IIIT-Bangalore’s MOSIP Project Recognized As WSIS Champion In E-Government Category At WSIS Prizes 2024

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore) announces that MOSIP (Modular Open-Source Identification Platform) has been recognized as a WSIS Champion in the e-government category at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes 2024.

The award is recognized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its outstanding contribution towards strengthening the implementation of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Outcomes.

Mr. Nagarajan Santhanam, Chief Dissemination Officer, MOSIP recently received the award from Mr. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General in Geneva.

The selection process for this prestigious award was rigorous, with 1,049 commendable projects assessed. During the online voting phase, 2 million votes were gathered across 18 categories, followed by a concluding jury selection to finalize the awardees. The MOSIP project garnered significant public support, leading to its recognition as one of the five WSIS Champions for 2024 in the e-governance category.

The WSIS is a unique, two-phase United Nations summit designed to address issues and concerns raised by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Its goal is to encourage a people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society where everyone can access, utilize and share information. The WSIS Prizes epitomize innovation and progress, showcasing projects aligned with WSIS Action Lines and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking about the achievement, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore, said, "We are delighted to announce that MOSIP has been recognized as a WSIS Champion in the e-government category at the WSIS Prizes 2024. This accolade highlights the dedication and innovation of our team in creating inclusive and empowering ID systems. We are grateful for the global support and remain committed to encouraging collaboration and progress in digital identity. This recognition inspires us to continue empowering lives, one unique ID at a time. The technologists, policy experts, academics and advisors that make up the MOSIP team and its partners find common ground in their dedication to collaboration and innovation."

Prof. S. Rajagopalan, President – MOSIP, added, “We are honoured to receive this prestigious recognition in the e-governance category of the WSIS Prizes 2024. With 110+ million residents now registered on MOSIP-based systems across 20 countries, MOSIP has been dedicated to the targets of the WSIS Action Lines and SDG16.9 — ‘providing legal identity for all’ — since 2018. We thank the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) for their acknowledgment of MOSIP’s work and commitment to our shared goals, and look forward to a future where we continue to support the development of inclusive, innovative, and human-centric Digital Public Infrastructure.”

World Economic Forum Honors NxtWave As Tech Pioneer 2024 For Transforming Lives of Over 1,00,000+ Unemployed Indian Graduates

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has proudly recognized NxtWave as a Tech Pioneer 2024 for its exceptional contributions to reducing unemployment and transforming the lives of over 1,00,000 graduates across India, with a significant focus on Karnataka. This prestigious award highlights NxtWave’s innovative approach to bridging the skills gap and promoting economic growth through advanced technologies and education.

NxtWave joins an exclusive group of just 12 startups nationwide to receive this recognition, alongside household names like Google, Twitter, and Spotify from previous cohorts.

NxtWave, a trailblazer in tech education and employability solutions, has revolutionized the job landscape for unemployed graduates by offering industry-relevant training programs tailored to meet the demands of the modern job market. The company’s comprehensive curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry experts, emphasizes cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and software development.

“We are immensely honored to receive the Tech Pioneer award from the World Economic Forum,” said Rahul Attuluri, CEO of NxtWave. “This recognition underscores our commitment to empowering young graduates with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market. We are particularly proud of our impact in Karnataka, where our efforts have helped thousands of individuals secure meaningful employment and contribute to the local economy.”

In Karnataka, NxtWave has made significant strides in addressing unemployment through strategic partnerships with local educational institutions and businesses. By providing high-quality training and job placement opportunities, NxtWave has enabled numerous students to launch successful careers in the tech industry. The program’s success stories include graduates who have been hired by leading tech companies, started their own ventures, and played pivotal roles in the state’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.

NxtWave’s approach to education combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. The platform offers personalized learning paths, real-time mentorship, and a robust support network to ensure students not only acquire new skills but also gain the confidence to apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

The World Economic Forum’s Tech Pioneer award acknowledges NxtWave’s profound impact and its potential to drive social and economic change. As a Tech Pioneer, NxtWave will join a global community of innovators who are leveraging technology to solve critical challenges and create a brighter future.

About the World Economic Forum:

The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. It was established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is independent, impartial and not tied to any special interests.

About the Innovator Communities:

The Innovator Communities are a group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups at the forefront of technological and business model innovation. Comprising three sub-communities –the Technology Pioneers, Global Innovators and Unicorns –the Innovator Communities accompany start-ups along their growth journey. The World Economic Forum provides the sub-communities with a platform to engage with public- and private-sector leaders and to contribute new solutions to overcome current crises and build future resiliency. Companies invited to join the Innovator Communities will engage with one or more of the Forum’s centres, as relevant, to help define the global agenda on critical issues.

