experienced judges from different states ensuring fairness, transparency, and technical excellence.

The championship will continue until January 9,2026 culminating in a valedictory ceremony and awards presentation, reinforcing S-VYASA’s commitment to integrating yogic tradition, academic excellence, and competitive sport at the national level.

Kolkata, Jan  07: JIS Group marked the grand inauguration of JIS Spirit 2026, a vibrant three-day inter-institutional cultural festival that brought together students from across JIS institutions in a powerful celebration of creativity, collaboration, and healthy competition.

Anchored in the ethos of “Josh–Junoon–Jeet”, JIS Spirit 2026 serves as a dynamic platform for artistic expression, showcasing exceptional talent across music, dance, drama, fashion, literature, and visual arts. The festival reinforces the belief that creativity thrives when diverse minds come together on a shared stage.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including acclaimed Indian actor Mr. Sabyasachi Chakraborty; Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group; Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group; Prof. (Dr.) Bhaskar Gupta, Vice-Chancellor, JIS University; Prof. (Dr.) Abhijit Sengupta, Chairman, JIS Samman; Prof. (Dr.) Swarup Kumar Mitra, Chairman, JIS Spirit; and Prof. (Dr.) Subhram Das, Principal, Narula Institute of Technology, along with Principals and Directors from other JIS institutions.

More than a competition, JIS Spirit 2026 is a celebration of unity, confidence, and cultural appreciation. Through electrifying performances and collaborative showcases, the festival aims to nurture artistic freedom, innovation, and a strong sense of belonging among students.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said,

“JIS Spirit 2026 offers students a dynamic space to discover their passions, express their creativity, and grow together. It reflects our commitment to nurturing holistic individuals through teamwork, diversity, and excellence. JIS Spirit truly captures the essence of ‘One Stage. Many Colleges. Infinite Talent.’”

With its inclusive vision and spirited lineup, JIS Spirit 2026 promises to be a defining cultural milestone—celebrating not just individual brilliance, but the collective pulse and creative energy of the JIS student community.

IIT Kanpur’s Entrepreneurship Cell to host annual flagship event E-Summit 2025 on January 23-25, registrations open

Kanpur, Jan 07: The Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell), IIT Kanpur, has officially opened registrations for its annual flagship event, E-Summit’25, scheduled to be held at the IIT Kanpur campus from January 23rd to 25th, 2026. The three-day summit will unite academia, venture capitalists, emerging entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders, providing a dynamic platform for networking, workshops, competitions, hackathons, fireside chats, and a grand Startup Expo.

The Startup Expo will showcase a wide array of innovative startups, alongside the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) finale, offering school students the opportunity to pitch their business ideas. The summit will also host the finale of UpStart 2025, IIT Kanpur’s premier business model pitching competition, featuring winners from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Seoul, South Korea, highlighting global innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. The Expo will further welcome investors, academicians, industry experts, government officials, and students from across India.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the E-Cell IIT Kanpur team stated:

“E-Summit 2025 provides a unique opportunity to explore India’s vibrant startup ecosystem and witness firsthand the innovation and creativity driving Indian entrepreneurs. Our aim is to create a thriving ecosystem where startups can connect with investors, government bodies, academia, and industry leaders. The summit also focuses on educating and inspiring India’s youth, showcasing pathways for them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.”

The event will feature multiple competitions and hackathons, including BizEntangle, Be Angel, $tock the Stock, Model United Corporation, SellYourSole, and Decrypt. Workshops conducted in collaboration with leading companies such as Meta, Google, and Microsoft will guide participants on visionary thinking, problem-solving through Design Thinking, strategic brand building, and exploring the entrepreneurial potential of Generative AI.

Additionally, E-Summit’25 will host fireside chats and panel discussions led by prominent industry leaders, covering topics that inspire and empower entrepreneurs. In previous editions, speakers such as Aman Gupta (BoAt), Kunal Shah (Cred), Nikhil Kamath (Zerodha), Ashneer Grover (BharatPe), Amit Agarwal (NoBroker), Mukesh Bansal (Myntra), and DS Mishra (Chief Secretary, Govt. of UP) have left a lasting impact on attendees—a tradition that will continue in 2025.

E-Summit’25 promises to be a vibrant convergence of innovation, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit, reinforcing IIT Kanpur’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of India’s visionary leaders.

Butwal, Nepal, Jan 07: The newly opened Hyatt Place Butwal has announced the appointment of Tushar Nagar as General Manager. In this role, Tushar will oversee daily operations, strategic growth initiatives, financial performance, and stakeholder engagement, while fostering a culture centered on exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Tushar brings a strong foundation in service excellence and team development. He has held key managerial and F&B leadership roles at renowned properties including JW Marriott Chandigarh, The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra, Park Hyatt Chennai, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, The Westin Pune, and most recently, Courtyard by Marriott Shillong.

“My focus is to build a culture where guests feel welcomed, teams feel empowered, and the hotel consistently delivers on Hyatt’s values. I look forward to strengthening our presence in Butwal and creating memorable experiences for our guests,” Tushar said.

Hyatt Place Butwal, located in the vibrant heart of the city, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural allure. Just minutes from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and the scenic Tilaurakot ruins, the hotel is an ideal base for cultural explorers and adventure seekers alike. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, farm-to-table dining, and easy access to trekking trails and local markets—making it a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.

Tushar holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Varanasi and a Bachelor of Commerce from Jagatpur PG College, Varanasi, along with several leadership and brand certifications. His experience across pre-opening and established hotels equips him with the expertise needed to lead a modern, guest-centric operation.