MAHE Bengaluru Celebrates World Environment Day 2025, Pledging To Beat Plastic Pollution

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, celebrated World Environment Day 2025 on the 30th of May 2025 with a day-long event focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Organised in collaboration with the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO) and the Manipal Centre for DWEEPA (Design with Environment through Education, Planning & Advocacy -DWEEPA), the event was held under the United Nation’s global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.” It brought together international dignitaries, environmental experts, students, and faculty members to highlight the importance of reducing plastic use and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Setting the tone for the day, the event opened with “Green Beginnings,” a ceremonial shrub planting by dignitaries to reflect the university’s dedication to restoring and preserving the environment. This initiative aligns with MAHE’s broader ecological mission, including ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the surrounding lake and enrich campus biodiversity by planting indigenous tree and shrub species.   MAHE has been ranked No.1 in the Platinum+ band of the Sustainable Institutions of India by the Green Rankings -SII, reaffirming its leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable campus practices.

The formal inauguration followed, with opening remarks by Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, and Prof. (Dr.) Deepta Sateesh from the Manipal Centre for DWEEPA.

The Chief Guest His Excellency Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador to India, delivered the keynote address. Distinguished speakers included Prof. M. V. Rajeev Gowda, an environmental advocate, and former Professor of Economics and Social Sciences and the chairperson of the Centre for Public Policy at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, and Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of IETO, who supports sustainability and resilience through building local and global partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE Bengaluru, said, “With 400 million tons of plastic produced globally each year, the environmental crisis demands immediate action. As a university, we are absolutely committed to sustainability through our zero-waste mission. We have eliminated plastic bottles from our campus entirely, establishing our own bottle plants to provide sustainable alternatives. Our comprehensive waste management system includes strategic partnerships with Vedanta and color-coded bins for proper waste segregation. While crores are typically spent on purchasing lakhs of litters of water, we've invested in sustainable infrastructure instead. Throughout our campus, clear signage guides students toward environmentally responsible choices. This isn't just policy—it's our promise to future generations. Every small step we take today creates the foundation for a sustainable tomorrow, proving that educational institutions can be catalysts for environmental change.”

Delivering the keynote address H.E. Fernando Bucheli, Ambassador of Ecuador, shared Ecuador’s leadership in environmental diplomacy, “It’s a great honour to be welcomed to Manipal University. The outstanding facilities at MAHE are impressive, but it’s the dedication of the professors and students to environmental responsibility that truly stands out. Ecuador has led global efforts against plastic pollution—first proposing a global response in 2019 at the Basel Convention and now presiding over the UN’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. We continue working with nations like Germany, Guinea, and Vietnam toward a legally binding global agreement. Every Ecuadorian household is part of this shared commitment.”

A thought-provoking panel discussion on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship followed the inaugural session. T. Paul Koshy, Co-founder of Unified Intelligence Pvt. Ltd., presented innovations using non-recyclable plastic waste to build affordable homes, addressing both employment and landfill concerns. Dawood Sait, a marine food industry expert, highlighted the impact of plastic waste in oceans and its harmful impact on marine biodiversity. Dr. Meera Baindur, a respected academic and environmental philosopher, underscored the role of transdisciplinary research and education in inspiring responsible, sustainable lifestyles.

A key part of the event was the “Manifesto Signing Ceremony”, where all attendees pledged to reduce plastic use in their day-to-day lives. This collective action was formalised through the signing of a General MoU, demonstrating MAHE’s ongoing commitment to environmental accountability.

The participants then took part in a Campus Sustainability Tour, which showcased several of MAHE BLRU’s green initiatives. These included the installation of semi-automatic water bottling plants, the distribution of 3,200 reusable glass water bottles, a complete ban on 200ml and 500ml plastic bottles, and the implementation of waste segregation systems across the campus. The university also shared its upcoming plans the construction of on-site composting units to improve recycling and waste disposal.

Professor Sunil John, Manipal Law School, Bengaluru proposed heartfelt vote of thanks to everyone.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

ALLEN Career Institute Bengaluru Achieves Historic Milestone In JEE

Advanced 2025 Results

ALLEN Career Institute, Bengaluru, has achieved a historic milestone with its exceptional performance in the JEE Advanced 2025 results. A total of 17 students from ALLEN Bengaluru have secured ranks in the Top 500, reaffirming the institute’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The results of the prestigious engineering entrance examination, JEE Advanced, were declared by IIT Kanpur on Sunday. ALLEN Bengaluru has once again proven its academic leadership by delivering outstanding results.