About NxtWave:

Founded by alumni of premier Indian institutions, including IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur, and IIIT Hyderabad – Sashank Reddy Gujjula, Anupam Pedarla, and Rahul Attuluri, NxtWave is on a mission to create India’s largest employability platform for tech careers. NxtWave offers vernacular, asynchronous, and online cohort-based training programs in Industry 4.0 Tech career tracks for college students, graduates, and early professionals. Over the past couple of years, NxtWave has facilitated the hiring of thousands of its learners by more than 1700 companies, ranging from fast-growing startups to Fortune 500 giants. For more information on NxtWave, visit [NxtWave’s website] (https://www.ccbp.in/)

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Releases May’24 Vehicle Retail Data

Highlights

Overall Growth: The Indian Auto Retail sector achieved a 2.61% YoY growth in May 2024.

Segment Growth: Two-Wheelers (2W) up by 2.5% YoY, Three-Wheelers (3W) increased by 20% YoY, Passenger Vehicles (PV) declined by -1% YoY, Tractors (Trac) de-grew by -1% YoY and Commercial Vehicles (CV) experienced a growth of 4% YoY.

Market Factors:

Positive Sentiments: Positive rural demand due to expected good monsoon and improved finance availability kept the counters ticking.

Supply and Demand: Good movement in market loads, cement, iron ore, and coal sectors contributed positively despite supply constraints and lack of OEM marketing activities.

Weather Impact: Extreme heat and elections significantly impacted footfall, with showrooms seeing an 18% drop in walk-ins.

Challenges Identified:

Election Impact: Elections and related uncertainties affected customer sentiment, delaying purchasing decisions.

Financial Constraints: Market liquidity issues and high inventory levels strained dealership profitability.

Weather Extremes: Extreme heat and above normal rains forecast could further impact sales and walk-ins.

Near-Term Outlook: The industry remains cautiously optimistic. Post-election stability and a continuity in the government are expected to boost infrastructure projects and economic activities. Above-normal rains forecasted by the IMD should enhance rural demand and support economic activities. However, addressing extreme weather challenges, intense competition, and liquidity issues will be crucial for sustained market improvement.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for May'24.

May’24 Retails 

FADA President Mr. Manish Raj Singhania commented on May 2024's auto retail performance, stating, “In May 2024, the Indian Auto Retail sector achieved a modest 2.61% YoY growth. The two-wheeler (2W), three-wheeler (3W) and commercial vehicle (CV) segments grew by 2.5%, 20% and 4% while passenger vehicle (PV) and tractor (Trac) were in red by 1% each YoY.

The two-wheeler segment grew by 2.5% YoY but declined by 6.6% MoM. Dealers reported supply constraints, lack of OEM marketing activities and impacts from extremely hot weather and elections. Positive rural demand due to expected good monsoon and improved finance availability were also noted which kept the counters ticking.

The PV segment showed -1% YoY and a -9.5% MoM decline. Dealers cited the impact of elections, extreme heat and market liquidity issues as major factors. Despite better supply, some pending bookings and discount schemes, the lack of new models, intense competition and poor marketing efforts by OEMs affected sales. Additionally, increased customer postponements and low enquiries further contributed to the challenging market conditions. Due to the extreme heat, the number of walk-ins to showrooms dropped by around 18%.

The CV segment showed a 4% YoY growth but an -8% MoM decline. Dealers reported that elections and extreme climatic conditions heavily impacted sales. Despite growth due to a low base from last year and increased bus orders, the industry faced challenges from wholesale pressures, government policy effects, and negative market sentiment. Additionally, good movement in market loads, cement, iron ore, and coal sectors contributed positively.

Overall, while the auto retail sector saw mixed results, the industry is navigating through significant challenges with cautious optimism for the coming months.”

Near-Term Outlook

The near-term outlook for the Automobile Retail is ‘cautiously optimistic’, influenced by a mix of positive and challenging factors across various segments. Post-election results are expected to bring stability and improve market sentiment, while the formation of a continued government could boost infrastructure projects and economic activities. Dealers are hopeful about better supplies and positive movement in key sectors like cement, coal and iron ore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal rains at 106% of the long-period average (LPA) this year, which is expected to enhance rural demand and support economic activities. However, extreme weather, such as heatwaves and heavy rains, along with the reopening of schools in July, might delay purchase decisions.

Despite these positive indicators, challenges persist, including intense competition, lack of new model launches and poor marketing efforts by OEMs. Liquidity issues and high inventory levels continue to strain profitability for Dealerships. Although discount schemes and good product availability are in place, low customer enquiries and postponements due to seasonal factors remain concerns.

