Manipal Hosts Fourth Edition of Manipal Dental Conference- MDC 4.0 – 2025

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be-University, Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), successfully hosted the fourth edition of the Manipal Dental Conference (MDC 4.0) — an undergraduate scientific meet that has steadily gained prominence since its inception. The two-day event, held on July 14 and 15 at the MCODS, Manipal campus, saw the enthusiastic participation of budding dental professionals from across the country.

Welcoming over 350 delegates from 25 dental colleges across six states, the conference reinforced its reputation as a student-led initiative that seamlessly blends academic excellence with hands-on learning. Despite heavy monsoon showers, participants arrived in Manipal eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant scientific and educational atmosphere.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by several distinguished dignitaries. Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE (Mangalore campus), presided over the event, while Dr. Shivsharan Shetty, Karnataka State Representative to the Dental Council of India, attended as the Chief Guest. The conference began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a soulful invocation.

Dr. Gopalakrishnan Dharmarajan, Dean, MCODS, Manipal, extended a warm welcome to the gathering, followed by an overview of the conference presented by Dr. Shashi Rashmi Acharya, Associate Dean. In his address, Dr. Shivsharan Shetty emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and continued education in dentistry. Dr. Dilip G. Naik, in his remarks, highlighted MAHE’s strong commitment to fostering a culture of continuous academic growth and innovation.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Nihal Shetty, President of Student’s council, MCODS, Manipal.

The scientific program at MDC 4.0 included seven engaging lectures delivered by renowned experts, covering contemporary topics. Complementing the lectures were a series of academic competitions and five hands-on workshops, which offered practical training in various aspects of Dentistry. A dynamic dental quiz added a competitive edge to the conference, testing students’ theoretical knowledge and critical thinking.

The resounding success of MDC 4.0 reaffirms its place as one of the most awaited student-driven dental conferences in the region. By encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and exposure to cutting-edge advancements, the conference continues to play a vital role in shaping the academic and clinical acumen of undergraduate dental students.

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.

Taj Bangalore welcomes Chef R. Deva Kumar as Executive Chef

Taj Bangalore has appointed Chef R. Deva Kumar as its new Executive Chef, marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s culinary journey. With over two decades of experience at renowned hotels, Chef Deva brings global inspiration, deep expertise in regional Indian fare, and a flair for contemporary European cuisine.

Chef Deva Kumar is recognised for shaping distinctive culinary identities and leading the evolution of dining experiences across luxury hotels. He has successfully repositioned restaurants, introduced thoughtfully crafted menus, and led concepts that reflect a strong sense of place. An alumnus of Madras Institute of Hotel Management and City & Guilds London His journey has been marked by industry accolades such as the Times Food Awards and features in The Hindu and Economic Times.

In his new role, Chef Deva will oversee all culinary operations across Taj Bangalore’s signature restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining, with a mission to elevate the guest experience through innovation, consistency, and authenticity.

Mohit Gurnani, General Manager – Taj Bangalore, said: “We are truly excited to welcome Chef Deva Kumar to the Taj Bangalore team. His remarkable talent, leadership, and passion for blending tradition with innovation make him a perfect fit for our culinary vision. We look forward to the fresh and engaging gastronomic experiences he will bring to our guests.”

Chef Deva’s appointment reinforces Taj Bangalore’s dedication to providing exceptional dining experiences and cements its position as a top culinary destination in the region.

NABARD Celebrates its 44th Foundation Day in Bengaluru

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 44th Foundation Day on 15th July 2025 at NABARD Tower, Bengaluru. Commemorating over four decades of dedicated service to rural Karnataka. The event was themed “Building Resilient Rural Economies through Youth and Women-led Enterprises in Karnataka,” reflecting NABARD’s focus on empowering youth and women entrepreneurs through inclusive, innovative and sustainable rural development.

The function was graced by the presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Smt. Sonali Sen Gupta, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India, Shri Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director, Canara Bank, and other senior officials from State Government,  Chairman, Karnataka Grameen Bank, senior officials from SBI, UBI, PNB, Apex Bank, KSCARDB, SLBC, banking institutions, representatives of SHGs, FPOs, NGOs, and other development stakeholders.