According to the compiled results, the following students from the Bengaluru center have achieved remarkable All India Ranks:

AIR 57 – Chinmaya Shankara Shastry (2-Year Classroom Program)

AIR 142 – Anirudh Sharma (2-Year Classroom Program)

AIR 143 – Rishabh Pandey (4-Year Classroom Program)

AIR 164 – Sankarshana Bahadur Raghubanshi (2-Year Classroom Program)

AIR 171 – Shaurya Rathi (3-Year Classroom Program)

AIR 181 – Raghav Jaggi (6-Year Classroom Program)

In total, 6 Students secured ranks in the Top 200 and 17 students secured ranks within the Top 500 from ALLEN Bengaluru, marking yet another year of consistent, high-level achievement.

This remarkable success is a testament to the students' relentless dedication, perseverance, and discipline, along with the invaluable support of their parents. The commitment and passion of the faculty at ALLEN Bengaluru, who continuously evolve and upskill to meet the demands of competitive education, have played a pivotal role in this achievement.

Shri Mahesh Yadav, Vice President & Zonal Head of ALLEN South India Centres, extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents for their continued trust in ALLEN and for allowing the institute to mentor such exceptional students. He emphasized that this achievement reflects not just the hard work of the students, but also the consistent guidance and support provided by ALLEN’s experienced faculty.

ALLEN Career Institute Bengaluru continues to set new standards in academic excellence, empowering students to reach their highest potential. We wholeheartedly congratulate all our achievers and wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.

Must-Know Tips To Support Your Child With Diabetes At School

The start of a new school year is both exciting and challenging, especially for parents of children with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, requiring regular blood sugar checks. With the right care and tools, your child can lead a normal, healthy life. To ensure their safety and health at school, it's crucial to prepare, communicate with school staff, and have the necessary supplies ready.

Dr. Anjana Hulse, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Hulse Clinic, Bangalore, said, “Incorporating a regular routine and physical activity into the daily routine of a child with Type 1 diabetes is important for their health and well-being. For parents, integrating structured measures such as diet, exercise and continuous monitoring can positively impact their child’s blood sugar control. It  also enhances their insulin sensitivity and support a healthier lifestyle. Helping a child navigate their diabetes journey can be made hassle-free by embracing advancements that help simplify diabetes management. For instance, parents can utilize continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, measuring glucose levels all day and night. These offer real-time data on how blood sugar levels respond to factors like meals, physical activity, and insulin doses.”

One of the most significant advantages of CGM technology is the stress relief it offers parents. With real-time hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia alerts sent directly to their phones, parents no longer have to constantly worry about their child’s glucose levels while they are at school. The connected care aspect of CGM devices allows healthcare providers and caregivers to access shared data, ensuring a collaborative approach to diabetes management. This not only enhances safety but also provides reassurance that any potential issues can be addressed immediately, giving parents peace of mind.

Dr. Kenneth Lee, Director, Medical Affairs, Diabetes Division, Abbott, said, “It is difficult to manage diabetes, especially for a child. In cases like these, parents play a crucial role in caring for them. For the ease of managing diabetes and enabling families to cope, technology-driven progress such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can provide immense benefits. Unlike older CGM blinded technologies, which only provided retrospective data, advanced CGMs offer real-time, actionable insights that allow parents and children to respond to fluctuations immediately. With seamless smartphone integration, parents can remotely track their child’s glucose trends and receive alerts about unexpected highs or lows, helping them make timely adjustments. This level of data-driven feedback ensures better glucose management and a smoother school experience.”

Here are five must-know tips to help ease your concerns and support your child’s diabetes management.

Check blood sugar regularly: Parents should check the glucose levels of their kids before they go to school. Monitoring helps in determining the next dosage of insulin to be taken. You can do this easily with continuous glucose monitoring devices. With its connected care capabilities, parents can remotely monitor readings via a smartphone app, ensuring their child stays within the target range (70–180 mg/dL). The data insights also help recognize patterns influenced by stress, diet, or exercise, enabling better decision-making.

Finding enjoyable activities to exercise: The easiest way to keep children active is to find exercises they enjoy. Joining a team activity is a good idea. Activities like bike riding, dancing, playing cricket, or games like kho kho or kabaddi with family and friends are also great. To avoid isolation, involve the whole family. It's a fun way to spend time together and stay fit. Make sure they get enough sleep too, as rest is important for children with Type 1 diabetes.

