India Space Congress 2023 drives collaboration, harnesses potential of Satellite & Space application for Empowering Socio-Economic Development

The India Space Congress 2023 in association with SIA-India united with respective Governors of 3 states concluded with the aim of harnessing the potential of satellite and space applications to drive socio-economic development across India.

 

"India Space Congress 2023 marked a significant milestone with the attendance of governors from Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Mizoram, showcasing the higher authority's recognition of the congress's importance. With the theme 'Redefining the Space Sector for Empowering Socio-Economic Development," remarked Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India in his concluding day Keynote Address. 

 

His Excellency, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Mizoram said, “The impactful role of the Space-Based Information Support for Decentralised Planning of Mizoram in promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The adoption of space applications in Mizoram holds immense importance in driving inclusive and sustainable development. These technologies empower local communities, optimize resource allocation, enhance infrastructure planning, and strengthen disaster preparedness. By harnessing the power of space-based information, Mizoram is poised to achieve significant progress in various sectors, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for its residents”

Air Marshal Surat Singh, Director General Air (Operations) mentioned, “The significance of space assets in warfare based on the Gulf War of 1991. In that conflict, space assets played a crucial role in monitoring, controlling, and softening the battlefield for 39 days, despite only 100 hours of ground fighting. Space assets must be protected from cyber-attacks through hardening measures and the application of quantum technology. The Indian Air Force views space as an extension of the air domain, considering persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and high-precision PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) as highly important.”

Shri Sunil, Additional Director General, Prasar Bharti emphasised on the commercial objectives, “Satellites are Leading innovation for B2B and B2C Video creating new revenue streams, and enhance the overall value proposition. By embracing new technologies, business models, and partnerships, companies can stay competitive and capitalize on the increasing demand for video content across various platforms and devices.”

India also needs a clear spectrum assignment mechanism. Simplifying the spectrum access process improves allocation and utilization, benefiting telecommunications, broadcasting, and other industries. This promotes growth and contributes to overall economic development by streamlining channels like the Department of Space and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC). SIA-India looks forward to having spectrum policy that assures assignment through administrative license.

India Space Congress is an annual flagship event organized by the SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India). It brings together leading professionals, visionaries, and experts from the space sector to share insights, discuss advancements, and foster collaborations in the field of space and satellite technology.

How AI will transform education, Coursera founder shares insights at Moneycontrol Startup Conclave

Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera, a U.S.-based massive open online course provider, shared his views at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave, on the topic of ‘Navigating edtech in the AI era held in Bengaluru on 10th of July..

On being told by his engineers, “Hey Jeff, this stuff is getting pretty powerful”, Jeff said how he then had to get his hands onto ChatGPT by early December of 2022. Since then, Coursera has moved pretty aggressively to integrate a ChatGPT implementation of a personalized learning assistant called Coursera Coach. It works on 5000 courses...

On being asked whether he thinks AI will save or destroy education, he said, “I think education has to adapt. Every time the world is changing, everything has to adapt. Relationships, institutions, everything. We’re all going to have to change the way we use tools, and even the way we use technology as a thought partner.”

“We’re using a large language model, we are not actually doing a lot of fine tuning right now, and we are constructing prompts that have the kind of context that a tutor would need to give you personalized prompts. So, it allows the language models to be really good at language, but the domain expertise comes from the university and the professor. We are rolling it out and, a little over 25% of our learners have access to Coursera Coach.”

On the impact of generative AI on kids’ learning abilities, Maggioncalda said, “The capability of this technology is quite remarkable, and I was worried that it was giving me too good of an answer. So, we are all figuring out how you can support a learner without letting them cheat. Cheating is a very big threat to the way people learn. So, we want to lend assistance, not give them the whole answer. The student still has to do all the work.”

“The pandemic was a major accelerator in the adoption of technology for teaching and learning. But even now as people go back to school, we are seeing really strong adoption of online learning in physical classrooms. I think we will never go back to a world of printed textbooks, with every student and every teacher in the same class. So, I think it’s going to be a hybrid world. Even students on campus are taking courses on Coursera, and our courses becoming a part of the curriculum. So, it is a hybrid world, and we all need to be pretty agile, because the world is changing pretty quickly,” he added.