The event commenced with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing a wide array of products from Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, and GI clusters across Karnataka. The exhibits highlighted the entrepreneurial talents of rural women and youth with the support provided by NABARD pursuing its organisational goal to promote local crafts, agro-products, and rural enterprises. The ceremonial proceedings included an invocation, lighting of the traditional lamp, and a welcome address by Dr. Ashutosh Kumar, General Manager, NABARD.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary commended NABARD for its multifaceted developmental interventions in the State. She appreciated NABARD’s contribution to rural infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, and its proactive role in promoting value addition. She highlighted some of the important schemes of Govt. of Karnataka in strengthening women-led enterprises viz., Gruhalakshmi scheme and Shakthi scheme. Stressing the importance of innovation and collaboration, she expressed confidence that NABARD would continue to be a vital partner in Karnataka’s efforts to promote agri-tech start-ups, carbon credit ecosystems, and digital agriculture. She reaffirmed the Government of Karnataka’s support for all current and future initiatives of NABARD aimed at strengthening the rural economy.

Dr. Surendra Babu, Chief General Manager, Karnataka Regional Office, outlined the journey of NABARD since its inception. He briefed the significant achievements of NABARD, Karnataka Regional Office during the financial year 2024–25. He informed that the total business operations in the State reached an all-time high of ₹27,846 crore, which included ₹21,442 crore in refinance assistance to banks and cooperative institutions, ₹4,974 crore in infrastructure finance to the State Government, and ₹1,431 crore in direct refinance to District Central Cooperative Banks. He further announced that NABARD had projected a credit potential of ₹4.46 lakh crore for Karnataka for the financial year 2025–26, aligning closely with SLBC’s Annual Credit Plan of ₹4.38 lakh crore.

He elaborated on the contributions of NABARD to rural infrastructure through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and NABARD Infrastructure Development Assistance (NIDA). Since inception, 41,489 projects have been completed under RIDF in Karnataka, resulting in the creation of irrigation potential for 4.10 lakh hectares, construction of 44,405 kilometres of rural roads, 55,502 meters of bridges, support for 13,480 rural educational institutions, 338 health facilities, and over 800 rural markets, along with several other critical infrastructure components. In 2024–25 alone, over ₹2,408 crore was sanctioned under RIDF and ₹2,516 crore under NIDA.

A major project sanctioned this year was ₹4,500 crore to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for developing industrial parks in the State which are expected to generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for nearly 60,000 rural youth and women.

NABARD’s digital outreach and financial inclusion efforts were also spotlighted. More than 4,200 micro-ATMs were deployed to enhance last-mile banking access. ₹3.08 crore was sanctioned to Karnataka Gramin Bank for connectivity infrastructure in underserved areas. Over 600 Financial and Digital Literacy (FIDGI) programs were conducted to educate rural populations on banking, digital payments, and responsible borrowing. Under the PACS Computerization Project, 2036 out of 5,491 PACS in Karnataka have gone live on a common ERP platform, significantly enhancing operational transparency and service delivery.

A significant moment during the celebrations was the release of a booklet titled “Success Stories of FPOs in Karnataka,” which documents the inspiring journeys of Farmer Producer Organizations across the State. The booklet showcases how small and marginal farmers have successfully come together to access markets, add value to their produce, embrace digital platforms, and establish inclusive and resilient business models.

A poignant film “The NABARD’s Touch – A Lifelong Journey” was released during the event showcased the transformative journey of NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in Karnataka. NABARD has sanctioned over ₹23,000 crore in Karnataka for more than 44,000 projects under RIDF, empowering rural communities through vital infrastructure. The video presented a sweeping visual narrative across the State—from bridges in Joida to modern hospitals in Hassan, check dams in Davanagere to smart classrooms in Dharwad—illustrating how each initiative strengthened livelihoods, connectivity, health, and education.

Shri Bhavendra Kumar, Executive Director of Canara Bank, lauded NABARD's commendable efforts in fostering rural development, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure enhancement. He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for NABARD's consistent guidance to banking institutions and affirmed his confidence in its initiatives, which he believes play a vital role in empowering and strengthening rural communities.

