IIIT-Bangalore Hosts Confluence 2025: A Celebration Of Patterns In Nature, Technology, And Design

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) successfully hosted the second edition of its flagship event, Confluence 2025, on January 18. The event attracted over 400 attendees and served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, fostering innovation, and celebrating creativity.

This year’s theme, Cadence of Creations – Exploring the Beauty of Patterns in Nature, Technology, and Design, highlighted the interconnectedness of disciplines and the power of collaboration. The event was generously sponsored by Canara Bank, UpGrad, Whatfix, and ICICI Bank.

The event featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including:

Advit Sahdev (Marketing Strategist)

Dejeshwini N (Illustrator)

Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan (Educator)

Prof. Rajendra Bera (Aeronautical Engineer and Author)

Nandita Jayaraj (Science Communicator & Journalist)

Suman John (Social Entrepreneur)

Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur)

“IIIT-B has always been a hub for innovation and a melting pot of ideas. Confluence 2025 reflects our commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and meaningful discussions. This year’s theme, Cadence of Creations, highlights the interconnectedness of patterns in nature, technology, and design. Events like Confluence which are completely student driven, ignite curiosity, broaden horizons, and prepare our students to lead with creativity and purpose. The success of this second edition reflects the power of shared ideas and collective growth." said Prof. Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore.

Event Highlights

The day opened with Advit Sahdev, who connected marketing strategies with historical contexts, emphasizing the significance of timing in decision-making. Dejeshwini N followed with a captivating session, showcasing patterns in art, colors, and creativity, leaving the audience with a renewed appreciation for artistic expression.Dr. Vijender Singh Chauhan delivered a powerful session on the influence of social media algorithms and biases in generative AI. He underscored the importance of critical thinking and diverse representation among influencers, urging participants to reflect on their digital consumption habits. Prof. Rajendra Bera took the audience on a journey through the world of physics, discussing patterns in natural phenomena and their applications in building advanced AI systems. His session prompted thoughtful engagement from students.

In the afternoon session, Nandita Jayaraj shared her experiences as a science communicator, celebrating the contributions of women in science and inspiring young women to embrace their scientific potential.

Suman John highlighted the importance of disability inclusion, offering practical insights on fostering inclusivity in daily life and creating a society that values diversity.

The event concluded with an inspiring talk by Ankur Warikoo, who shared real-world experiences on navigating life’s challenges, overcoming failures, and finding clarity amidst uncertainty. His address encouraged attendees to embrace courage, believe in their entrepreneurial potential, and steer their careers toward success.

Confluence 2025 established itself as a dynamic platform for thought-provoking discussions, innovative ideas, and meaningful connections. IIIT-B continues to champion the exchange of knowledge and the celebration of creativity through such transformative initiatives.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bengaluru, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations.

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students cognizant of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

Tanishq Celebrates ‘Festival Of Diamonds Across Indian Market’

~The Brand also unveiled its latest natural diamond collection- ‘Unbound’, a tribute to the free spirit of the modern Indian woman~

Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata, invites you to celebrate with the Festival of Diamonds this season. With its latest launch, the brand reinstates the thought of “making any moment sparkle - your moment, your sparkle”.  While Tanishq diamonds shine brilliantly on your special days, they are your ally for the not-so-perfect ones too -to uplift your spirit, boost your confidence, and make every day a little brighter with style. To add to the excitement, Tanishq has also launched its latest natural diamond jewellery collection, Unbound, offering a new level of elegance and style to elevate every occasion.