A community for seniors over 60 - SilverWings App from SeniorWorld

Fostering interaction between seniors to express and exchange viewpointss, now there is a social, wellness and fun community app platform for seniors over 60, 'SilverWings' has been introduced by SeniorWorld, India’s leading company focussed on making a positive difference to the lives of the elderly since 2015.

Rahul Gupta, CEO and Co-Founder of SeniorWorld, shares his vision for the platform, stating, "With SilverWings, we aspire to give our beloved elders the wings to soar even higher and live their lives to the fullest - inspiring each other and younger generations along the way. The app has been designed based on the feedback received from our 3 Lakh plus seniors community on Facebook, which has one of the highest engagement scores among all FB communities” 

Social connect and engagement is a key need for the elderly with a staggering 65% urban seniors expressing loneliness as an issue. To address this, SilverWings has built the social aspect of the community around 4E's: express, engage, explore, and enjoy. The App publishes engaging articles and snippets every day, which provides seniors with an avenue to express and exchange viewpoints and experiences. Additionally, the app also fosters interaction between seniors who share common interests such as music, poetry, hobbies, travel etc making for more meaningful connections.  

 

Furthermore, seniors can attend technology classes to become more tech savvy, explore new experiences/hobbies, host events to share their expertise or even embark on group holiday tours with like-minded seniors. Most importantly, SilverWings ensures that seniors enjoy themselves with its wide array of fun sessions, games & quizzes etc. Says Mrs Mahajan- a single 68 year old SilverWinger from Noida "SilverWings is my daily dose of tonic for engagement and fun” 

With 70% seniors grappling with chronic disease, SilverWings offers a range of benefits to support their well-being. Seniors can enjoy daily fitness and meditation sessions, participate in live talks with doctors from renowned hospitals, access informative articles on health and wellness, set up medicine reminders, and conveniently keep track of their vitals in one place. Says Mrs. Sharma from Bhopal "SilverWings yoga is easy as it is specially designed for seniors. My husband has started doing chair yoga and the medicine reminders are very useful." 

To take care of safety, the SilverWings App has a digital SOS emergency button. With just a touch, the App automatically sends a distress message to designated emergency contacts with crucial information like the GPS location and medical history, and also initiates sequential and repeated calls to them, expediting the help they need. 

"The creation of the SilverWings app has been a labour of love," says MP Deepu, Co-Founder of SeniorWorld. "We have thoughtfully crafted this app using inclusive design principles and it is currently available for Android devices. It would be wonderful if everyone participates in this collective journey by helping their elderly family members install this app. It may possibly be one of the best things that you can do for them.” 

SeniorWorld vision is focussed on helping seniors lead more engaged, healthier and independent lives since 2015 by offering specially designed phones for seniors under the brand easyfone and assisted group holiday tours for seniors. 

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy opines that Every startup should have only one leader

The founder of Infosys speaks to Rohan Murthy on the issues of starting up, sacrifices, values and more. Narayana Murthy, took the floor at Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023 to speak in a candid conversation with his son, Rohan Murthy, Founder of Soroco..

The IIT alumnus was asked why he chose to become an entrepreneur. He answered, "Because I believe the only way society can remove its poverty is through the power of entrepreneurship, creating jobs, translating ideas into jobs, translating ideas into wealth, and enhancing taxes paid to the government."

When asked to list key attributes of entrepreneurs, he highlighted, "They must have the power of imagination. They must be comfortable with innovation, with doing something unusual. Passion fuels your energy, enthusiasm, and ability to achieve the target, and for this, the leader must have an articulated value system."

The next key step for any nascent business is hiring talent. He recommended, "My focus was on competence. Without that, nothing will happen. The second is the value system. In the beginning, everybody has to trust everybody else implicitly. The only thing the employees have are your words. For this, you must be authentic. When employees work as a team, in unison, there is a high probability of people buying into your vision, and that vision must have something in it for everybody."

On devising leadership and organizational structure, he suggests, "Every startup company must have only one leader. There cannot be two or three leaders. Just one leader." He adds, "Once the managerial phase comes in, you invite managers to create systems and processes, establish protocols, invite independent directors, and have a good governance mechanism."

