Zeta Launches Second Computer Lab To Promote Digital Learning In Government Schools On Children’s Day

● Under Project Shiksha, Zeta continues to bridge the digital divide by bringing digital learning to government schools

● The program is designed to equip over 300 upper primary students within a year with access to digital learning tools and structured computer education

● As part of its ongoing commitment, Zeta plans to establish one computer lab each year, expanding digital learning access to more government schools and enabling students to become active participants in India’s growing digital economy

Zeta, a next-generation banking technology provider, today inaugurated its second computer lab at Cheemasandra Government School on Children’s Day, furthering its commitment to advancing digital inclusion and technology enabled education. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with Project Shiksha, an NGO dedicated to bridging educational gaps, aims to strengthen digital learning infrastructure and enhance access to digital education in government schools.

The program is designed to equip over 300 upper primary students within a year with access to digital learning tools and structured computer education, helping them build essential digital skills early in life. The lab features computer systems, high-speed internet connectivity, and upgraded classroom infrastructure. Its curriculum covers coding fundamentals, digital literacy (including internet safety and e-waste management), STEM based projects, and AI and cybersecurity awareness, helping students gain exposure to technology and apply these skills in their everyday learning.

This expansion builds on the success of Zeta’s first Project Shiksha lab, launched on 5th September, 2024 at Chinnagenahalli Government Primary School, which introduced 300 students to formal computer education for the first time. Students from that school went on to develop creative projects such as remote-controlled cars, participate in workshops, and demonstrate significant improvement in digital literacy and confidence.

Through this initiative, Zeta goes beyond providing infrastructure. The company funds dedicated teaching staff, trains local educators, and integrates digital learning into school curriculums, ensuring sustainable and measurable long-term impact. In addition, Zeta employees are encouraged to volunteer their time to conduct workshops and interactive learning sessions, enabling students to learn directly from professionals working in technology and innovation.

“Digital inclusion is a key enabler of progress, and initiatives like Project Shiksha allow us to extend the benefits of technology beyond business,” said Shubhayu Sengupta, Chief People Officer at Zeta. “By investing in digital learning infrastructure at the grassroots level, we aim to create long-term impact and enable students to develop the skills needed for a digital future.”

“At Project Shiksha, every digital lab we build is a step toward equality in learning. Our continued partnership with Zeta is helping us open digital doors for children who deserve the same opportunities as any global learner. Through this initiative, we aim to build the digital literacy narrative for the last mile, ensuring that technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier, to education,” said Neha Chawla, Founder & Director, Project Shiksha.

As part of its ongoing commitment, Zeta plans to establish one computer lab each year, expanding digital learning access to more government schools and enabling students to become active participants in India’s growing digital economy.

About Zeta

Zeta is a next-generation banking technology company providing cloud-native, fully stackable processing and core banking platforms for issuers. With a focus on scalability, compliance, and innovation, Zeta empowers financial institutions to modernize their technology infrastructure and deliver secure, seamless digital banking experiences. For more information, visit www.zeta.tech.

ICL Fincorp's New NCD Issue Opens On 17th November 2025, Offering Effective Yield Upto 12.62%

ICL Fincorp is proud to announce the launch of its latest public issue of Secured Redeemable Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs), opening on 17th November 2025. With an effective yield of up to 12.62%, this offering presents an attractive and secure investment opportunity for those seeking flexible tenures.

Following the remarkable response to our previous NCD issues, we are truly honored by the trust and confidence placed in us by our valued investors. This continued support inspires us to deliver even more robust financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our customers.

The NCD issue will remain open until 28th November 2025 and is rated CRISIL BBB-/STABLE. Each NCD carries a face value of ₹1,000, and the issue offers ten options, with tenures of 13, 24, 36, 60 and 70 months, with monthly, annual and cumulative interest options with interest rates ranging from 10.50% to 12.62%. The minimum application amount is ₹10,000, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of investors.

Proceeds from this issue will be strategically deployed to support ICL Fincorp’s growth initiatives and further enhance the quality of services offered to our customers and stakeholders across India. This step reaffirms our commitment to delivering reliable, innovative and customer-centric financial solutions.

With a legacy of 34 years, ICL Fincorp continues to serve as a trusted financial partner under the visionary leadership of CMD, Adv. K.G. Anilkumar. Our growing presence spans 10 states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, West Bengal and Goa, as we move steadily towards establishing a pan-India footprint. The acquisition of Salem Erode Investments, a BSE-listed NBFC with a 93-year history in Tamil Nadu, has further reinforced our position in the financial sector.