Tanishq’s latest natural diamonds collection, Unbound, is a tribute to the free spirit of the modern Indian woman, celebrating her individuality and the multifaceted life she leads. Each piece in this collection reflects her elegance, strength, and the personal journey that defines her. Crafted with exquisite 1ct to 3ct diamonds set in 18kt gold, the collection embodies fluidity and organic movement, symbolizing her unique facets. Featuring neckwear, pendant sets, cocktail rings, and earrings offering a dazzling expression of self for every woman. The pieces are crafted with natural diamonds, enamel and coloured stones, ensuring endless ways of styling. Designed for daily wear, these pieces seamlessly transition from casual to formal occasions, celebrating individuality and self-expression. This season, celebrate with Tanishq’s Festival of Diamonds offering up to 20% off* on exquisite natural diamond jewellery value, offer starting on 9th January 2025. Additionally, customers can also exchange their old Tanishq diamond jewellery at 100%* current exchange value for a stunning new design.

The newly launched capsule collection of modular diamond jewellery is versatile yet classy which can be dressed up and down. The brand redefines elegance with this latest launch that can be adorned for brunches to gala dinners, catering to suit every occasion and style. Whether you are shopping for a wedding trousseau or looking for the perfect gift to cherish a loved one, this festival is the ideal occasion to explore Tanishq’s exquisite natural diamonds collection with jewellery starting at INR 15,000.

Celebrate this New Year with Tanishq’s Festival of Diamonds, where every sparkle tells a story. Visit your nearest Tanishq store and indulge in this spectacular ‘Festival of Diamonds’ or shop from the comfort of your home at https://www.tanishq.co.in/festival-of-diamond?lang=en_IN

Tata Play Launches ‘Sirf Lage Mehenga’ Campaign, Introduces Super Value TV Packs For The Viewers

*        Tata Play Super Value Packs are specially curated keeping every family member in mind

*        Packs starts at INR255 for Tata Play Kannada Super Value Pack  

Tata Play, India’s leading Direct to Home (DTH) provider, has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Sirf Lage Mehenga,’ celebrating new year and the harvest season. Catering to the choices of every family member, Tata Play’s Kannada Super Value Pack offers an extensive, budget-friendly, high quality entertainment experience including genres like general entertainment, news, sports, music, movies, devotional, Kids and more.

Conceptualized by Ogilvy, ‘Sirf Lage Mehenga’ campaign showcases a series of overstatement parody films that humorously dispels the myth of DTH services being expensive. The films highlight how Tata Play delivers world class entertainment at an affordable price, ensuring an uncompromised viewing experience. By weaving humor into crucial nail-biting situations, the films emphasize the joy of discovering original and premium entertainment that is available on television. The campaign has been customized in different languages to appeal to viewers across the country. 

Tata Play continues to set the benchmark in delivering value-driven entertainment for audiences across geographies, tiers, hierarchies and echelons.

With packs starting at INR 255 per month, viewers can change or choose their packs by visiting the Tata Play website at https://www.tataplay.com/ or by visiting the Manage Section in the Tata Play Mobile App. They can also visit their nearest dealers in the region to avail the offer.

Workplace Wellbeing Redefined: 1to1help’s 2024 Insights Into Counselling, Trends, And Resilience

1to1help, India’s leading Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service provider, has published its yearly report titled "State of Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024", focused on key trends and challenges around workplace mental health. Based on a substantial dataset of over 83,000 counselling sessions, 12,000 elective screenings, and 42,000 assessments from January to November 2024. The report reveals an increase in the uptake of counselling services among corporate employees. More interestingly, mental health concerns have risen to 15% and is one of the top 2 concerns for which employees reach out for counselling, as compared to previous years.

This also suggests that people are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and no longer view it as taboo, which has led them to seek counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or stress.

Ms. Mahua Bisht, CEO of 1to1help, stated, “Last year, we embarked on the journey of providing industry leaders with authentic, reliable data and actionable insights based on our counselling sessions. Each year, we seek to improve the data we share as well as the impact we deliver, and you will see more granularity in the findings of this year’s report. What really stood out to me this year was that we were able to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, significantly and demonstrably for individuals struggling with these issues in as few as three sessions.

In addition, we found that managers can play a life-changing role, as over half of the manager referrals we received involved a presence of suicidal risk.