In her address, Smt. Sonali Sen Gupta, Regional Director, RBI, applauded NABARD for its focus on inclusive finance, climate resilience, and cooperative banking reforms. She noted the importance of integrating NABARD’s credit planning frameworks with district and state-level strategies to ensure efficient credit delivery.

As part of the celebrations, six exemplary Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from across Karnataka were felicitated for outstanding achievements in turnover, growth, innovation, and grassroots impact.

Best Performing PACS of Karnataka in terms of both business and governance/ compliance viz. Boragoan, Belgavi PACS, Hulgol, North Kanara PACS were felicitated. Further best performing DCCBs, viz. Bellary DCCB, Hassan DCCB & Mandya DCCB were also felicitated on the occasion.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shri P. C. Dash, General Manager, NABARD. NABARD reaffirmed its commitment to work in close partnership with the Government of Karnataka, financial institutions, grassroots organizations, and civil society to realize the vision of a resilient and prosperous rural Karnataka. As the institution enters its 45th year of service, NABARD remains steadfast in its mission to empower rural communities, promote entrepreneurship, and foster inclusive economic transformation across the State.

Jobs and talent are booming in 10 emerging Indian cities outside metros: LinkedIn Cities on the Rise 2025

• 
  
  Vishakhapatnam (#1), Ranchi (#2), Vijayawada (#3), Nashik (#4), Raipur (#5) are this year’s top 5 emerging career hubs 

• Companies across technology, healthcare, financial services are hiring for engineering, business development roles across these tier-2 and tier-3 cities

LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, has launched its inaugural Cities on the Rise list, spotlighting the top 10 cities in India where job market momentum and economic opportunity are growing. The list identifies Visakhapatnam (#1), Ranchi (#2), Vijayawada (#3), Nashik (#4), and Raipur (#5) as the fastest growing non-metro hubs where professional opportunity is accelerating. 

Cities on the Rise is LinkedIn’s first location-based ranking powered by exclusive LinkedIn data that captures growth in hiring, job creation, and talent inflows across India.

With over 4 out 5 Indian professionals looking to switch jobs this year, Cities on the Rise offers direction into regions beyond traditional major cities where economic investments are generating employment opportunities. The list highlights emerging tier-2 and tier-3 growth pockets for professionals looking to relocate, tap into new industries, or grow their careers locally. 

Nirajita Banerjee, LinkedIn Career Expert and India Senior Managing Editor says, “Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are at the heart of India’s economic transformation. The influx of GCC investments, the local MSME boom, and the government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat are collectively turning smaller cities into serious career hubs. This means, for many Indians, meaningful career progress no longer demands moving to a big city. Because these 10 rising cities offer real opportunities across industries, functions, and roles — right where they are.”

With Tech, Pharma, and Finance companies moving in, tier-2 and tier-3 Indian cities are becoming talent magnets

Amidst the boom in data and AI, tech companies like Miracle Software Systems, Inc (Vishakhapatnam), HCLTech (Vijayawada, Madurai), Infosys (Vijayawada), Datamatics (Nashik), Bull IT Services (Madurai), among others are setting up shop across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, fueling local talent activity. Healthcare & pharma companies like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Laurus Labs Limited, Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharma are creating opportunities in Vishakhapatnam and Vadodara; while HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank are accelerating the growth of financial services in Raipur, Agra, and Jodhpur.

Business Development and Engineering functions lead hiring surge in emerging cities

Business Development roles are the top hiring drivers in 6 out of 10 Cities on the Rise, including Nashik, Raipur, Rajkot, Agra, Vadodara, and Jodhpur. For professionals in Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Madurai, most job opportunities are emerging in the Engineering function. Sales, Operations, and Education are other key functions where professionals in tier-2 and tier-3 cities can look for jobs.

The government is building smarter cities to turn hometowns into career hotspots

The Central and state governments’ push to local development is playing a crucial role in the rise of emerging cities, especially for Ranchi (#2) where smart city initiatives are making the capital a go-to for Jharkhand’s professionals, and Rajkot (#6) where urban planning to improve road connectivity is fueling economic growth. Chhattisgarh government’s ambition of ‘Naya Raipur’ is also ramping up investments in the city’s infrastructure. 