ICL Fincorp offers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including Gold Loans, Hire Purchase Loans and Business Loans. The ICL Group has also diversified into sectors such as travel, fashion, diagnostics and charitable initiatives.

Under the joint leadership of CMD Adv. K.G. Anil Kumar and Mrs. Umadevi Anilkumar, Whole- time Director & CEO, ICL Fincorp, continues to operate in compliance with the Reserve Bank of India’s standards, while earning the enduring trust of customers.

As we unveil this new NCD issue, we warmly invite you to be a part of our journey towards financial growth, security and long-term value. To Know More: Visit Nearest ICL Fincorp Branch. To Download Application: Visit www.iclfincorp.com. For Enquiries: Call +91 85890 20137, +9185890 20186.

Flex Foundation Inaugurates Restored Medavakkam Periya Eri Lake

Flex, a global leader in electronics manufacturing and supply chain solutions, inaugurated the successfully restored Medavakkam Periya Eri recently. This significant lake restoration project, funded by the Flex Foundation and executed in partnership with the Thaagam Foundation, underscores Flex’s deep commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

The project was inaugurated by Sabuj D. Choudhary, Vice President – Legal & Managing Director, Flex, in the presence of Tambaram MLA R.S. Rajiv Gandhi, who lauded the collaborative efforts of the local community, civic authorities, and NGOs. He highlighted that the rejuvenation of the lake will significantly benefit residents by improving groundwater levels, enhancing biodiversity, and providing a sustainable public space.

The initiative was carried out under the supervision of the Chennai Rivers Restoration Trust (CRRT), with the cooperation of the local administration and residents. With an allocation of ₹50 lakh, the project aims to enhance eco-conservation, improve groundwater recharge, and create a clean, green recreational space for the local community.

As part of the restoration efforts, the project delivered a thoughtfully designed eco-park, a scenic bund pathway, and comprehensive beautification enhancements that elevate the lake’s natural appeal and community value. The inauguration was attended by officials from the Public Works Department, CRRT, and Medavakkam Panchayat Union, along with local representatives and residents.

About Flex Foundation

Established in 2002, the Flex Foundation is a private organization that awards grants to philanthropic initiatives and fosters positive change for the global communities where we along with our customers, suppliers, and partners operate.

About Flex

Flex (Reg. No. 199002645H) is the manufacturing partner of choice that helps leading brands design, build, and manage products that improve the world. With a global footprint spanning 30 countries, Flex delivers advanced manufacturing and supply chain solutions, innovative products and technology, and lifecycle services that support customers from concept to scale. In the AI era, Flex is helping customers accelerate data center deployment by solving power, heat, and scale challenges through cutting-edge power and cooling technology and scalable IT infrastructure solutions.

Interesting Demos On How Villages Can Bridge Digital Divide Mark IEEE’s “Connect A Community” Program In Hulimangala

Over 2.6 billion people – nearly a third of the global population do not have access to the internet; the majority of these individuals live in developing countries. These individuals live beyond the edge of connectivity, often in remote villages where internet connectivity is either scarcely available or non-existent. Despite the internet becoming central to everything from education to banking to healthcare and disaster response, a vast segment of humanity remains in the darkness.

The IEEE’s ‘Connecting the Unconnected (CTU)’ was a global competition that solicited solutions from start-ups, grassroots organizations, universities, or anyone else who is working to bridge this digital divide in innovative ways. Organized by the IEEE Future Networks Technical Community (FNTC) and other partners, the competition recognized and honored applications from early-stage projects that offer unique ways to increase broadband access and usage for unconnected or under-connected populations/geographies.

As part of the tangible outcome of the CTU Challenge, the IEEE Future Networks hosted a ‘Connect a Community’ day at Hulimangala village Gram Panchayat, located 30 kms from Bengaluru today.

Organized as a daylong program, the ‘Connect a Community’ day saw demos of ten innovative solutions to villages in India to help such rural communities in bridging the digital divide. The program was also an effort to recognize how IEEE Challenges/Award winners have shown significant growth from their ideation stage to a sustained business solution. The IEEE Future Networks Technical Committee (FNTC) and IEEE Future Directions Initiative (FDI) supported the day long program.