This shows the importance of organizations and crucially, of managers in helping employees reach the right support at the right time.”

Major Highlights from 2024:

1. Mental Health and Workplace Relationship-Related Concerns on the Rise

The support sought through counselling for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress increased to 15%. While counselling related to workplace concerns constituted 11% of the total counselling sessions, workplace relationship-related discussions claimed the top spot, comprising 23% of all such discussions.

2. Gender-Specific Insights

Counseling uptake by men rose by 7%, with 70% of financial consultations being undertaken by men, reflecting their worries about financial anxiety and societal pressure surrounding their role as the ‘breadwinner’ of the family. Notably, there was a disproportionately larger representation of women in counseling with 52% of all counseling sessions being taken by women despite their lower representation in the workplace. Interestingly, 60% of relationship counseling was sought by women, affirming the emotional burden they often bear, in nurturing relationships.

3. Generational Differences in Mental Health

The findings reveal that signs of depression and anxiety were more pronounced among individuals under 30 than those over 45 years. This is likely attributed to stressors like relocation, career changes, and relationship difficulties in their early and mid-twenties. Organizations can support their young employees by facilitating open communication, demonstrating flexibility in work arrangements, and providing opportunities for growth within their organizations.

4. Distress and Suicide Risk Cases Surge

The data reveals a 22% increase in suicide risk and a 17% increase in distress cases compared to 2023. Alarmingly, 59% of employees referred by their managers showed signs of self-harm, reaffirming the need for manager training to help and support distressed employees. The report also reveals that the dependents of employees are at higher risk of suicide, stressing the need to extend emotional well-being assistance to employees’ family members as well.

5. Digital-Life Balance: A Growing Concern

According to the data, only 3% of individuals maintained a healthy digital balance, with most finding it challenging to disconnect from devices. This highlights the need to prioritize non-digital engagement and provide strategies to help employees manage technology use effectively.

6. Effectiveness of Counseling

98% of individuals achieved their goals or made significant progress within just three counseling sessions, underscoring the tangible impact of timely mental health support. Among those who initially screened positive for depression, 53% reported a significant decrease in depression symptoms, and 48% reported decreased anxiety. These results show that structured counseling can effectively address emotional challenges and promote well-being in a short period of time.

The data released in this year's 1to1help report highlights the urgent need for organizations to prioritize mental health by fostering psychologically safe workplaces, training managers to identify distress, and extending EAP services to employees’ dependents. It also suggests that by encouraging digital detox initiatives organizations can further promote healthier work-life integration.

Zuno General Insurance Brings Road Safety To Life With Its “Talking Zebra” Campaign

Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, a new-age digital insurer, has launched a unique road safety awareness initiative, “The Talking Zebra” to educate motorists and pedestrians about the importance of following traffic rules in an engaging and memorable way.  

This initiative, spanning from 16th Jan to 25th Jan is part of Zuno General Insurance's commitment to promote responsible driving habits for safer roads and aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) declaration of January as Road Safety Month.  Through the Talking Zebra Campaign, Zuno aims to amplify the national focus on reducing road accidents and fostering a culture of responsible road usage.

The Talking Zebra campaign is an innovative one-of-a-kind initiative that features a witty and interactive Zebra that is brought to life at traffic signals. As part of the campaign, a promoter dressed as a zebra—the very embodiment of zebra crossings—will interact with people at busy traffic signals.  in six major cities - Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The mascot will interact with drivers and pedestrians, using wit, and humor to make road safety a topic everyone wants to talk about and a real concern. The Talking Zebra will remind everyone to "Keep your cool, follow traffic rules" while promoting essential practices like respecting zebra crossings, stopping at red lights, and avoiding jaywalking.

Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance said, “Road safety is a critical and shared responsibility, and at Zuno we are committed to launching initiatives that create lasting, positive change. The Talking Zebra campaign is our unique way of blending education with entertainment to encourage positive behavior on the streets, both for the driving community and pedestrians. We have also gone a step beyond awareness by using rewards to influence behavioural change with our telematics-based Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD), that incentivises good driving behaviour with discounts on the car insurance premium. By participating in PHYD, drivers will be encouraged to adopt safer practices, ultimately contributing to safer roads, fewer accidents, and reduced fatalities across India.”

Every year, India sees a high number of pedestrian accidents, often caused by reckless drivers who ignore traffic rules and zebra crossings. Kolkata too witnessed around 15% increase in accidents in the last five years, pedestrian safety remains a major concern due to factors such as heavy traffic, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement of safety measures like zebra crossings. The "India Status Report on Road Safety 2024," by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights India's slow progress in reducing road accident fatalities. Despite advances in other sectors, road traffic injuries remain a major public health issue, and most states are unlikely to meet the UN’s goal of halving traffic deaths by 2030. Comparing India to road safety leaders like Sweden, the report shows that while in 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident, by 2021 this figure had risen to 600%.

The Annual Report on Road Accidents in India available till (2022) recorded 4,61,312 crashes marginally low by 1% in the last five years, leading to 1,68,491 fatalities and 4,43,366 injuries. On an average, India experiences 53 crashes and 92 deaths per hour. According to global data, India witnesses the highest number of road accidents in the world.

Ketan Mankikar, Head & VP Marketing & Communications, Zuno General Insurance said, “The Talking Zebra is more than just a campaign; it’s a conversation starter, it’s a movement to inspire everyone to follow traffic rules and make roads safer. By using wit and humor, we aim to make safety more relatable, memorable, and ultimately, impactful. With a sense of humour and originality, "The Talking Zebra" hopes to leave an impression on drivers that will lead to behavioural change. As a brand that stands for being easy, breezy, and surely, we are excited to bring this concept to life and see how it sparks a positive change on the roads.”

The campaign addresses pedestrian safety issues by introducing innovative and creative concepts that apply to both drivers and walkers.

To maximise the campaign’s reach and impact, Zuno General Insurance has partnered with popular radio channel Red FM, allowing ‘The Talking Zebra’s’ voice to amplify the message across airwaves. Zuno General Insurance has also taken the campaign to the public encouraging them to join the movement on social media with hashtags #TalkingZebra, #RespectTheStripes, and #StayCoolFollowRules.

Zuno General Insurance invites everyone to join The Talking Zebra movement and take a pledge to follow traffic rules. Together, let’s respect the stripes, stay safe, and make our roads a better place for all.

PNB, Sony Entertainment Television Partner As The ‘Official Banking Partner’ For Kaun Banega Crorepati - Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav

Punjab National Bank (PNB), nation’s leading public sector bank, has announced its collaboration with Sony Entertainment Television for its iconic quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), as the ‘Official Banking Partner’ for its Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav.

This strategic partnership reflects PNB’s efforts to advancing financial inclusion by empowering citizens with secure, convenient, and transparent banking solutions. As the ‘Official Banking Partner’, PNB also aims to leverage the widespread reach, immense popularity, and emotional connection of Kaun Banega Crorepati to engage with millions of Indians and showcase their comprehensive range of banking products and services and digital solutions like the PNB ONE App.

Speaking about the partnership, Shri Sanjay Varshneya, CGM – Corporate Communications at PNB, said, “We are delighted to be the official banking partner of Kaun Banega Crorepati - Gyan Ka Rajat Mahotsav, a show that inspires and resonates with millions of Indians and celebrates the power of knowledge. This collaboration aligns perfectly with PNB’s mission to empower individuals and communities through innovative and accessible banking solutions. It also reinforces the Bank’s vision of becoming the preferred banking partner by building strong emotional connections with viewers. We look forward to this exciting journey with KBC as we continue to drive financial awareness and inclusion across the nation.”