Teach Stress Management and Self-Care: School life comes with academic and social pressures, which can impact blood glucose levels. Encourage your child to recognize signs of stress, and take breaks when needed. Whether it’s reading, journaling, or socializing with friends, self-care plays a crucial role in overall diabetes management.

Keep a diabetes journal: It is important to understand how your child's sugar levels react to different foods and activities. Document their blood glucose levels, the food they eat, and the exercises they engage in, with time stamps. This way, you'll be able to adapt the plans based on what's working and what's not, whether that means switching up snack time or rescheduling a morning jog or an evening walk. Always consult a doctor before making changes to your child's regimen or in case you have questions.

Encourage Smart Meal Planning: School lunches and unpredictable schedules can make meal management tricky. Help your child learn to identify balanced meals and understand how different foods impact their glucose.

Managing diabetes for children is a team effort. With these handy tips, you can help them stay active while ensuring that their blood sugar levels are at bay.

Links:

https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/nutrition-health-and-wellness/kids-back-to-school-our-tech-can-help-ease-your-mind.html

https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/diabetes-care/taking-diabetes-treatment-to-college.html

https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/diabetes-care/4-ways-to-keep-kids-with-diabetes-healthy-and-active.html

Emoji-Economy: Gen Z’s Digital Body Language Is Shaping The Workplace

* 88% of Gen Z says emojis are useful at work

* 61% of Gen Z are more likely to read messages that include emojis

* Gen Z 2.5 times more likely motivated by emoji reactions than the Baby Boomers

Almost 9 in 10 (88%) of Gen Zers say emojis are useful at work, per a recent Atlassian survey. As Gen Zers join the workforce in greater numbers, their preferences—especially their reliance on emotional cues like emojis—may well shape the future of workplace communication.

A joint report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Snap Inc projects that Gen Z already makes up 25% of India’s workforce, a figure set to grow to 47% by 2035. But a general misalignment in communication practices between newer workforce entrants and their older colleagues is exemplified by the emoji debacle: less than half of Gen X and baby boomer knowledge workers think emojis have a place at work.

This disagreement can ladder up to major cultural issues, especially in workplaces where written communication—not in-person meetings—is the norm: Almost all respondents (93%) regularly communicate in writing; nearly half (44%) said written communications are their primary mode of contact, ahead of speaking in-person.

Emojis are part of Gen Z’s digital body language, a term for the day-to-day behaviors, such as how quickly someone responds to a message, whether they use emojis, their punctuation and tone. Digital body language is a crucial form of workplace expression and a key to forming enduring bonds.

“The way we talk at work has gone through a full-blown transformation. Emails, DMs, Slack threads, Zoom chats—it’s all digital now. And for a lot of us, that shift has been a learning curve,” explains Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian.

In fact, Gen Z is 4x as likely as Gen X to experience unclear communication daily, and half of Gen Z respondents (48%) say they waste time each week attempting to interpret written messages from their colleagues - time that could otherwise be used for productive, mission-critical work.

As the first digitally native generation, Gen Z brings a fundamentally different set of workplace expectations. Many of them entered full-time employment during and immediately after the pandemic lockdowns; from the beginning, they’ve been chasing emotional cues in a context-starved world.

“Gen Z instinctively knows how to make online communication feel human. They get how to be clear, how to spark the right emotion, and how to build connection—without ever stepping into a meeting room,” says Price. “The bottom line is: digital communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. And if you want to connect across generations, you might need to brush up on your emoji game.”

As they look for jobs, approachable language is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s an expectation. Gen Zers are motivated by emoji reactions at 2.5x the rate of their Boomer colleagues. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of Gen Zers admitted they’re more likely to read messages that drop in an emoji or two.

More information on the concept of Gen Z’s digital body language can be found here on the Atlassian blog. A breakdown of the overall survey results and info on the concept of emotional overhead can be found here.

About the survey

Atlassian, in collaboration with YouGov, surveyed a total of 10,000 knowledge workers from the USA, Australia, France, Germany, and India regarding their workplace communication and productivity from August 8 to 24, 2024.

