EC-Council, creator of the world-renowned Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential and a global leader in applied cybersecurity education, today launched its Enterprise AI Credential Suite, with four new role-based AI certifications debuting alongside Certified CISO v4, an overhauled executive cyber leadership program. The dual launch is the largest single expansion of EC-Council’s portfolio in its 25-year history, built for one clear reality: AI is scaling faster than the workforce trained to run, secure, and govern it.

As India scales AI capability through IndiaAI Mission, EC-Council introduces AIE, CAIPM, COASP, and CRAGE, building job-ready skills across AI readiness, delivery, security, and governance

The launch aligns with India’s national direction on capability-building through the Rs. 10,371 crore India AI Mission, including its FutureSkills pillar, alongside the wider goals of  Viksit Bharat 2047 and NITI Aayog’s focus on inclusive development. As initiatives such as BharatGen, Bhashini, and AIKosh expand, and programs like the CyberGuard AI Hackathon build applied AI momentum, demand is rising for role-ready professionals who can move beyond tool usage and support responsible, secure AI adoption at scale.

India’s AI momentum is already visible in workforce demand and adoption behaviour. Industry projections point to 2.3 million AI-related job openings and a reskilling gap exceeding 1 million professionals, while 33 percent of companies are actively hiring for AI roles and 62 percent of professionals report using generative AI tools at work. As GenAI becomes part of daily workflows, the need grows for structured skills that address adoption, security, governance, and accountability.

“India’s AI story is moving quickly from ambition to execution,” said Jay Bavisi, Group President, EC-Council. “What matters now is readiness at scale. This portfolio is built to help people work with AI responsibly, secure it effectively, and manage it with clear accountability as adoption accelerates.”

Role-Aligned Certifications

The Enterprise AI Credential Suite is structured to mirror how AI capability is developed in practice. Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AIE) serves as the baseline, building practical AI fluency and responsible usage across roles, and it is supported by EC-Council’s proprietary Adopt. Defend. Govern. (ADG) framework, which defines how AI should be operationalized at scale in real environments.

Adopt: Prepare teams to deploy AI deliberately, with readiness and safeguards

Defend: Secure AI systems against emerging risks, including prompt injection, data poisoning, model exploitation, and AI supply-chain compromise

Govern: Embed accountability, oversight, and risk management into AI systems from the outset

Within this structure, the four new certifications align directly to specific workforce needs across the AI lifecycle.

• Artificial Intelligence Essentials (AIE) builds foundational AI literacy. 

• Certified AI Program Manager (CAIPM) equips to translate AI strategy into execution, aligning teams, governance, and delivery to drive measurable ROI and enterprise-scale intelligence.

• Certified Offensive AI Security Professional (COASP) Builds elite capabilities to test vulnerabilities in LLMs, simulate exploits, and secure AI infrastructure hardening enterprises against emerging threats.

• Certified Responsible AI Governance & Ethics Professional (CRAGE) Focuses on Responsible AI, Governance and Ethics at enterprise scale with NIST/ISO compliance.

Alongside the new AI certifications, Certified CISO v4 updates executive cyber leadership education for AI-driven risk environments, strengthening leadership readiness as intelligent systems become part of core business operations and security decision-making.

“Security leaders are now accountable for systems that learn, adapt, and influence outcomes at speed,” Bavisi added. “Certified CISO v4 prepares leaders to manage AI-driven risk with clarity, strengthen governance, and make informed decisions when responsibility is on the line.”

The portfolio also builds on EC-Council’s long-standing work with government and defense organizations, including its existing DoD 8140 baseline certification recognition, as AI security and workforce readiness take on greater national importance.

To explore the full range of training and certification opportunities, visit the EC-Council AI Courses library.

About EC-Council

EC-Council is the creator of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program and a leader in cybersecurity education. Founded in 2001, EC-Council’s mission is to provide high-quality training and certifications for cybersecurity professionals to keep organizations safe from cyber threats. EC-Council offers over 200 certifications and degrees in various cybersecurity domains, including forensics, security analysis, threat intelligence, and information security.  

    
An ISO/IEC 17024 accredited organization, EC-Council has certified over 350,000 professionals worldwide, with clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 100 companies. EC-Council is the gold standard in cybersecurity certification, trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and leading global corporations.   