Uneven monsoon rains have previously impacted farm sector growth and while this year’s above-normal forecast is promising, it raises the risk of possible floods in some regions, potentially disrupting the market. Overall, while there is potential for growth with the new government formation and favourable economic conditions, addressing these challenges will be crucial for sustained improvement in the automotive market.

Bank of Baroda Launches “Hackathon On Generative AI In Collaboration With Microsoft”

- Nationwide hackathon for developers, students, professionals, start-ups & fintechs to showcase innovative solutions and co-create solutions with the Bank

- Top three winners will be awarded cumulative prize money of Rs 10 lakh

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, has announced the launch of a nationwide online hackathon on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), in collaboration with Microsoft. The hackathon aims to inspire participants to develop innovative solutions using GenAI technology to address specific business areas defined by the Bank. The top three teams will receive cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh each, and the Bank will look to implement the best ideas that emerge from the hackathon.

Open to both individuals and teams—including developers, students, professionals, start-ups, and fintechs—the two-month-long event will focus on ideation and prototype development. Bank of Baroda is seeking groundbreaking solutions in six areas: customer service, financial advisory, audit & compliance, risk management, operational efficiency and personalised content generation.

Shri Sanjay Mudaliar, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “Bank of Baroda is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation. With the banking industry evolving rapidly, the advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence marks a new frontier. Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI, holds immense potential to transform the way we approach banking, offering new ways to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive efficiencies. We firmly believe that by working together with like-minded innovators, we can create transformative solutions that will redefine the banking landscape for the better. We are also pleased to collaborate with Microsoft in this initiative.” 

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Puneet Chandok, President, Microsoft India and South Asia said, “We at Microsoft are thrilled to share a common vision of a tech powered India with Bank of Baroda. Our journey is fueled by Azure OpenAI’s digital innovation, and together, we are ushering in a transformative era in customer banking. Through the Gen AI Hackathon, an initiative by Bank of Baroda, we look forward to developers utilising Azure OpenAI’s capabilities to architect unique digital solutions for the Indian banking sector.”

Contestants can participate in the hackathon by visiting https://bobhackathon.com. Participants can form a team of a maximum of four people to participate. Individuals and teams can register for the hackathon and submit ideas from 10th June 2024 to  30th June 2024 (both dates inclusive). Shortlisted teams will be asked to develop a prototype which will form the basis for deciding the winners. Shortlisted teams will be provided Azure credits, technical resources and mentoring sessions by Microsoft and Bank of Baroda subject matter experts.

Samsung Launches 2024 QLED 4K Premium TV Series With Quantum Dot Feature, 4K Upscaling Starting INR 65990

* The 2024 QLED 4K TV series now comes with Quantum Dot and Quantum HDR technology enabling consumers to enjoy a billion shades of true-to-life colours

The model comes with the brilliant 4K upscaling technology that transforms content in to near-4K quality, paving the way for users to enter the world of premium entertainment

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today launched the 2024 QLED 4K TV series at a starting price of INR 65990 in India. The 2024 QLED 4K TV line-up comes with a plethora of premium features.

The 2024 QLED 4K TV will come in three sizes - 55”, 65” and 75”. It is available on online platforms including Samsung.com and Amazon.in, beginning today.

Powered by Quantum Processor Lite 4K, the 2024 QLED 4K TV series provides 100% colour volume with Quantum Dot and Quantum HDR. It also comes with 4K upscaling, which enables users to enjoy high-resolution 4K content; Q-Symphony sound technology, Dual LED, Motion Xcelerator for gaming and Pantone Validation, a trusted symbol of colour fidelity for consumers.

“Content consumption has changed rapidly over the past couple of years with users demanding a more immersive and premium viewing experience. To cater to this demand, we have launched the 2024 QLED 4K TV series which is a stepping-stone in the world of premium and elevated viewing experiences. The new TV series provides life-like picture quality with the 4K upscaling feature that refines the content on the screen to near-4K levels, taking the overall viewing experience several notches higher,” said Mohandeep Singh, Senior Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung India.

Quantum Technology

Going beyond industry standards, the 2024 QLED 4K TV series is adept with Quantum Processor Lite 4K – a powerful processor that optimises viewing and sound conditions. Additionally, the Quantum HDR feature allows a wide range of contrast in cinematic scale. A billion shades of life-like colours come on screen thanks to Quantum Dot technology, displaying hues accurately even with varied levels of brightness.