“Over 25000 villages are still unconnected in India. Through our IEEE Connect a Community effort, we are taking technology to the heart of rural regions to ensure that rural connectivity is talked beyond infrastructure. It is about turning connectivity into empowerment, fostering digital confidence, and vision into real impact for every village we reach,” said Ashutosh Dutta, Founding Co-Chair, IEEE Future Networks World Forum & FNEM

Locals living nearby Hulimangala Gram Panchayat from over 9 villages and other relevant stakeholders, including technologists, government, academia, and students, attended the daylong program. “These demos will initiate discussions and serve to drive transformation of rural communities into innovation-driven ecosystem where local talent can thrive,” added Ashutosh Dutta.

Amrita University showcased its demo on healthcare named ‘Wearable IoMT and AI for Health’, a wearable monitoring device that revolutionizes the health monitoring mechanism. Another demo called CR Bolo (Community Radio Bolo), led by Ms. Ritu Srivastava from Lucknow, allows local communities to access local content even without internet connectivity. The third demo from a startup called Uayki is for educational content sharing. A fourth demo is on a solution for internet connectivity that can use multiple providers concurrently (so that if one connection fails, then at least the other connection can be used at the Gram Panchayat to provide internet service and emergency services locally and reliably). This was from Professor Mohit Tahiliani from the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal. Dr. Sudhir Dixit from Basic Internet Foundation showcased the Internet4All technology that provides free access to non-video content (called Internet Lite) and approved digital public goods (DPGs) and full Internet on a paid basis with an innovative Freemium business model.

“As a winner of IEEE CTU Challenge 2022, it was a privilege to present our journey at IEEE Connect a Community and FNEM Connect. Such platforms give opportunity to technological innovators like us to bring affordable, indigenous technologies and showcase how such cost-effective connectivity models empower rural voices and bridge the digital divide in India,” said Ritu Srivastava, Winner of CTU Challenge 2022 & Director, Jadeite Solutions

IEEE Future Directions displayed their IEEE 5G/6G Innovation Testbed, a cloud-based, end-to-end 5G network emulator that enables testing and experimentation of 5G products and services.

“IEEE Connect a Community in association with IEEE Future Directions are making an effort to turn emerging technologies into meaningful, people-centered solutions that transform lives. Through this initiative, we are taking innovation beyond laboratories and urban centers to rural and underserved regions, empowering communities with access to connectivity, education, and opportunities. Connect a Community is not just about deploying technology; it’s about creating ecosystems of inclusion, collaboration, and sustainable development. It represents our collective commitment to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach every individual, regardless of geography or background. By connecting the unconnected, we pave the way for a more equitable, resilient, and empowered world where technology truly serves humanity,” said Rakesh Kumar, Chair of IEEE Future Directions, DataPort

The IIIT- Bangalore presented their ‘Wireless communication-based IoT compost’, which is a remote compost monitoring solution that would not only aid sustainable agriculture but also help reduce the city’s garbage woes and bring down the manual labour involved in composting.

“We were very happy to present our work on ‘IoT enabled remote Compost monitoring system’ at CTU Connect — the Community and Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) Connect Demos & Meeting. If I talk about our project, we have designed an IoT-based solution for monitoring large-scale composting systems. The sensor unit can monitor quantities such as temperature, humidity, and pH that are important for successful composting. Human intervention is needed only when the measurements are off the desired range. We have designed an RF communication system that is energy-efficient and reduces battery consumption.Generally, the quality of compost is monitored manually, but our device will reduce the manual effort and help determine the optimum setting for successful composting. We believe these kinds of monitoring solutions would not only aid sustainable agriculture but also help reduce the city's garbage woes,” apprised Prof. Jyotsna Bapat, Professor, IIIT-Bangalore and Principal Investigator of the project.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Govt. of India, displayed two of their innovative solutions: (1) NISHA: Network of Interlinked Satellites for High Availability, and (2) DRISHTI: Directional RIS for Hilly Terrains of India that aims to provide affordable and reliable connectivity in unconnected areas.

“At C-DOT, we are on a mission to ensure that a wireless signal reaches every corner of the country, and every part of the planet. In particular, we are pursuing novel low-cost satellite- based non-terrestrial connectivity solutions, and we are also exploring novel techniques to extend terrestrial coverage as well. We share a common goal with the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected effort and the IEEE’s Connect a Community initiative to strive for digital inclusion and technology inclusion and to provide connectivity and essential services to all people everywhere, and to leave no one behind,” said Dilip Krishnaswamy, Director, C-DOT.

The Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) Connect meeting will follow the IEEE’s ‘Connect a Community’ program. The IEEE FNEM is a global initiative of the FNTC and the Lemelson Foundation. ​The FNEM Connect aims to introduce and build early momentum amongst technological innovators who are starting their entrepreneurial journey. This meeting aims to create awareness about the FNEM upcoming launch-taking place in India during 2026. The FNEM program offers 1000 days of Learning, Action, Mentorship, and Practice (LAMP) to technological innovators specifically in the hardware segment, and gives them the flexibility to decide their own entrepreneurial mentorship journey.

“Through the IEEE Future Networks Empowerment through Mentorship (FNEM) program, together with the “Connect a Community” demonstrations, we are bringing the One IEEE framework to underserved and unconnected communities in India. By linking membership with meaningful connectivity, we are nurturing technological solutions that bridge the digital divide, uplift communities, and transform grassroots innovation into sustainable progress,” concluded Ruolin Zhou, UMass, MA, USA & FNTC Steering Committee Member

About IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional association, with over 500,000 members in more than 160 countries dedicated to “advancing technology for humanity.

About IEEE Future Directions

IEEE Future Directions is committed to bringing you the best knowledge, resources, and opportunities in emerging technologies within IEEE. This forum will provide a space to share relative events, articles, volunteer opportunities, and more from all current and graduated initiatives. As a participant of the Future Directions Technical Communities, you will receive access to a growing suite of content, including online courses, webinars, white papers, videos, and more at discounted rates. Visit https://www.ieee.org/about/technologies.html to learn more.

About Lemelson Foundation

The Lemelson Foundation uses the power of invention to improve lives. Inspired by the belief that invention can solve many of the biggest economic and social challenges of our time, the Foundation helps the next generation of inventors and invention-based businesses to flourish.

PNB Offers NPS Vatsalya Account Opening Through PNB ONE

~ You can open and contribute to NPS and NPS Vatsalya accounts seamlessly via PNB ONE ~

Towards Children’s Day, Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, announced the usage of NPS Vatsalya services through its mobile banking app, PNB ONE. The facility enables customers to open and subscribe to both NPS Vatsalya and NPS accounts online, making every child’s future planning simpler and more accessible for parents through a single digital platform. 

This digital initiative underscores PNB’s continued efforts to strengthen pension awareness and enhance digital banking convenience, helping families invest confidently in a financially secure tomorrow.

Shri Sudhir Dalal GM BA & RM, PNB, said, “This Children’s Day, we take a step forward in protecting every child’s right to a secure future. With NPS Vatsalya now on PNB ONE, parents can plan their children’s financial journey digitally fulfilling our vision of financial independence and inclusion for every generation.”

Customers can conveniently open and manage NPS Vatsalya accounts through the PNB ONE app by following these simple steps:

1. Log in to the PNB ONE mobile app.

2. Navigate to View All → NPS → Subscriber Registration.

3. Select NPS Vatsalya (Minor) as the account type.

4. Complete e-KYC using Aadhaar, CKYC, PAN, or DigiLocker.

5. Upload the minor’s date of birth proof (such as Birth Certificate, School Certificate, or Passport).

6. Make an initial contribution to activate the account.

7. Upon successful payment and authentication, a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) is generated.

For more details, customers can visit the Bank’s website pnb.bank.in or call on toll free no. 1800-1800, 1800-2021.

Winter Brunch At Café 77 East, Taj Bangalore Where Sundays Slow Down & Seasonality Takes Centre Stage

Sundays at Café 77 East get a winter-warm twist this November. Taj Bangalore invites guests to unwind over a hearty brunch that celebrates the season’s comforting flavors, fresh produce, and leisurely dining. Set across cozy indoor seating and a breezy alfresco deck, the brunch makes for a relaxed afternoon of conversations, crisp air, and indulgence.

