Women’s Group Leads Revival of Traditional Pottery, Showcases 50+ Clay Creations
Rabindra Sahu news
Women’s Group Leads Revival of Traditional Pottery, Showcases 50+ Clay Creations

Nandapur:31st July 2025:  To revive the dying traditional pottery craftsmanship of the Kumbhakar (potter) community, the women’s self-help groups (SHGs) of Nandapur Block Headquarters have stepped forward, with training supported by ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society) and the Central Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Under the guidance of trainers Upendra Kumbhar and Shibani Priyadarshini, women received 10 days of pottery training. On Sunday, over 50 clay items were crafted using electric pottery machines provided by the organizing institutions.

The women skillfully created and displayed various clay products such as:

  • Surahi (water pitchers),
  • Flower vases,
  • Table lamps,
  • Decorative flower stands,
  • Water bottles,
  • Dinner sets,
  • Pen stands,
  • Clay figurines of elephants, Ganesha, horses, and fish.

These items featured terracotta artwork with a blend of traditional charm and modern aesthetics, aiming to attract public attention. The women emphasized that such eco-friendly and artistic clay products are ideal for daily use, office décor, and gifting, which could lead to growing demand.

Product by Two SHGs:

  • Gouj Bayani Mahila SHG (Kumbhar Sahi)
  • President: Parbati Arlia
  • Secretary: Anjali Chalan
  • Maa Tulasi Mahila SHG
  • President: Harapriya Arlia
  • Secretary: Subhadra Nayak

Together, 30 women from both SHGs underwent the pottery training under the Skill Development Training Program of the Oremudyog Vikas Yojana.

The participants expressed their satisfaction, noting that the training helped them acquire a valuable livelihood skill. Going forward, they plan to use the equipment and raw materials provided to produce terracotta items on a regular basis and sell them in local markets and urban areas, thus ensuring both cultural preservation and economic empowerment.

Parents Pledge for Education as Children Head to School
Rabindra Sahu news
Parents Pledge for Education as Children Head to School

Bhubaneswar,31st July 2025:  To prevent school dropouts, the Odisha government has undertaken a novel initiative. After conducting a door-to-door student survey by teachers, the state will now launch a statewide campaign titled “Aas School Jiba” (Let’s Go to School).

The key objectives of the campaign are:

Bringing back children who have dropped out of school,

Enrolling children who were never admitted, placing them in age-appropriate classes,

Ensuring that students already in school continue their education without interruption,

Enhancing learning outcomes, and

Bridging the learning gap among students.

The Department of School and Mass Education has implemented this as a focused step to reduce dropout rates.

Additional Educational Measures:

Incinerators and vending machines have been installed in 19,368 schools.

The “Aas School Jiba” campaign will coincide with the ‘Swachhata Paksha’ (Cleanliness Fortnight), starting from September 1.

Based on home survey data, each school will receive a list of children who have dropped out or were never enrolled, enabling teachers to visit their homes and take necessary action.

Tata Power Offers Prasad to Bol Bam Pilgrims on Shravan Monday
Rabindra Sahu news
Tata Power Offers Prasad to Bol Bam Pilgrims on Shravan Monday

Patna, 31st July 2025:  On the auspicious occasion of the third Shravan Monday, one of the major Shaiva pilgrimage centers of the district, Patna Temple, witnessed a gathering of over 10,000 Bol Bam devotees today.

Pilgrims collected water from the famous Anusuya Ghat adjacent to the Parameswar Temple, and thronged in large numbers to offer it at the ancient Anandeshwar and Parameswar temples. In view of the heavy crowd, the Patna Police and Fire Services maintained strict vigilance along the banks of the Baitarani River to ensure safety.

To support the devotees, Tata Power arranged for the distribution of sacred prasad. The initiative was led by company officials and distribution staff including:
Padmakishore Jena, Lineman Jayakrishna Das, Kishore Chandra Panigrahi, Lingaraj Mahant, Sudhir Kumar Das, Sangram Keshari Karan, Nihar Ranjan Khatua, Shambhunath Prusti, Phutulu Mahant, and Inspector Adarsha Basa, among others.

Similarly, Vishweshwar Traders of Patna also organized prasad distribution near the Anandeshwar Temple premises.