Ace Picture Quality

The ultimate 4K upscaling feature delivers superior visual experience - regardless of the resolution of the content users are watching, they can enjoy life-like picture quality as the TVs automatically upgrade to near-4K levels. Moreover, Pantone Validation certifies the accurate expression of over 2000+ colours and Dual LED’s innovative backlighting technology brings bolder contrast by augmenting the backlight colour tone to match the type of content being watched.

Designed for the Future

The 2024 QLED 4K TV series displays a seamless AirSlim design, making it blend into the wall like never before. The boundless screen and adjustable stand elevate the home entertainment set-up. The TV series also enhances the sustainability cohort with assistance from SolarCell Remote that can operate without the need for batteries. In addition, AI Energy Mode provides energy saving benefits.

Brilliant Sound

For a truly immersive content viewing experience, the 2024 QLED 4K TV series features Q-Symphony, OTS Lite and Adaptive Sound features, allowing users to feel the on-screen motion as if it is real. It creates a 3D surround sound effect through real-time content analysis, creating an immersive watching experience.

Gaming Paradise

The 2024 QLED 4K TV series comes with the Motion Xcelerator and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), optimising competency for gamers. Predicting the movement between the frames, these features improve the smoothness of the screen’s motion and provide faster frame transition with low latency.

Other Smart Features

The 2024 QLED 4K TV series also features Samsung’s TV Plus service comprising 100+ free channels. Furthermore, the built-in Multi Voice Assistant provides customers seamless connectivity, while Samsung Knox, the top-tier security solution, provides a safe home experience.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the world of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow u.

Yamaha Launches Fascino S With ‘Answer Back’ Feature Across India

* Available in the exhilarating Matte Red, Matte Black and Dark Matte Blue colour shades

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd., in alignment with ‘The Call of the Blue’ brand campaign, today launched the Fascino S model with an ‘Answer Back’ feature. Fascino S encapsulates the essence of stylish European design, performance, and innovation. The premium scooter model, a vibrant addition to Yamaha’s portfolio, is available in the striking Matte Red and Matte Black color shades, along with the captivating Dark Matte Blue colour option, further enhancing the brand’s reputation for elegance and style.

The highlight of the 2024 Fascino S model is the ‘Answer Back’ function. The feature can be used by the customers through Yamaha’s mobile Application called as ‘Yamaha Scooter Answer Back’. By pressing the answer back button within the application, the riders can easily locate their scooter. It responds by activating both left and right indicators along with a horn sound for approximately two seconds – adding to the convenience and ensuring a more enjoyable ride for customers. The Application can be installed easily from Google Playstore/App Store.

Fascino S model continues to feature Yamaha’s cutting-edge BS VI compliant, air-cooled, fuel-injected (Fi), 125 cc Blue Core hybrid engine with Smart Motor Generator (SMG), enabling “Silent Start” of the engine, and delivering unmatched “Power Assist” performance. The model is also equipped with advanced automatic Stop & Start System (SSS) including Normal Mode and Traffic Mode, providing riders with an effortless riding experience coupled with reduced fuel consumption.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of Companies, said, “With the evolving trends in the two-wheeler industry, making the portfolio most relevant for the target audience is of utmost importance. Today, Indian urban consumers are exhibiting mature choices that are bold, dynamic, and smart. At Yamaha, we consistently prioritize customer needs and create solutions that adds value to their overall ride experience. The 'Answer Back' feature in Fascino S will surely resonate with our customers who appreciate Yamaha for its unique style and great convenience. We will continue to innovate and introduce such convenient features to deliver an enriching experience to our customers.”

These exciting enhancements underscore Yamaha’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting new standards in the scooter segment. As the Fascino S continues to charm riders nationwide with its blend of style and technology, Yamaha remains at the forefront of transforming premium urban mobility on two wheels.

Fascino S will be available at all Yamaha authorized showrooms, at the below mentioned price:

Color                                       Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Matte Red & Matte Black          Rs. 93,730/-

Dark Matte Blue                       Rs. 94,530/-

About Yamaha Motor India group of companies:

Yamaha Motor made its initial foray into India in 1985 as a joint venture. In August 2001, it became a 100% subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Japan (YMC). In 2008, Mitsui & Co., Ltd. entered into an agreement with YMC to become a joint investor in India Yamaha Motor Private Limited (IYM). IYM's manufacturing facilities comprise State-of-the-art plants at Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu). The infrastructure at these plants supports the production of motorcycles and parts for the domestic as well as overseas markets. YMC has established its subsidiaries - Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt Ltd. (YMRI), Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd. (YMIS) and Yamaha Motor India Pvt Ltd. (YMI) in India to independently support IYM in the development, sales & marketing of its products and overall business planning & regional control respectively. Presently, its product portfolio includes YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15S V3 (155cc),  MT-15 V2 (155cc); FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc), AEROX Version S (155cc), AEROX (155cc) and scooters like Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