On the Menu
A winter-inspired spread featuring:
• Herb-crusted roast lamb from the live carving station
• Poached eggs with asparagus & hollandaise
• Seasonal soups & salads with roasted winter greens
• Artisan breads with house-made preserves
• Dessert showcase including plum pudding, apple crumble & tiramisu

Brunch Details

·         Dates: All Sundays through November

·         Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

·         Venue: Café 77 East & Alfresco, Taj Bangalore

Pricing

·         INR 2,750 + taxes (with soft beverages)

·         INR 4,250 + taxes (with select beverages)

For reservations, please call: +91 9513396502

Karnataka Sees Steady Diabetes Burden Over a Decade: Neuberg Diagnostics Study

· Sharp age-linked increase seen—diabetes jumps from 18% in young adults to 61% in seniors

· 23% of diabetic individuals show abnormal kidney function markers, indicating early signs of nephropathy

· Data underscores urgent need for state-wide early screening and risk-based diabetes management programs

Neuberg Anand Group has conducted an extensive analysis of diagnostic data spanning the past decade, including 10-year longitudinal insights from Neuberg Anand in Karnataka, and two years of consolidated data from the wider Neuberg network. The population studied is from health checks in a clinical lab and may not represent the general population.

The data that evaluates a trend comparing five years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic—challenges the widespread belief that diabetes rates have surged post-pandemic. Diabetes incidence within the tested population has remained largely unchanged and the perceived rise is likely driven by increased testing, not an actual spike in disease prevalence.

India had an estimated 89.8 million adults with diabetes in 2024, with a substantial burden of prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes, underscoring the crucial role of testing in at-risk populations.

The analysis reveals notable demographic and clinical patterns:

· Gender Trends: Diabetes incidence remains higher in males, while prediabetes occurs at nearly equal rates in both genders. Prediabetes now accounts for approximately 23% of the tested population and has shown a steady rise over the years.

· Age-Linked Risk: Diabetes incidence increases sharply with age—18% in individuals aged 18–40, 48% in those 40–60 (2.5x higher), and 61% in individuals above 60 (3.5x higher).

The health impact is further highlighted by associated complications:

· Renal Risk: 23% of individuals with diabetes showed abnormal creatinine levels, indicating progression toward diabetic nephropathy.

· Cardiac Risk: Elevated triglycerides correlated strongly with higher HbA1c values, signalling a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.

· Inflammatory Markers: Raised hsCRP levels were observed in both diabetic and prediabetic groups, reflecting chronic inflammation—a known precursor of ischemic cardiac events.

These findings point to the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns, early and regular screening, and timely interventions, particularly in high-burden regions such as Karnataka and South India. Neuberg Diagnostics continues to advocate for evidence-based, population-level strategies to curb the rising impact of diabetes and prediabetes across the country.

As India continues to grapple with an increasing diabetes burden, these findings call for urgent action. The higher prevalence of diabetes among women in certain states suggests that gender-specific healthcare policies should be prioritized, especially in regions where women are disproportionately affected. On the other hand, regions with more balanced gender distributions could serve as models for others seeking to equalize diabetes care across genders. The data was analyzed by Dr. Prajwal A MD, Head of Department, Biochemistry, Neuberg Diagnostics along with the data science team.

"Diabetes remains one of the most significant public health concerns in India, and Karnataka’s longitudinal data gives us a unique window into the changing health profile of the state. The steady rise of prediabetes - particularly among working-age adults - is a warning signal. Our findings reinforce the need for workplace screening, community-led awareness, and proactive management to prevent the transition from prediabetes to diabetes,” said Dr. Sujay Prasad, Chief Medical Director at Neuberg Diagnostics.

As the nation observes World Diabetes Day, the findings from Neuberg Diagnostics provide a powerful reminder of the need for focused action in tackling diabetes, particularly in light of its growing prevalence among women in certain regions. With targeted strategies, India can make significant progress in addressing the diabetes epidemic and improving health outcomes across all demographics.

About Neuberg Diagnostics:

Neuberg Diagnostics, headquartered in Chennai, is one of India’s leading diagnostic service providers, with its presence in India, UAE, South Africa and the USA. With 200+laboratories accredited by CAP & NABL, Neuberg has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most trusted diagnostic centres in India. The group has created accessibility to state-of-the-art integrated diagnostic technologies. It possesses some of the finest clinical Pathologists, Biochemists, Geneticists, Radiologists and several other certified clinical professionals, with the capability to perform over 6000 varieties of pathological & radiological investigations and process 30 million tests annually. Neuberg Diagnostics is bringing in newer-generation diagnostics techniques to practice in the area of personalized medicine in 250+ cities across the globe. They aim to provide affordable and accurate diagnosis to all strata of people with home collection service reaching 5500+ pin codes.