• Truecaller Internal Report highlights large scale prevention of scam attempts, saving consumers both time and money

• To access a downloadable version of the full report, please click the following link: www.clr.se/indiainsights2025

Indians received more than 4,000 crore spam calls in 2025, reflecting the growing scale of fraud, disruption, and digital risk in everyday communication. In India, every phone call carries meaning – it can open doors to opportunity, deliver vital information, or even expose individuals to serious risk. As the country accelerates towards becoming a digitally empowered and globally competitive economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat, trust in communication has become a defining pillar of progress.

Truecaller India Insights Report 2025

Truecaller’s latest report shows that 1,189 crore of these unwanted calls were blocked before reaching users, helping millions avoid scams, wasted time, and unnecessary stress in an increasingly connected economy. With over 100 crore active phone connections in the country powering commerce, governance, and personal relationships, Truecaller today released its 2025 India Insights Report, offering a data-driven view of how spam and fraud are reshaping the nation’s communication landscape and how technology is helping protect crores of people every day.

The report captures how these decisions played out across 2025, revealing both the scale of digital risk and the growing importance of protection.

“In a country where connectivity is powering opportunity at every level, trust has become our most valuable digital asset,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Truecaller. “Fraud today is not just a technical problem, it is a human one. It exploits fear, urgency, and uncertainty in moments that matter most. Our responsibility is to make sure that no Indian has to choose between staying connected and staying safe. Our focus at Truecaller is simple: help people stay connected without compromising their safety and stopping risk before it turns into loss.”

The Scale of Communication Risk in 2025
According to the report, Truecaller identified more than 4,168 crore spam calls across India in 2025, reflecting the full extent of disruptive and potentially harmful communication. Of these, 1,189 crore unwanted calls were blocked by Truecaller users. In addition, 770 crore fraudulent calls were detected, many of them impersonating banks, government authorities, payment platforms, and well-known brands.

Spam messaging also remained a major concern. During the year, over 12,903 crore spam SMS were identified, with volumes increasing significantly in the second half of 2025. As legitimate alerts and fraudulent messages increasingly share the same digital space, users are being forced to make faster and more complex judgments, raising the cost of even small mistakes.

These figures represent more than operational metrics. They reflect billions of moments of potential disruption, confusion, and risk — and billions more where harm was prevented.

Protecting Time, Attention, and Confidence
Out of the total spam activity identified, community reporting helped prevent 1,189 crore calls from reaching users. Based on an average spam call duration of 1.8 minutes, this translated into Indians avoiding approximately 21.7 lakh hours of wasted time every day, and more than 1.5 crore hours every week.

Every single day, the cumulative time that people save thanks to Truecaller, is equivalent to roughly 250 years of human life. Beyond time savings, this protection helps preserve focus, reduce stress, and prevent urgency-driven decisions that often lead to financial loss. Blocking spam is not only about convenience — it is about protecting people’s confidence in their digital interactions.

The report highlights several scam tactics expected to become more prominent in 2026, including identity verification scams, impersonation using familiar institutions, multi-step fraud combining messages and calls, AI-generated voice messages, and the migration of scams to third-party messaging platforms.

As these threats evolve, trust will depend increasingly on behavioural context, community reporting, and long-term activity patterns rather than isolated signals.

Truecaller continues to encourage users to remain cautious, verify urgent requests, avoid sharing sensitive information and rely on trusted identification tools.

Notes & Methodology
The data in this report was aggregated anonymously from meta data and spam classification signals of Truecaller users in India between January 1 and December 31, 2025. During this period, over 4,168 crore calls and 12,903 crore spam messages were identified. Spam blocking is based on active community reporting by people using Truecaller. Insights reflect observed patterns within the dataset and are intended to provide visibility into national-level trends. They do not represent precise measurements of all spam or fraud activity.

About Truecaller
Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for over 450 million active users worldwide, with more than one billion downloads since launch and 68 billion spam and fraud calls identified in 2025 alone. The company is headquartered in Stockholm and has been publicly listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since October 2021.

For more information, visit www.truecaller.com.