Crippling uncertainty and self-doubt are common among all startup founders. Addressing pathways to tackle that, Mr. Narayana Murthy shares how he felt when his company went public, "When we went public, we were worried about whether we would do well or not." For navigating times when things get tough at the office and at home, he suggested, "You should not panic. During uncertain times, I would crack jokes in the office and talk to them about how other people have gone through such times as well, and how God is with us. Sometimes, logic doesn't suffice. There are moments when one must transcend logic, embrace faith, and believe in God."

Reminiscing about his roots, he elaborated on how selecting a career pathway wasn't as parent-regulated back then as it is today. He said, "Back then, they didn't ask us 'what are you going to do.' Somehow, that environment gave us much freedom. Acknowledging his wife's pivotal role during the early stages of building his business, Mr. Murthy expressed his gratitude for Mrs. Sudha Murthy, present at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023. He shares, "My wife stood by me when my colleagues were unsupportive."

The session also included Mrs. Murthy sharing her perspective as the first angel investor in Murthy's life. She shares the anecdote, "Living with a successful man can be extremely challenging. They are not ordinary individuals; they possess eccentricities and lack conventional logic at home, reserving it solely for the office. These accomplished individuals often have sky-high expectations, requiring their partners to juggle multiple roles simultaneously." She adds, "They expect their partners to be a wife, secretary, finance manager, nanny, advisor, and assume various other responsibilities. Failing in any one of these roles can have a profound negative impact on their well-being."

A number of budding startups present at the Moneycontrol Startup Conclave 2023 sought Murthy's perspective on the principle of good governance, to which he suggested, "Put the interest of the community ahead of your personal interest, in the short and mid-run, and you will emerge a winner in the long term. It is a philosophy that you either have or you 

Monsoon styling tips: A quick guide to look Fab this season

Breezy evenings.. Blooming-green scenic views.. Heavy downpours.. Monsoon surely calls for some key essentials. Let’s take a sneak-peak at these must-haves!!
 
To cherish the monsoon season. Why not go in for breezy kurtas that are definitely a cool embrace on sticky days. An ideal one could be adorned with a charming Chinese collar placket and quarter sleeves, a Cotton Lambadi Slim Fit Knee Length Kurta (shown in pic) beautifully captures the essence of contemporary fashion. After all – a little pink always makes that rainy day brighter!
 
Floral, bright, and everything nice – Cotton Printed Long Dress is all you need for your upcoming coffee dates. Pair it with dainty earrings and a sling bag to finish the look.
 
Monsoon is sure to make the skin feel greasy; therefore a face tone that is enriched with fruit extracts and has to be alcohol-free and a Vitamin C Citrus Fruits face toner is a must-have. Let’s say hello to a refreshed and glowy face!
 
While lip balms are always a must-have; this one right here is perfect for this season. The ideal advise is to go in for enriched with beeswax & shea butter, a pocket-friendly Coconut Cardamon Lip Butter is sure to make your lips happy and hydrated (a FabIndia Product).
 
Prints have something that adds to rainy days –agree? Bright, beautiful, and breezy go for a chic Cotton Flared Dress that is sure to make you feel pretty. Team it with a pair of white slip-ons for a monsoon breakfast or brunch date!
 
Confident. Delicate. Beautiful, for this you can choose a Flower Body Spray is all you need to keep you smelling fresh all day, every day. Make sure that it’s so handy it will easily fit in any sling or fanny pack that you are planning to carry!

India Space Congress 2023 to usher in Innovation, Collaboration, and Socio-Economic Development

A mega gathering of distinguished luminaries from government, industry and academia to share insights and expertise are expected to attend the flagship event of The SatCom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) that brings the 2nd edition of India Space Congress 2023 to be held from July 10-12, 2023 in New Delhi.

 

ISC is partnering with Invest India to provide space entrepreneurs and startups an unparalleled opportunity to pitch their visionary ideas directly to invaestors and forge invaluable connections within the industry. This initiative aims to empower and catalyze the growth of space startups, propelling India's space sector to new heights of innovation and prosperity...