Evolving A Roadmap To Balance Decarbonisation, Degrowth And True Circular Economy For Attainment Of SDGs At SUSTAINITI 2024, MAHE

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in partnership with the ISEC Bengaluru and IIPA Karnataka Regional Branch (IIPA-KRB) organised ‘SUSTAINITI’ 2024, a National Seminar on Sustainable Development in an Unequal World – Public Policy Paths 2024 on the 5th and 6th of June 2024 at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus (MAHE-B'LURU), Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The focus of the seminar were on the roles of public policy in sustainable development keeping in mind the challenges to socio-economic and environmental sustainability posed by urbanisation.

While welcoming the delegates, dignitaries and participants to the seminar, Dr. Harini Santhanam, Head, Department of Public Policy, MAHE highlighted the existing need to recognise the importance of a trans-disciplinary platform to discuss the new-age challenges to sustainable development. The seminar was inaugurated by Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE-B'LURU who emphasised on the roles of policymaking and policymakers in ensuring that climate change adaptation must be planned hand-in-hand with the human development. Quoting the dedication to campus-wide efforts at MAHE B'LURU, Prof. Madhu provided examples of efforts such as planting drives, water and waste management, conservation of biotic communities in the campus as committed contributions to the achievement of the SDG Goals.

Senior policymaker and visionary administrator, Shri. A. Ramanathan, IAS (Retd.) launched the website of IIPA-KRB in the presence of Shri. T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS (Retd.), Chairperson IIPA-KRB, Prof. M.V. Nadkarni, Emeritus professor and economist, ISEC, Prof. D. Rajasekhar, Director - ISEC among other distinguished guests and administrators who graced the occasions. Three books authored by Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander, Ex- Executive Director, PAF; Prof. V. Anil Kumar, Head, CPIGD, ISEC and Prof. Jeevan Kumar, Secretary, IIPA-KRB were released as part of the event. Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for the collaboration between MAHE, IIPA-KRB and ISEC Bengaluru were also exchanged. In his keynote address, Prof. M.V. Nadkarni, heavily stressed on the need to reconsider the development as not an outcome of only economic growth but as the social impacts for communities. He also emphasised the significance for policymakers to contribute to circular economy initiatives through strong policy pathways.

Two important panel discussions - one focussing on the multiple dimensions of rural, urban and environmental sustainability and the other on the roles of public policy communications for acheiving sustainable development provided very important insights. Speaking on rural and urban sustainability, Prof. Rajasekhar and Dr. Krishna Raj, ISEC highlighted the need to assess the rural-urban links closely. Dr. Siddhartha Krishnan, Director, ATREE presented a unique perspective to balance decarbonisation and degrowth from reformist versus radical angles. Speaking on the roles of reliable data on environment and climate change, Dr. Indu Murthy, CSTEP highlighted need to strengthen national and regional initiatives that are aligned to global frameworks to help achieve India's climate goals. r. Annapoorna Ravichander stressed on the role of media and effective communication in influencing policy making decisions, especially using data, based on her long-term experiences in training academicians, students, CSOs and Government officers to name a few.

About 30 selected papers were presented with the research conducted by researchers, students and faculty members and discussed for their value-addition to proactive policymaking for sustainable development. Chairpersons of various sessions including, Dr. Pranab J Patar, Assam Science Society (New Delhi and NCR); Dr. Dhanasree Jayaram & Dr. Vivek Pandi, MAHE Manipal and Dr. Deepta Sateesh, SMI, MAHE-B'LURU stressed on the need for enhancing methodological and data reliability to plan policies. More deliberations on Day 2 focussed on the roles of socio-economic factors in producing effective policymaking chaired by Dr. R. Manjula, Dr. Vilas Jadhav, Dr. Akshata Nayak, Dr. V. Karthick, Dr. Indrajit Bairagya and Dr. K.C. Smitha from ISEC.

Speaking at the Valedictory session, Prof. Raghavendra Prabhu, Deputy Registrar, MAHE-B'LURU spoke on the need to a reliable platform for addressing the strategic alliances in building partnerships in the domain of public policymaking. The major outcome of the event was that the deliberations successfully provided a strong roadmap to plan decentralisation and localisation of SDGs at urban and state levels in order to acheive desired ground-level social impacts. These plans and roadmap were taken into cognisance by senior policymakers who participated in the event, making this a unique event contributing to the knowledge-base on balancing implementing decarbonisation and degrowth, SDGs, public policies and their challenges.