PNB remains steadfast in its efforts to enhance customer experiences and contribute significantly to India’s financial ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, PNB will feature prominently during the show, including exclusive on-air branding, special segments, and customer-focused initiatives. The Bank has also got comprehensive branding rights, including the presentation of branded cheques to winners and interactive assets on KBC Play Along. Digital money transfers through PNB One App along with brand mention will also be narrated by Shri Amitabh Bachchan towards the end of game play, wherein the contestant wins the final amount. The Bank will also launch a series of digital campaigns and on-ground activations to amplify its messaging on financial literacy and inclusion.

Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by legendary Shri Amitabh Bachchan, has been a household name for years, inspiring millions of viewers with its engaging format and life-changing stories. Watch the show on Sony Entertainment Television, airing every Monday to Friday at 9 PM.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Announces India “Tour of CRF450 Rally To Showcase Excellence” In Motorsports

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is thrilled to announce the India tour of the CRF450 Rally, the ultimate off-road machine & Team Honda Racing Corporation’s weapon of choice for the legendary Dakar Rally. The CRF450 Rally will be on display at Honda BigWing Topline dealerships and Adventure Camps across India, giving enthusiasts and motorsports fans a unique opportunity to experience Honda's championship-winning spirit up close.

As Honda embarks on this India tour, the company reaffirms its commitment to motorsports and its pursuit of excellence. The Honda CRF450 Rally, a champion born for the toughest terrains, will traverse key cities in India, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Indore, and Gurugram. The tour will take place from January 2025 to March 2025, and it is aimed at igniting the spirit of adventure and performance that defines Honda’s DNA.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are delighted to bring the CRF450 Rally to India, a country with a growing passion for motorsports and adventure biking. With this tour, we aim to bring the essence of world-class rally racing closer to our customers, inspiring the next generation of motorsports enthusiasts. The CRF450 Rally is not just a motorcycle - it is a symbol of Honda’s relentless pursuit of excellence and dominance in motorsports. We recently completed showcase in the city of joy, Kolkata, and received an overwhelming response from enthusiasts. This tour is our way of sharing Honda’s Dakar-winning legacy with Indian enthusiasts and inspiring everyone to push boundaries and realize the power of dreams.”

The CRF450 Rally has been a symbol of Honda's engineering excellence, with a remarkable record of success in some of the world's most grueling rally events. Since its debut in 2013, the motorcycle has undergone continuous improvements based on valuable insights gained from rigorous competition. Most recently, Honda achieved a runner-up position at the prestigious 2025 Dakar Rally, reaffirming its leadership in global motorsports. There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina & Adrien Van Beveren took second and third place at the 47th edition of the world-famous motorsport event.

‘The Dakar’ has tested man and machine to the extreme since its inception in 1978. Honda’s first victory came in 1986 on an NXR750, which was followed by three consecutive wins up to 1989. The Dakar has been won three times by Honda in Saudi Arabia. Ricky Brabec was victorious in 2020, giving Honda its first victory in 31 years. Kevin Benavides claimed top honours in 2021 and Brabec scooped his second victory at the Dakar in 2024 - where Monster Energy Honda Team’s riders won eight out of the 13 stages. The World Rally Raid Championship sees competitors battle dunes, riverbeds, and navigational tests in a variety of countries including Abu Dhabi, Mexico, Argentina, and Morocco.

Honda has established itself as a powerhouse in motorsports since its debut at the Isle of Man TT races in 1959, driven by founder Soichiro Honda's vision to lead in technology. Over the decades, Honda has consistently participated in and triumphed across various motorcycle and automobile races globally. In 2024, Honda achieved significant victories, including winning the Dakar Rally and the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race. Despite challenges in MotoGP, Honda remains committed to enhancing its performance and competitiveness. In 2025, Honda will continue its legacy of excellence, with a focus on innovation and sustainability, striving for victories in major championships and supporting its riders and drivers in their pursuit of success.