About Atlassian

Atlassian unleashes the potential of every team. Our agile & DevOps, IT service management and work management software helps teams organize, discuss, and complete shared work. The majority of the Fortune 500 and over 300,000 companies of all sizes worldwide - including NASA, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Salesforce - rely on our solutions to help their teams work better together and deliver quality results on time. Learn more about our products, including Jira, Confluence and Loom at https://atlassian.com.

Smart, Stylish, And Portable: Goldmedal Unveils I-Fan With Desk Mount And 360° Flexibility

Goldmedal Electricals, one of India’s leading Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) companies, introduces the I-Fan, a versatile cooling solution that combines sleek design with 360° rotation, multi-clip mounting, and portable desk convenience.

Designed for both home and travel, the Goldmedal I-Fan delivers efficient cooling in a compact form. With its dual mounting option, this portable fan can be easily placed on a desk or clipped securely to various surfaces, offering unmatched flexibility. Its aerodynamically designed blades ensure powerful airflow, while the 360° horizontal and vertical rotation allows for precise direction control. Featuring a USB Type-C charging port and battery-powered operation, the I-Fan ensures convenient recharging and uninterrupted use wherever you go. Whether at work, relaxing at home, or on the move, the I-Fan is your dependable companion for cool comfort anytime, anywhere.

Key features of the I-Fan include:

Dual Mounting Options: Designed for both desk placement and wall mounting, offering flexibility in usage and installation.

Efficient Airflow: Aerodynamically engineered blades deliver powerful airflow while consuming only 10W of power.

Three Speed Modes: Customize your cooling experience with three adjustable speed settings to suit your comfort level.

360° Rotation: Enables both horizontal and vertical 360-degree rotation for targeted and precise airflow direction.

Type-C Charging Port: Equipped with a USB Type-C port for fast, convenient, and modern charging compatibility.

Compact & Portable Design: Lightweight and easy to carry, making it ideal for use at home, in the office, or while traveling.

Multi-Clip Functionality: Comes with a sturdy clip that allows secure attachment to a variety of surfaces, enhancing its versatility.

One-Touch Control: Simple and intuitive one-touch operation ensures a hassle-free user experience.

Battery & USB Powered: Offers dual power options, via battery and USB, ensuring uninterrupted use wherever you are.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Bishan Jain, Director, Goldmedal Electricals, said, "With the I-Fan, we are introducing a multifunctional cooling solution that is not only efficient and reliable but also thoughtfully designed for modern lifestyles. It reflects our commitment to innovation, convenience, and quality that our customers have come to expect from Goldmedal."

The I-Fan is now available on Amazon at Rs 1,129/- and comes with a 1-year warranty.

PNB Launches Monthly Agriculture Outreach Programme To Boost Rural Financing

*This outreach aims to boost financing for all agriculture requirements from traditional farming practices to high-tech solutions

Punjab National Bank, India’s leading public sector bank, is set to roll out its monthly nationwide Agriculture Outreach Programme on June 2, 2025. Aimed at supporting agricultural communities across the country, this initiative will take place on the first day of every month, ensuring consistent engagement with farmers and agri businesses.

The program seeks to enhance awareness and access to financing for a broad spectrum of agricultural needs—from traditional farming practices to modern high-tech solutions.

PNB will facilitate this outreach through Krishi Chaupals, Digital Zones, and PNB Booths, reinforcing its commitment to rural financial inclusion and empowerment.

Key Focus Areas:

Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Strengthening SHGs with Micro Credit Plan-based financing to enable the expansion of business ventures.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Providing financial support for farm mechanisation, storage facilities, cold storage, and Custom Hiring Units to improve productivity and market access.

Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME): Offering grants, loans, and subsidies to micro food processors for upgrading infrastructure, improving quality standards, and expanding market reach.

Other Priority Areas: Supporting National Livestock Mission, Precision Farming, Hi-Tech Agriculture, and Food & Agro Processing Units, fostering innovation and rural development.

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Ashok Chandra, MD & CEO of PNB, emphasized the bank’s dedication to strengthening India’s agricultural sector:

"Agriculture forms the backbone of our economy. We remain deeply committed to empowering farmers and rural communities. Through this outreach program, we aim to provide easier access to credit, raise awareness about our digital lending solutions, and forge partnerships that strengthen the agricultural value chain."

This ongoing initiative marks a significant step in bridging the gap between financial institutions and the agricultural sector, ensuring sustainable growth and economic progress for rural India.

For further details, visit www.pnbindia.in or contact your nearest PNB branch. 