A Unique Initiative by a Young Doctor in Kotpad,
Rabindra Sahu news
A Unique Initiative by a Young Doctor in Kotpad,

Kotpad, 31st July 2025: With support from IIFL and the participation of young Ayurvedic doctor Swagat Mishra, a free health camp was organized at the Kalyan Mantra Mandap in Kusumi Panchayat under Kotpad block. The camp was inaugurated by Panchayat Sarpanch Dhanapati Muduli by cutting the ribbon.

Approximately 150 patients suffering from various ailments registered at the camp and received free medical consultation and Ayurvedic medicines. Kotpad, being a remote area, has many economically backward tribal communities who are often deprived of healthcare services. Expressing concern over this issue, Dr. Swagat Mishra stated that serving humanity is akin to serving God, and he has been providing free health services selflessly with that belief.

Dr. Mishra’s noble efforts have been further facilitated by IIFL, a private banking institution, which has consistently partnered with him to provide free Ayurvedic medicines. According to IIFL branch manager Saurabh Byabarsa, such free health camps will now be organized monthly in different panchayats of the Kotpad-Tapad region, enabling many more patients to benefit from accessible and free healthcare.

Meta launches digital safety awareness campaign
Neel Achary business
Meta launches digital safety awareness campaign

Meta launches anti-scam campaign with a twist to drive digital safety awareness

National | July 30th, 2025: As part of Meta’s commitment to user safety, we’ve launched the second edition of our anti-scams campaign, ‘Scam se Bacho 2.0’ that delivers digital safety tips with a twist. This year’s campaign takes to the streets, literally, through a creative collaboration with digital creator Signboard_wala, known for using bold, witty placards to spark real-world conversations.

Building on the success of last year’s campaign, Scam se Bacho 2.0 brings scam awareness into public spaces across some of the most iconic streets in Mumbai, using culturally relevant and visually impactful storytelling to inform people about common online scams such as fake loan scams, impersonation and OTP fraud, among others.

The campaign features Signboard_wala holding different signs such as “Ex ho ya scammer, dono ko block & report karo” and “Keep your friends close and your OTPs closer” – packaged as witty one-liners, the campaign delivers important digital safety lessons, spotlights Meta’s safety features like two-factor authentication (2FA), Block and Report and encourages people to take an active role in their online safety.

The clever, humorous messages designed to grab attention, definitely spark a smile but most importantly, make people pause and reconsider online scams. It’s awareness with a twist – no preaching, no drama – just authentic, relatable moments that resonate.

Last year Meta launched its safety campaign ‘Scams se Bacho’ by partnering with Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana to educate people on how to stay safe from online scams and promote safer digital practices. Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the campaign emphasised Meta’s commitment to safeguard people online, supporting the Government’s goal to combat the rising cases of scams and cyber frauds in the country.

Swiggy Launches ‘Mom’entum Policy: A Multi-Year Maternity Program Supporting Mothers at Every Stage
Neel Achary business
Swiggy Launches ‘Mom’entum Policy: A Multi-Year Maternity Program Supporting Mothers at Every Stage

Bengaluru, July 30, 2025: Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, today announced significant enhancements to its parental care policy with the introduction of ‘Mom’entum 2.0—a comprehensive, multi-year program designed to support mothers at every stage of their motherhood journey.

Girish Menon, Chief Human Resources Officer at Swiggy, said, “Inclusivity goes beyond increasing gender diversity—it’s about building a workplace where mothers feel supported as they grow their careers and care for their families. Over the past 11 years, women at Swiggy have led critical roles—driving impact and solving complex challenges. We understand that motherhood isn’t a single event, but a journey with evolving needs and challenges. That’s where ‘Mom’entum 2.0 comes in—a long-term, structured program that offers meaningful support, especially during the most formative years of motherhood. It’s designed to create an environment where women can grow in their careers while staying true to their personal journeys. This is another step in our ongoing commitment to building a truly inclusive workplace for all Swiggsters.”

 The ‘Mom’entum policy includes:

Pre-Childbirth Support

  • Pre-Parenthood Support: Swiggy’s gender-neutral policy supports individuals from the moment they consider parenthood, offering partial financial support for IVF and prenatal care, flexible work during IVF cycles, five paid leaves, and financial assistance per child for fertility treatments, adoption, or surrogacy procedures
  • Pre-Maternity & Transition Planning: Swiggy facilitates structured planning before maternity leave and begins check-ins two months prior to return, ensuring aligned expectations and a smooth re-entry.
  • Foster an inclusive environment: Swiggy runs expert-led ‘What To Expect’ sessions to equip managers and colleagues with empathy, care, and sensitivity to specifically support team members before, during, and after maternity leave.