At a time when student stress, mental health concerns, and exam-driven schooling are increasingly under the spotlight, His Holiness the Dalai Lama launched ‘15 Learnings in 15 Years of Ekya: How We Built Schools’, alongside Dr. K.C. Ramamurthy, IPS( Retd), Former MP, Rajya Sabha, Chairman, CMR Group of Institutions,Chairman of the Ekya Board of Governors & Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder, Ekya Schools & Provost, CMR University, a book that reflects on Ekya Schools’ fifteen-year journey of reimagining how children learn.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama launched 15 Learnings in 15 Years of Ekya alongside Dr. K.C. Ramamurthy and Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy

The book traces Ekya’s gradual move away from recall-based teaching towards deeper conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and authentic assessment, closely aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Drawing on classroom stories and institutional reflections, it presents school transformation as a journey marked by learning, resistance, and continuous reflection rather than a one-time reform.

Ekya’s philosophy is built on the belief that education should engage both the mind and the heart. This approach took form through its ACE Framework; Aware, Compassionate, Engaged which guides curriculum design, teaching practices, assessment, and school culture. Rather than treating values as add-ons, the school integrates awareness, empathy, and responsible action into daily classroom experiences, making it one of the early schools in India to adopt these ideas at a system-wide level.

Founded in 2010, Ekya Schools began with a simple but powerful question: what if schools focused less on marks and memorisation, and more on helping children grow into thoughtful, self-aware, and compassionate individuals? Over the years, this question shaped an evolving school model that places inquiry, well-being, and meaning making at the centre of everyday learning.

About Ekya Schools

Ekya Schools is a progressive K–12 private school group based in Bengaluru, India, established in 2010 with a focus on helping students learn not only what to learn, but how to learn. The name “Ekya,” derived from the Sanskrit word Aikyam meaning oneness, reflects the school’s emphasis on community, collaboration, and individual growth.Part of the CMR Group of Institutions, Ekya draws on an educational legacy of over three decades, with the wider CMR ecosystem serving more than 20,000 learners across levels ranging from Montessori to doctoral programmes.

Ekya operates five campuses in Bengaluru;ITPL, JP Nagar, BTM Layout, Byrathi & NICE Road along with an additional purpose-based school, Ekya Nava & Vana. Across its campuses, Ekya offers multiple curricula, including CBSE, ICSE, and Cambridge IGCSE. The school is expanding their presence nationally in the next three years.

The schools follow an in-house curriculum informed by research and international best practices, emphasising conceptual understanding, inquiry-led learning, and authentic assessment. Ekya also places strong emphasis on educator development through continuous professional learning supported by its Professional Development Institute (PDI).

JBCN Education is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the third time in a row. The recognition reflects employee feedback and experiences across the organization, and in the assessment, JBCN Education scored above 90% across key parameters, demonstrating the strength of its people-first culture. It also highlights the organization’s commitment to creating a positive and supportive workplace.

JBCN Education reaffirms its reputation as a premier workplace with Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years

The certification assesses a range of critical parameters, and JBCN Education emerged strongly in the following areas i.e. strong physical safety practices and compliance, gender fairness, celebration of special events and the welcoming onboarding experience. This reflects JBCN Education’s deep commitment to creating a safe, fair, inclusive, and people-first workplace culture—right from onboarding to everyday experiences.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation. 

“Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the third consecutive year is a meaningful validation of the culture we have consciously nurtured at JBCN Education,” said Mr. Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, JBCN Education. “This recognition reflects the trust our team places in the organisation and reinforces our belief that a strong, people-first culture is foundational to excellence across our work and impact. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, both professionally and personally. I am deeply grateful to our teams for their dedication, collaboration, and shared commitment to making JBCN a place where people truly enjoy coming to work.”

What sets JBCN Education apart is the approach of prioritizing open communication, continuous learning, and holistic well-being, and creating an environment where individuals can thrive and excel. JBCN Education focuses on innovation, collaboration, and mutual growth to transform the workplace into a community that celebrates achievements, encourages creativity, and values every voice. This unique approach has not only empowered the employees but also inspired them to bring their best to work every single day.

Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

Some missions never end – they simply change form. For Vikash Kumar, protection has always been a duty. After serving in the Indian Navy, where guarding the nation’s borders requires discipline, anticipation, and precision, Kumar took another mission – protecting human skin, the body’s largest and most exposed organ.
 

Vikash Kumar, Founder and Chairman, Épure Global Pvt. Ltd.
 

Just as borders shield a nation from external threats, skin acts as the body’s first line of defence against pollution, UV exposure, climate stress, and daily damage. This understanding became the foundation of ÉPURE DERMA, a multi-tasking high efficacy skincare brand.