Here’s the full list of LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise 2025 for India: 

1. Visakhapatnam 

2. Ranchi 

3. Vijayawada

4. Nashik 

5. Raipur

6. Rajkot 

7. Agra

8. Madurai

9. Vadodara

10. Jodhpur 

About LinkedIn

LinkedIn connects the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful and transforms the way companies hire, learn, market, and sell. Our vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce through the ongoing development of the world’s first Economic Graph. LinkedIn has over 1 billion members and has offices around the globe. www.linkedin.com / mobile.linkedin.com.

Government of Karnataka Recognizes WorldSkills 2024 Winners from Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Reaffirming its commitment to the “Skill India Mission” and India’s aspiration for “Viksit Bharat 2047,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today proudly announced the felicitation of their ten talented employees by the Government of Karnataka for their exceptional achievements at the WorldSkills Competition 2024 held in Lyon, France.

At a ceremony held at Vidhan Soudha, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri Siddaramaiah, along with Hon’ble Minister of Medical Education & Skill Development Dr. Sharanprakash R Patil felicitated the winners in the presence of senior executives from Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

A total of ten awardees, Prem V, Bhanu Prasad, Darshan Gowda, Nelson, Mohith MU, Harish R, Hemanth, Udhay, Rohan and Sudeep were recognized for their outstanding skills and commitment. These young professionals, trained at Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), stood out among international competitors from over 60 countries. Each employee brought unique strengths to India Skills & WorldSkills Competition 2024, contributing to the team’s remarkable performance.

While Prem Vasanth Kumar achieved a Medallion of Excellence in Additive Manufacturing, Bhanuprasad SM and Darshan Gowda CS showcased remarkable versatility to achieve the Medallion of Excellence in Mechatronics at WorldSkills Competition 2024. The Medallion of Excellence is awarded to competitors who score 700 or more points. Further, the Mechatronics candidates were awarded second place in the Sustainable Practice Award, having successfully completed tasks measured against industry sustainability standards with the highest level of performance. Nelson, Mohith MU, and Harish R clinched the National Gold Medal in the Manufacturing Team Challenge, while Udhay, Hemanth, and Rohan received the Silver Medal, and Sudeep earned a Medallion of Excellence in Mechatronics & Car Painting skills—reaffirming Toyota’s continued leadership in nurturing high-quality technical talent. The Karnataka State Government awarded cash prizes of INR 5 lakh for each WorldSkills Medallion of Excellence winner, INR 3 lakh for National Level Gold Medalists, and INR 75,000 for Silver Medalists.

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We are extremely proud of our employees and their outstanding accomplishments at WorldSkills 2024. We thank Government of Karnataka for recognizing & encouraging the winners. Their journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when dedication meets opportunity. This achievement reinforces our alignment with national initiatives like ‘Skill India’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and state initiatives such as “Karnataka Kaushalya’ as we remain committed to building a skilled workforce for the nation. At Toyota, we are committed to transform rural youth to world class competitive technicians, creating opportunities and driving positive change in the communities we serve is central to our purpose, and we will continue advancing this journey toward inclusive growth and shared progress.”

All ten employees are alumni of the Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI), an institute established by TKM to empower rural youth with advanced manufacturing skills. Established in 2007, TTTI offers a three-year residential program in key trades like Assembly, Paint, Weld, and Mechatronics, with a strong focus on holistic development. Students undergo rigorous technical training alongside physical and character-building activities, including community service. With over 1,400 graduates and a 100% placement record, TTTI-trained students have consistently excelled at national and global skill contests, including the WorldSkills Competition, earning accolades and recognition for their technical excellence. To scale its impact, TKM has recently doubled TTTI’s intake, introduced dedicated seats for female candidates, and upgraded residential and training infrastructure.

Complementing TTTI’s efforts, Toyota Kaushalya serves as another key initiative aimed at expanding access to skill development. The Toyota Kaushalya program is a two-year, free training model with on-the-job learning for underprivileged youth. Furthermore, Toyota has also partnered with industrial and technical training institutes across India to create the Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP). To date, Toyota has established 68 T-TEP centres across India, benefitting over 14,000 students.