 

"ISC 2023 ignites a visionary platform to envision a transformative future for space, prioritizing socio-economic development. It propels innovative solutions that advance the space industry, fostering economic growth and societal progress. As India signs the Artemis Accords, the world anticipates intensified collaboration and sustainable space exploration. India Space Congress 2023 marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration, policy formulation, technological advancements, space diplomacy, and international collaboration, all aimed at driving collaboration and socio-economic development," expressed Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri, President SIA-India & CMD Ananth Technologies Ltd

 

The Congress anticipates a massive turnout of over 700 delegates, consisting of industry leaders, policymakers, defence experts, top consultants, diplomats and visionaries. This transformative event will feature more than 50+ sessions encompassing multiple tracks and themes, creating an immersive environment for knowledge exchange, breakthrough collaborations, and groundbreaking advancements.

 

Anil Prakash, Director General, SIA-India mentioned that a distinguished lineup of VIP speakers who will enlighten the conference with their expertise and insights, Hon. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Mizoram, Dr S. Somanath, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Hon’ble Member of NITI Aayog, Dharmendra IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh among others that also include Thomas Bleeker, Head Aerospace, Nertherlands,  Hazem Moakkit, Vice President of Spectrum Strategy at Intelsat, Dr Mike Short, Chief Scientific Adviser at the UK Department for International Trade and George Weinman, Senior Director of Blue Origin's Space Systems Development. 

 

Notable supporters for ISC 2023 include The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NITI Aayog, the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, India Post's Ministry of Communications & Technology, Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC), IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF) and Lovely Professional University (LPU).

 

ISC also invites Indian authors to submit their original research papers, case studies, and thought-provoking articles focusing on leveraging space technology for socio-economic development. These contributions will shape India's space sector strategy and fuel private sector participation, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and growth.

Medical Breakthrough: Heart valve replaced by Treatment without Surgery

In what is considered a breakthrough in Medical world, a senior citizen's heart valve was replaced by Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVI) procedure in a hospital in Nagpur. This treatment was carried out without surgery, thus avoiding the complications in the patient. No wonder that Nagpur is being called as a medical hub.
 
A great credit goes to the success of Wockhardt Hospitals Cardiologists in Nagpur, where an Aortic valve of a 67-year-old patient had failed and this was developing cardiac complications. Open heart surgery was the option before him to replace the valve.  
 

Dr Anmol Sonawane, Dr Nitin Tiwari, Dr Amey Beedkar,
Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr Sumit Pathak, Anesthetist Dr Pankaj

However, now all state-of -the -art  medical facilities are available in Nagpur too, and  'Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement' (TAVI) is an option to replace the valve without surgery. At Wockhardt Hospitals  Internationally renowned cardiologist Dr. Anmol Sonawane completed this process on patient.  Dr. Anmol Sonawane  was assisted by Cardiologist Dr. Nitin Tiwari, Dr. Amey Beedkar, Cardiovascular Surgeon Dr. Sumit Pathak, Anesthetist Dr. Pankaj's team.
 
Open heart surgery was a risk for the patient, as the patient had comorbidities like hypertension, kidney problems. In such cases 'Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement' is the only option. If the aortic valve fails, the patient's quality of life may be less than that of cancer patients and the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases. The patient also took a decision to undergo a valve replacement procedure without delay. Now the condition of the patient is good and the blood supply is normal.
 
In Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, just like angiography and angioplasty, a tube (catheter) is passed from the arm through a blood vessel to the heart. With help of pacemaker the heart beats are increased up to 250 beats per minute. Once the heart is stabilized, a valve is opened in the heart, guided by an artificial catheter. Once the patient stabilizes over time, the catheter is removed.  
 
What is special about this is procedure is that patient does not need anesthesia to perform this surgery. This procedure can be done while the patient is conscious. There is no risk of bleeding as there is no need to make an incision. The patient is discharged from the hospital in three-four days.
 
For patients who are at risk of open heart surgery, this treatment is effective. Wockhardt Hospital has all specialist doctors and a well-equipped intensive care unit to enable this procedure.  Such procedures are now possible in Nagpur, the patient do not have to go to other places for treatment. Apart from this, it is observed that patients from outside are flocking to Nagpur to undergo this procedure.