“In defence, protection is not reactive – it is preventive and structured. Skincare should work the same way. You must strengthen the barrier while correcting damage,” said Vikash Kumar, Founder and Chairman, Épure Global Pvt. Ltd.

Protect, Strengthen, Correct: A Defence-Led Skin Philosophy

ÉPURE DERMA is built on the belief that skin health cannot rely on correction alone. The brand focuses on strengthening the skin barrier while simultaneously correcting visible concerns, ensuring long-term skin resilience rather than short-term cosmetic fixes.

Rejecting overly complicated routines, ÉPURE DERMA promotes less but effective skincare – simple, easy-to-follow steps powered by multitasking formulations that deliver results without overwhelming the skin.

This disciplined approach mirrors Kumar’s defence background: every product has a clear purpose, and nothing is unnecessary.

Powerful Ingredients. Thoughtful Formulation. Real Results

Every ÉPURE DERMA product is created with intention. No fillers. No unnecessary complexity. Only clinically proven, globally trusted ingredients that work in harmony with the skin.

From cleansers and toners to serums, moisturisers, and sunscreens, each product is designed to do more with less, reducing the need for excessive layering.

The Moment That Defines Success

For Vikash Kumar, the most powerful feedback isn’t a review or rating – it’s a quiet moment at a store counter.

“Nothing feels better than when a customer comes back with an empty tube and asks for the same product again. That’s when you know it wasn’t just bought – it was completely used, trusted, and needed.”

Since launch, ÉPURE DERMA has built a loyal base of strong repeat users, driven by visible results, skin comfort, and routines that people actually stick to.

Growing Through Trust, Not Hype

ÉPURE DERMA is available across Nykaa, Amazon, Flipkart, its official website www.epurederma.com, and 200+ beauty retail stores across India. The brand has also reached customers in multiple countries through online platforms, as it prepares for deeper international expansion.

Its growth has been organic – powered not by loud promises, but by quiet confidence and returning customers.

ÉPURE DERMA: Skincare That Stays with You
Founded by an ex-Indian Navy officer, ÉPURE DERMA is more than a skincare brand – it is a promise to protect, strengthen, and respect skin. Built on discipline, science, and trust, the brand believes the best skincare isn’t the one you try once, but the one you finish and buy again.

Defending Champions and Co-Hosts India kick off their 2026 ICC T20 World Cup campaign on February 7 against the United States of America, who are currently mired by the suspension of USA Cricket ahead of the mega-event in India.

T20 World Cup 2026: Defending Champions India Favoured at Home

After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the USA and the West Indies, India bid adieu to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja as the experienced trio walked away from the shortest format of the game at the international stage.

With Gautam Gambhir taking charge of the Men in Blue, Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the captain of the Indian team in T20Is, as Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, and Varun Chakravarthy stamped themselves as ever-presents for India.

The Suryakumar-led side has since then grown leaps and bounds as India has solidified their spot at the top of the ICC T20I rankings. Abhishek and Tilak have grasped two of the top three spots in the batters’ rankings, while Varun Chakravarthy is ruling the roost in the bowlers’ list.

Placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands, the Men in Blue should be one of the favorites to reach the Super Eight stage. Let’s have a look at how India heads into the tournament and whether their preparations are up to the mark as they will be defending the coveted trophy in front of their fans:

India’s record since the 2024 T20 World Cup Triumph
Indian cricket fans would have expected a topsy-turvy start to their new era, but Gambhir and Suryakumar have quashed their doubters by winning every T20I series in the build-up to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Suryakumar kicked off his captaincy era with a bang against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh as the Men in Blue clean-swept both of their neighbors. While India won all three matches against Sri Lanka, including a win in the Super Over, the Men in Blue completely annihilated Bangladesh in all three fixtures, especially the 133-run win in the dead rubber, courtesy of a Sanju Samson century.

While India got off to a good start to the Suryakumar era, their real test was yet to come as Gambhir’s men travelled to the rainbow nation to face South Africa for a 4-match T20I series. 

Both Samson and Tilak scored two centuries each to help India register a 3-1 win in the series, where they were expected to be heavily challenged by the Proteas. Chakravarthy scalped 12 wickets in 4 matches, including a 5-wicket haul in the only match India lost, as the seamers failed to support the spinners on a sluggish surface.