As India moves forward on its journey toward becoming a global skills capital, Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains steadfast in its vision to contribute meaningfully through sustained investment in training, education, and community development.

Fly More, Earn More: Kotak and IndiGo Relaunch Co-Branded Credit Cards powered by IndiGo BluChips

Love to travel? Now your everyday spending can take you places! Kotak Mahindra Bank and IndiGo have teamed up to relaunch an exciting suite of co-branded credit cards –powered by IndiGo Airlines’ brand-new loyalty program, IndiGo BluChip.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or just planning your next getaway, these cards are designed to daily expenses into travel rewards.

Two Cards, One Goal – Smarter Travel

Choose the card that fits your lifestyle:

    IndiGo Kotak Credit Card – Perfect for everyday users seeking travel benefits with daily convenience. Customer can earn over 30,000 BluChips on spending ₹6 lacs annually including Milestones, accelerated rewards on travel, dining, entertainment, and more.

    IndiGo Kotak Premium Credit Card – Tailored for frequent flyers, this card offers over 70,000 BluChips on annual spends over ₹12 lacs, turning your daily spends into return tickets to your favourite holiday destinations.

Ashok Vaswani, MD & CEO, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said:
“At Kotak, we are proud to deepen our longstanding partnership with IndiGo, an airline that has redefined travel for millions of Indians. This collaboration is built around a shared vision, to make everyday banking more rewarding and travel more accessible. Through these co-branded credit cards, we are giving our customers a simple, powerful way to turn daily spends into memorable journeys.”

Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo said: "Through IndiGo BluChip, we strive to offer unmatched loyalty benefits to our loyal customers and this partnership with Kotak Mahindra Bank is an integral part of our endeavour. This partnership empowers our customers to earn IndiGo BluChips on their everyday spending and redeem them seamlessly on flights across our domestic and international network. As IndiGo spreads its wings across the globe, we are sure that customers appreciate and enjoy the benefits of these credit cards as they travel across the globe with us.”

Ready to Take Off?

Getting started is easy:

1.       Apply online via the official link.

2.       Activate your card through Kotak’s app or website.

3.       Start spending and watch your BluChips grow!

Turn your daily expenses into unforgettable travel experiences. Learn more and apply here: https://www.goindigo.in/loyalty/partners/kotak-mahindra-bank-credit-card.html

Texas Instruments India concludes fourth annual WiSH program

Texas Instruments (TI) has wrapped up the fourth edition of its month-long Women in Semiconductors and Hardware (WiSH) program. WiSH is TI’s flagship mentorship initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering second-year female engineering students across India to pursue impactful careers in core engineering, with a focus on semiconductors and hardware. Built on the previous three editions’ success, the 2025 program attracted over 1,500 registrations and more than 190 participants, reflecting a growing interest in the initiative over the years. 

“The semiconductor industry is evolving rapidly, and the need for skilled talent is greater than ever,” said Santhosh Kumar, Managing Director, Texas Instruments India. “With women representing less than 20% of the people in technical roles in the industry the WiSH program expands access, builds confidence, and fosters engineering capabilities among aspiring women engineers in India. By investing in this next generation of talent, we are helping shape a stronger semiconductor ecosystem.”

This year’s WiSH program participants gained hands-on experience through simulation projects, lab visits, technical deep dives, and networking sessions with TI leaders. The program included three weeks of virtual mentoring, culminating in an immersive, in-person week at TI’s Bengaluru campus. During this phase, students engaged directly with mentors, industry experts, and women leaders from TI. 

“The WiSH program provided me the right platform to go beyond classroom learning. We had access to labs where we gained hands-on experience in simulation and circuit design,” said Poornima Kulkarni, Analog Engineer at TI India and a previous WiSH participant. “What makes it unique is the mentorship by subject matter experts to guide aspiring engineers through the course of the program.”

Texas Instruments remains committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the technology sector. Through initiatives such as WiSH, TI helps to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields and empower the next generation of engineers to lead and innovate in the semiconductor industry.

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About Texas Instruments                                                                                                                

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures, and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, personal electronics, communications equipment and enterprise systems. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.