Extended Maternity Support

After 26 weeks of maternity leave, mothers can opt to work from home for up to a year. The company provides financial support for the newborn, child insurance, and maternity expenses for biological and commissioning parents. Child welcome hampers, additional reimbursements for postnatal recovery, vaccinations, parenting workshops, essential gear, and other needs, plus access to prenatal and postnatal wellness sessions.

The ‘Mom’entum policy takes a comprehensive approach, offering mothers support that goes beyond financial assistance, including:

Post-Maternity Support

  • Flexible Work Arrangements and Part-Time Options: Apart from working from home, mothers can also opt for part-time roles with prorated pay if it suits their new schedule better. The policy also offers gender-neutral bonding leave of 15 days up to the child’s third year, and annual leave extensions
  • Career Continuity and Role Protection: Swiggy ensures career continuity through a structured transition plan, ensuring that mothers return to the same or a similar role. Returning mothers exploring internal opportunities will have access to at least three comparable internal job opportunities, along with mentorship from experienced Swiggy moms, buddy support, and access to the “Swiggy Moms Community”  for peer connection and guidance
  • Personalized Postpartum Support for Physical and Mental Wellbeing: To support new mothers after childbirth, Swiggy will facilitate expert-led sessions by certified mental health and financial wellness professionals, career coaches, and NLP practitioners. These sessions address key challenges such as postpartum depression, career re-entry anxiety, identity shifts, and caregiving fatigue. In addition, mothers have access to specialized medical support and dedicated wellness budgets, which can be used for physical and mental health services—including gym memberships, yoga classes, and other wellbeing resources.
  • Performance, Growth, and Recognition: The policy protects career growth by preserving performance ratings during maternity leave and processing promotions on schedule. Returning mothers have access to career development modules, group coaching, and one-on-one counseling on work-life balance and mental wellness, supported by a structured 30-60-90 day reintegration plan with their manager, HR, and the Swiggy mom community.

In line with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) vision, Swiggy introduced a gender-neutral parental policy in 2020, covering diverse paths to parenthood—including adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage, and IVF treatments. In 2024, it expanded this support with the Swiggy Paw-ternity Policy for pet parents. Together, these initiatives reflect Swiggy’s commitment to DEI, recognizing caregiving in all its forms and ensuring employees feel seen, supported, and valued across every life stage.

ODM Educational Group Hosts Knowledge Krawl 2025: A Pan-Campus Celebration of Hands-On Learning
Neel Achary education
ODM Educational Group Hosts Knowledge Krawl 2025: A Pan-Campus Celebration of Hands-On Learning

National, July 30, 2025: ODM Educational Group held its annual Knowledge Krawl Fest, bringing together four of its, campuses— ODM International School, Durgapur and Angul, ODM Sapphire Global School Ranchi and  Bhubaneswar—for a day focused on curiosity, creativity, and applied learning. The event focused on hands-on experiences that strengthen students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

At each campus, students participated in a range of activities like STEM demos, dramatizations, innovation expos, and AI workshops, all designed to take learning beyond textbooks and classrooms. The format of the event emphasized practical exploration and multidisciplinary learning.

“Creating opportunities where students can freely explore ideas and apply their learning to real-world contexts is at the heart of what we do,” said Dr. Satyabrata Minaketan, Founder and Chairman of ODM Educational Group. “We believe knowledge must remain in motion, evolving through questioning, discovering, and reimagining. This year’s event showed us how deeply learning can take root when it’s driven by curiosity and context. Whether it was through reinterpreting historical milestones, demystifying math puzzles, or venturing into AI applications, our students showed us that innovation can begin in the simplest moments of hands-on exploration.”

In Durgapur, ODM International School students combined science experiments with historical dramatizations. Mr. Rupak Das of Durgapur Women’s College opened the event by encouraging students to see science as a mindset that applies to everyday life, not just textbooks. They re-enacted scenes from India’s freedom movement and showcased eco-conscious inventions like smart dustbins, water level indicators, and wireless electricity models.