England then toured India in January 2025, and the Men in Blue were clinical yet again, winning the series 4-1. After India had already wrapped up the series 3-1, Abhishek Sharma’s blitz of 135 runs off 54 balls helped India win the dead rubber by an emphatic margin of 150 runs.

After winning the England series, India’s next T20I assignment came in September as the Men in Blue won the Asia Cup, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan thrice in a span of two weeks to lift the coveted trophy.

After winning the Asia Cup, the Men in Blue went down under and defeated Australia in their own backyard, followed by a 3-1 win against South Africa at home and are now on course to win the New Zealand series as well, which is the last stop on the road to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

Squad
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav ©, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav.

Key Players for India
The Men in Blue have the privilege of the playing XI being packed with a plethora of match-winners, with the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Kuldeep Yadav failing to break into the playing XI.

#1 Abhishek Sharma
The left-hand batter is mentored by Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India’s 2007 ICC T20 World Cup and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup triumphs. It would be fair to say that Abhishek Sharma has emerged as the most prominent player in the last two years, smashing 1199 runs at a strike rate of more than 190. 

The ability to smack the ball out of the ground, maximum after maximum, has hurt opposition sides in the last two years, showcased by Abhishek’s stats of 2 centuries and 7 half-centuries. When we look at Sharma’s numbers in India, the average and strike rate both improve massively as the southpaw has scored 501 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 206.17.

#2 Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya is the most experienced T20I player in the side.

The vice-captain of the Indian team in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup triumph was arguably left high and dry as the captaincy armband was passed on from Rohit Sharma to Suryakumar Yadav after Gambhir’s appointment. Nonetheless, Hardik Pandya has proved to be undroppable with his crucial ability to score runs at a fast pace in the middle overs and often provides the finishing touches as well. 

Pandya enjoyed a memorable 2024 year in T20I cricket and has often been deployed as the second seamer in the run-in to the 2026 T20 World Cup. The all-rounder’s capabilities of taking the new ball and swinging it both ways has often proven to be a masterstroke, especially against left-hander opening batters.

#3 Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy was made the scapegoat of the embarrassment handed to India in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup as the Kolkata Knight Riders’ mystery spinner failed to adjust to the pitches on offer in the United Arab Emirates. 

Since then, the former architect has developed a couple of new variations in his mystery spin bowling and has also improved the fielding and batting aspects of the game, becoming more than a single-trick pony as he was often called back in 2021.

The spinner has scalped 55 wickets in 28 matches since the end of the 2024 T20 World Cup at a brilliant average of less than 13. The KKR spinner would be ready to unleash havoc with India playing its matches across the spin-friendly pitches of Colombo and Chennai, while bowling in Mumbai or Delhi could prove to be a challenge for the No. 1-ranked bowler in T20Is.

Predicted Playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma/Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav ©, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Contributed by-  Mohak Arora, Parimatch Sports analytics expert

BPTP, one of North India’s leading real estate developers, has been honored with the “Iconic Brand of the Year – Commercial” title for its BPTP Capital City at the prestigious Realty+ India Brand Leadership (IBL) Conclave & Awards 2026. Held recently in Mumbai, the recognition underscores the project’s strong brand positioning, integrated master planning, and rising stature as a future-ready commercial destination in the NCR. This accolade underscores BPTP’s commitment to creating high-value developments.

BPTP Capital City Recognized as ‘Iconic Brand of the Year – Commercial’ at Realty+ India Brand Leadership (IBL) Conclave & Awards 2026

BPTP Capital City, located in Sector 94, Noida, is a landmark mixed-use development offering Grade-A office spaces with a strong emphasis on sustainable design. The project holds IGBC and LEED Platinum certifications and has achieved WELL Core Platinum Certification, the highest level under the WELL Building Standard. BPTP Capital City brings together premium offices, curated retail, F&B destinations, and thoughtfully designed public areas within a single integrated ecosystem. The project is designed around sustainability, operational efficiency, and user experience, supported by energy-efficient systems, smart water management, green mobility features, and people-centric open spaces.

The award underscores the project’s evolution as a recognizable commercial brand built on planning depth, design quality, connectivity advantage, and institutional-grade infrastructure.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP said, “We are honoured to receive the ‘Iconic Brand of the Year – Commercial’ recognition for BPTP Capital City at the Realty+ IBL Awards 2026. This acknowledgement reflects the project’s vision, design integrity, and long-term positioning as a next-generation commercial hub. Our focus has been on creating a future-ready business ecosystem that combines sustainability, accessibility, and high-quality workspaces. We thank the industry jury for this recognition and remain committed to setting higher benchmarks in commercial real estate.”