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches Fortuner And Legender Neo Drive 48V Variants

Neo Drive Edge: How the New Grade Stands Apart

A segment first, Neo Drive 48V in Fortuner and Legender delivers intelligent electric assist for enhanced performance.

Smart Idle Start-Stop automatically switches off the engine at idle, improving fuel efficiency in city traffic.

Multi-Terrain Select lets you tailor traction and drive modes to suit varying off-road conditions.

360-Degree Panoramic Camera offers a comprehensive view around the vehicle, making parking and tight manoeuvres easier.

Wireless Smartphone Charger now available in both Fortuner and Legender Neo drive grades, keeping devices powered on the go.

Neo Drive Badge symbolizes the system’s improved fuel efficiency and progressive performance.

Neo Drive Boost Assist enhances acceleration with smoother torque delivery when you need it most.

Refined Drive Experience with quieter starts, reduced engine strain, and effortless cruising.

Lower Emissions Footprint without compromising power.

Price is as follows:

Grade                                                     Ex. Showroom Price (INR Rs.)

Legender Neo Drive 48V                          50,09,000

Fortuner Neo Drive 48V                            44,72,000

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the introduction of the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive avatar/grade. Equipped with an advanced 48?Volt system, the new Neo Drive Variants offer improved fuel efficiency, enhanced driving performance, and greater comfort—delivering a more refined experience in urban settings and off-road conditions.

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has set the benchmark in the premium SUV segment, celebrated for its bold design, formidable performance, and unmatched all-terrain capability. Over the years, the SUV has built a strong and loyal following, from urban adventurers to hardcore off-road enthusiasts. Together with its stylish and feature-enhanced counterpart, the Legender, the Fortuner embodies Toyota’s core values of Quality, Durability, Reliability, and a relentless focus on customer-centric innovation.

Speaking on the introduction of the Fortuner & Legender Neo Drive 48V variants, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling, both the Fortuner and Legender rise to meet these expectations with their bold design, powerful performance and comprehensive features, catering seamlessly to the needs of diverse users.

Now, the introduction of the new Neo Drive 48V grade in both models marks yet another milestone in our journey. As segment first, it underscores our commitment to delivering ever-better cars that align with evolving customer lifestyles, while also reinforcing Toyota’s multi-pathway approach toward carbon neutrality. Through practical, future-ready mobility solutions, we strive to enhance customer value and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable tomorrow.”

NEW 48V TECHNOLOGY - Aimed to offer better fuel economy and lower emissions, the Neo Drive variants come equipped with Toyota’s powerful 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine now paired with a 48-Volt system, featuring a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This hybrid assist delivers smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation, and improved efficiency.

Similar to one of the features of a hybrid electric systems, the battery is charged during deceleration, efficiently regenerating braking energy which would otherwise be lost, whilst also adding additional braking performance. The new Smart Idle Start-Stop function further improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by switching off the engine when stationary.

Moreover, the enhanced efficiency and driving performance do not compromise payload capacity, outstanding durability and its mighty off-road performance, thus guaranteeing to be a formidable mobility provider for diverse needs.  Additionally, the Multi-Terrain Select system intelligently adjusts throttle response, braking, and traction control to optimize performance across various terrains.

STRIKING AND DOMINANT EXTERIOR:

While the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful appeal for those who venture off the beaten path, the Legender delivers a more dynamic and premium presence with its striking dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps, and sleeker fascia. Both models feature dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and ergonomic seating for enhanced long-distance comfort.

SAFETY IS PRIORITY:

Like all Toyota offerings where safety continues to be a hallmark, the Fortuner and Legender too offer a host of features that include: seven airbags, ABS , Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, TRC (Traction Control System), Child Restraint System, Front Row Seatbelts with Pre-Tensioner + Force Limiter, Speed Auto Lock with Emergency Unlock amongst host of other essentials. 

AWESOME OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE: 

To offer peace of mind, the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants are backed by a range of tailored finance solutions. Customers can benefit from up to 8-year funding plans with low EMIs, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance, and pre-approved options for Value-Added Services such as extended warranty and Toyota Genuine Accessories. This is complemented by five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customizable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants are open from June 02, 2025, with deliveries beginning from 3rd Week of June.

Customers can place bookings online at www.toyotabharat.com or visit their nearest Toyota dealership. For further details, visit the official Toyota website or contact authorized Toyota showrooms across India.