At ODM International School, Angul, students participated in interactive STEM demonstrations and performed skits based on academic concepts. STEM booths challenged learners with real-time science and maths demonstrations, while expert seminars fuelled deeper insight: Prof. (Dr.) Srinivas Sethi of IGIT Sarang explored Cyber Security for Grades VI–IX, and Ms. Soubhagya Laxmi Pagada traced the Evolution of Language’s cultural impact. Senior students explored topics such as cybersecurity and the evolution of language in expert-led sessions. The day concluded with spotlighting the top ten student projects for the Innovation Fest, celebrating student ingenuity in applying theory to real-world problems under the guidance of Ms. Paramjit Kaur and Ms. Salma Pati.

ODM Sapphire Global School highlighted earth science and AI-based learning. Primary students watched short films about planetary science, while older students attended an AI workshop by Guinness World Record holder Mr. Santosh Kumar of St. Xavier’s College. The event ended with a student-led Innovation Fest featuring real-world AI prototypes. 

At ODM Global School, Bhubaneswar, students engaged in historical interpretation and science-led exploration. Robotics workshops led by Mr. Sankhyasingh Mahapatra gave senior students an opportunity to build real solutions. Professors Pradeep Ku Rout and Bhagaban Das offered insights into chemistry and physics, connecting theory to everyday applications.

Knowledge Krawl 2025 underscored ODM’s focus on relevant, interdisciplinary education. The group continues to build learning experiences that span campuses and disciplines, preparing students with the tools to skilfully navigate the world.

Ministry of Education, Culture and Research of Moldova invites Indian students for Higher Education​
Neel Achary education
Ministry of Education, Culture and Research of Moldova invites Indian students for Higher Education​

July 30th, 2025; Mumbai, India: Unlocking access to affordable and high-quality education, the Republic of Moldova is now becoming an increasingly popular choice for students seeking quality education in a safe and welcoming environment. With university programs in English, scholarships on offer, degrees with global recognition, and a reasonable cost of living, Moldova offers students from India a well-rounded academic experience and a springboard toward European and global opportunities.

MALDOVA

A member of the Bologna Process, degrees earned in Moldova are recognised across Europe and other countries, facilitating further studies or international career integration. A gateway to EU career markets and systems, Moldova has a dynamic academic environment and international partnerships.

On welcoming Indian students, Dan Perciun, Minister of Education, Culture, and Research of Moldova, said: “The Republic of Moldova is proud to offer high-quality, internationally accredited education to students from around the world, especially from India. Our universities provide a safe, affordable, and inclusive environment, enabling students to excel academically and professionally. We are committed to not only equipping our graduates with the skills they need but also supporting their aspirations, whether they choose to build their careers here in Moldova or return to contribute to their home countries. Education is the foundation of our shared future, and we are excited to welcome more talented Indian students to join our vibrant academic community.”

Among the major universities are the Technical University of Moldova (TUM) which offers Veterinary Medicine, Business Administration, and Software Engineering degrees. At the Master’s level, TUM offers Data Science and Software Engineering. TUM is currently offering 5 fully-funded scholarships for Indians for its Veterinary Medicine and Software Engineering programmes.

Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM) is positioned as the only university in Moldova with an exclusive economic profile and offers Business and Administration, Hotel, Tourism and Leisure Services, World Economy and International Economic Relations, and Finance and Banking at the Bachelor’s level. At the Master’s level, ASEM offers International Transactions and Economic Diplomacy, Finance and Banking Administration, International Business and Law, and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova is the only higher education institution in Moldova that trains doctors and pharmacists. The university is internationally recognised and prepares professionals in various medical fields. USMF is affiliated with the European Academy of Optometry and Optics and offers Optometry. It also offers degrees in Stomatology and Pharmacy. An integrated program in Medicine (MD) is also offered, with a duration of 6 years. At the Master’s level, students can apply for a program in Molecular Technologies in Healthcare.

Moldova State University (MSU) is also a top academic centre with international credibility. It offers 14 programs including Game Design, World Economy, International and Economic Relations, among many others including Literature in English, Fresh and Spanish. At the Master’s level, MSU offers programs including Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Human Resources Management, International Law among others. Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Chișinău offers degrees in Animation and Psychology.

While Bachelor’s degrees span 3+ years, Masters’ Degrees would require students to study in Moldova for at least 18 months. The annual tuition fees in Moldovan universities are significantly lower if compared to other European countries. The annual tuition for Bachelors and Masters varies from subject to subject, starting at €1,800.