The Realty+ India Brand Leadership Conclave & Awards brings together leading developers, brands, and decision-makers from across the country, spotlighting projects that are shaping India’s real estate landscape through innovation, performance, and brand trust.

About BPTP
BPTP is one of India’s most trusted and leading real estate developers, with a strong presence in the Delhi-NCR region. The company has delivered over 25,000 units, as well as numerous landmark residential and commercial projects that blend cutting-edge design, modern architecture, and sustainable living solutions. Known for its innovative and customer-centric approach, BPTP continues to redefine urban luxury through future-first development, premium amenities, and a commitment to excellence, transparency, and elegant, efficient living.

The Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, successfully concluded ACINUS 2026 – the Annual Conference of Respiratory Diseases, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, held from 4th to 6th February 2026 under the aegis of the Indian Chest Society.

Dr. Yashraj P. Patil and other dignitaries at the ACINUS Conference

The three-day national conference brought together leading pulmonologists, critical care specialists, academicians, and postgraduate students from across India. Centred on the theme ‘Respiratory Medicine in Indian Perspective: From Evidence to Practice,’ ACINUS 2026 focused on translating scientific evidence into practical clinical application relevant to Indian healthcare settings.

ACINUS stood out for its unique , learner centric approach. The introduction of engaging, interactive elements such as an intercollegiate quiz and a Best Learner’s Award—based on MCQs answered after each session and the number of sessions attended—set this conference apart. With attractive prizes on offer, these initiatives effectively motivated young delegates to attend more sessions and, importantly, to engage more attentively with the lectures.

Hon’ble Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “Academic conferences such as ACINUS play an important role in strengthening medical education and research. Our institution remains committed to supporting platforms that promote scientific exchange, collaboration and continuous learning.”

Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj P. Patil, Trustee and Treasurer, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, stated, “ ACINUS 2026 provided a valuable forum for clinicians and students to engage with current medical knowledge, emerging evidence and evolving clinical practices. Through focused scientific discussions and meaningful academic exchange, the conference fostered critical thinking and encouraged translation of evidence into everyday clinical decision-making. Such initiatives play a vital role in strengthening clinical expertise, nurturing the next generation of physicians, and ultimately improving the quality of patient care.“

Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, added, “When we look at the intersection of pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine, we find ourselves truly at a crossroads—anchored by the fundamental rhythm of breath. The act of breathing, of taking in and letting out air, is profound; it is what connects life with consciousness, the body with thought. There could be no better space than this conclave to bring together luminaries from these disciplines.

Our institute has long been a forerunner in medical education, and we take immense pride in training healthcare professionals in our 2,000-bedded hospital. Our ability to integrate education, patient care and research is made possible by robust infrastructure, dedicated faculty and committed scientists. We are delighted that eminent experts from across the nation have chosen to be part of this conclave, allowing us to revisit fundamentals while also engaging with the high-technology environment of modern ICUs and the intricate neurobiology of sleep medicine. This confluence truly reflects the evolving depth and scope of respiratory medicine today. “

Dr. M. S. Barthwal, Professor & Head of Respiratory Medicine at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune and Organising Chairman, ACINUS 2026, said, “ We are delighted to share that ACINUS 2026 witnessed quiz participation from fifteen medical colleges across Maharashtra. The conference brought together not only residents of respiratory medicine but also faculty members and Heads of Departments, making the level of engagement truly unprecedented. Alongside focused scientific sessions, an intercollegiate quiz generated enthusiastic participation from both residents and faculty. The strong presence of faculty from AIIMS New Delhi and PGI Chandigarh was a key highlight, enriching discussions and fostering meaningful exchange of knowledge. Overall, ACINUS 2026 provided an excellent platform for bridging the gap between research evidence and day-to-day respiratory practice.”

ACINUS 2026 concluded with prize distribution for oral and poster presentations, followed by a vote of thanks, marking the successful completion of the academic event.

About Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune:

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital &Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune follows international benchmarks that are performance-driven as well as patient-centric, strongly backed by evidence-based medical expertise. We are NABH and NABL accredited and have been certified as a Green Hospital by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). Additionally, we hold the 12th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015).

For more information visit hmedical.dpu.edu.in.

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