More details about university programs, admission steps, visa requirements, and accommodation options are available on the official platform: studyin.md

Keysight Installs World’s Largest Commercial Quantum Control System at AIST’s Leading-Edge G-QuAT Center
Neel Achary technology
Keysight Installs World’s Largest Commercial Quantum Control System at AIST’s Leading-Edge G-QuAT Center

INDIA – Keysight Technologies, Inc. has delivered the world’s largest[1] commercial quantum control system (QCS) to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan. The system has been integrated into the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT). This control system is now part of the new evaluation testbed at G-QuAT, which will push the limits of what is possible with quantum computing in terms of both scale and performance.

All quantum computers require a control system to translate from the classical world of code and cables to the quantum world of photons and qubits. As quantum computers grow in size, complexity, and performance, requirements for the control system become much more stringent. Any gap in the control system performance can compromise the capabilities of the quantum computer, so it was important for AIST to select the right partner for this critical component.

Thanks to early investments in scalable architecture, Keysight was able to deliver this control system capable of powering leading-edge quantum computers. Extensive testing demonstrated that rigorous requirements on noise, time alignment, and phase coherence are maintained across the system. This delivery establishes Keysight as the first commercial control system vendor to deliver a system that supports 1,000+ qubits and proves that Keysight’s QCS can meet the scaling challenges of next-generation quantum computers.

Dr. Masahiro Horibe, Deputy Director of G-QuAT, AIST, said: “The 1,000-qubit control system developed here is a groundbreaking device, the world’s first and largest of its kind, realized through Keysight’s exceptional engineering capabilities in response to our advanced technical requirements. The advancement of quantum technology requires not only theoretical progress but also sophisticated engineering to support it. This system has enabled the precise synchronization, control, and readout of complex multi-channel signals, making large-scale qubit operations possible. It is a clear demonstration that engineering is paving the way for the future of quantum technology. We express our deep respect for Keysight’s development capabilities and look forward with great anticipation to further technological innovations.”

Dr. Eric Holland, General Manager, Keysight Quantum Engineer Solutions, said: “Control systems serve a vital role in quantum computing, acting as the bidirectional bridge between the classical and quantum worlds. We are both honored and excited to partner with AIST G-QuAT, providing the hardware and software tools necessary to achieve the critical milestone of a 1,000-qubit quantum computer, a key step toward realizing quantum advantage for practical business applications.”

Ashok Leyland partners with West Bengal Gramin Bank for providing Vehicle Finance facilities
Neel Achary business
Ashok Leyland partners with West Bengal Gramin Bank for providing Vehicle Finance facilities

 National, 30h July 2025: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with West Bengal Gramin bank to enter into a strategic vehicle financing partnership for its customers. This MoU will enable both Ashok Leyland and West Bengal Gramin bank to offer customized financial solutions to them.

Mr. Viplav Shah, Head-LCV Business, Ashok Leyland and Mr. Rajesh Kumar Mishra, General Manager, West Bengal Gramin Bank signed the MoU in presence of Mr. Alok K Goel, Chairman, West Bengal Gramin Bank. Under this partnership, West Bengal Gramin Bank will be able to provide end-to-end financial solutions to the customers of Ashok Leyland. The partnership will focus on meeting customer needs by providing vehicle loans with convenient monthly repayment plans tailored to their preferences.

Mr. Viplav Shah, Head-LCV Business, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is delighted to partner with West Bengal Gramin Bank to provide attractive financing solutions to our customers. This strategic partnership will strengthen Ashok Leyland’s market position. Our products, featuring innovative technology, offer industry-leading total cost of ownership, ensuring maximum profitability for our customers. We remain committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”

Mr. Alok K Goel, Chairman, WBGB, said, “West Bengal Gramin Bank is pleased to partner with Ashok Leyland to offer seamless vehicle financing solutions. This association reflects our dedication to serving the diverse financial needs of commercial vehicle customers. We are confident that this collaboration will enable us to extend our reach and provide tailored financing options to support the growth of businesses in the commercial vehicle segment.”

Ashok Leyland today offers a comprehensive range of trucks and buses to meet the full spectrum of commercial vehicle needs, from intercity light commercial vehicles to long-haul trucks and a wide variety of buses. Ashok Leyland’s vehicles ensure safe transport and driver-friendly options. As a pioneer in technological innovations within the truck and bus segment, Ashok Leyland is fully equipped with a range of buses powered by alternative fuels, dedicated to reducing pollution and promoting an eco-friendly transport system in India.