As a part of the 78th Army Day celebrations, Chandigarh University (CU) launched ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’ for extending financial support to the children of Indian Defence and Paramilitary personnel pursuing world class online higher education by enrolling for any of the 12 internationally-recognized undergraduate and postgraduate online degree  programs being offered by ‘CU Online’.

Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps during the launch of ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’ at Chandigarh University

The dignitaries who graced the launch of the ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’ included Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, Brigadier (Dr) Gagan Deep Singh Baath, Executive Director (Student Affairs & Administration) and Professor of Management, Chandigarh University and Dr Gurpreet Singh, Director, Chandigarh University.

Sharing details of CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship scheme, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director, Chandigarh University said, “Family members of serving, retired, and martyred soldiers will be eligible for benefits of this scholarship scheme which will cover Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB, Assam Rifles, NSG, SPG and other paramilitary units.”

“This scholarship is applicable for all 12 online degree programs being offered by CU Online including BBA, BCA, MBA (General), MBA (Business Analytics), MCA, BA JMC, BBA BA, MSc Data Science, MA English, MA Economics, MSc Maths, and MA JMC. For availing the benefit pf ‘CU Online Jai Jawan Scholarship’, eligible applicants will need to visit web portal of the CU Online (www.onlinecu.in), select an online degree program, upload proof of parent’s service and select ‘Defense Service – Jai Jawan’ under the scholarship section.   This initiative by Chandigarh University is a step towards empowering military families by providing access to world-class online education. It will not only promote digital education but also ensure that no child of a soldier is deprived of education due to financial reasons. Our National Cadet Corps unit has 373 cadets belonging to all three wings of the NCC – Army Wing, Navy Wing, and Air Force Wing – of which 40 % are girls. As many as 43 cadets trained at NCC wing of CU has been commissioned as officers in all three wings of Indian Armed Forces,” he added.

 On the occasion,  in his keynote address on “War, Will and Wisdom: India’s Evolving Military Thought in an Age of Strategic Uncertainty”,  the Chief Guest Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Vajra Corps, said India have a befitting reply to Pakistan for the Pahalgam  terror attack with Operation Sindoor and achieved the desired success by making it clear that  terrorism will no longer be tolerated and anyone who helps terrorists will pay a heavy price for it.

“With Operation Sindoor, we have made it clear that if terror attacks like Pahalgam don’t stop, ghar mein ghus ke marenge (we will strike even inside their homes).  But everyone is asking why did we stop (Operation Sindoor) on 10th May (2025) ? Why didn’t we completely destroy Pakistan? The whole western world was up against India after operation Sindoor.  America thought it was the monitor of the world but we didn’t seek their permission to start the operation or took them on board for Operation Sindoor. We decided and we acted. After acting, we told them (US). So, they were very antagonised. They thought how can you (India) do it? We stopped Operation Sindoor at a particular point because it has achieved its objective as the biggest and most successful operation in Indian history against terrorism and it suited us to stop this Operation,”.

“In response to Uri attack, we crossed the LoC and conducted a surgical strike across the border. After Pulwama attack, we sent the Air Force and targeted terrorist infrastructure in Balakot. After Pahalgam attack, we attacked nine targets 300-400 kilometers inside Pakistan. All this was done in ‘proportion’. Why did we stop (Operation Sindoor) on May 10th? There were profound reasons behind this. The financial year begins in April, and the crops were standing in the fields. A war at that time could have set our economy back by 20 years. To become a developed nation by 2047, we need sustained economic growth.  We acted of our own volition and stopped Operation Sindoor according to our strategic needs,” he added.

On this occasion, an Indian Army Infantry Small Arms Exhibition at Chandigarh University provided students first-hand exposure to the professionalism, technology, and operational ethos of the Indian Army. This exhibition by Indian Army showcased modern and upgraded weapons used by the army, including BFSR TI camera, 81 mm mortar, ATGM unified launcher and 7.52 mm MAG 58 machine gun. The exhibition also featured lethal weapons such as the Automatic Grenade Launcher-17, 7.62 Dragunov sniper rifle, .338 SAKO TRG 42 sniper rifle, 7.62 mm Negev LMG, 7.62 mm SIG rifle, 7.62 mm AK-203 rifle, and 5.56 mm INSAS rifle.

 About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address:  www.cuchd.in.

SBI Life Spell Bee, one of India’s long-running spelling competitions, concluded its Grand Finale, marking the successful culmination of the 15th edition of the initiative in association with Mirchi. Eleven-year-old, Master Avik Agrawal, from Bombay Scottish School, Powai, Mumbai, emerged as the winner, through a gruelling competition that witnessed participation from over 1.25 lakh students across 300 schools nationwide, earning him the prestigious ‘Spell Master of India’ national title.

Amit Jhingran – MD & CEO, SBI Life, Nupur Jhingran, Avik Agrawal, Mandira Bedi, Sumonto Chattopadhyay, Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR, SBI Life

The Grand Finale, hosted by Indian actor, fashion designer and television presenter Ms. Mandira Bedi, witnessed an engaging face-off among the country’s top young spellers, who advanced through multiple competitive rounds testing spelling accuracy, vocabulary, and presence of mind. Kushagra Pandey, age 13 years from The Millennium School, Lucknow, was declared the First Runner-Up, while Jasmine Jonwal, age 13 years from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Pratap Nagar, Jaipur, secured the Second Runner-Up position. All the finalists demonstrated strong language skills and consistency throughout the competition.

As the National winner, Avik Agrawal was awarded a cash prize of INR 1,00,000, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to Disneyland, Hong Kong, as a recognition for his performance and progression through the competition.

This year’s edition was anchored around the theme ‘Bee Spellionaire’, which positions knowledge and language skills as a form of long-term value for young learners. The concept underscores the role of spelling and vocabulary in building confidence, clarity of expression, and critical thinking among students. Through this initiative, SBI Life continues to provide structured platforms that encourages learning beyond classrooms and supports the holistic development of our future leaders.

Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communications and CSR at SBI Life Insurance, said, “The theme of SBI Life Spell Bee, ‘Bee Spellionaire’, reflects our endeavour to create intellectual wealth for our future leaders by enriching their vocabulary and introducing them to new words that expand knowledge and sharpen articulation. This growing richness of language fosters confidence and clarity, empowering young Spellionaires to express their thoughts and vision, to carve a better future for themselves and the nation. At SBI Life, we describe this spirit of progress as ‘Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye’.

He further added, “Platforms such as the SBI Life Spell Bee engage young learners by nurturing curiosity, competence and confidence – qualities that are fundamental to building a confident nation. We are humbled by the enthusiastic nationwide participation in the 15^th edition of SBI Life Spell Bee, the promising performances offer a glimpse into the potential of our enterprising future leaders.”

Avik Agrawal, ‘Spell Master of India’ -SBI Life Spell Bee Season 15, said, “It was enriching to meet so many children from across the country, and I have learnt a lot from this experience. I am grateful to the organizers for giving me this opportunity and platform”.

Commenting on the Grand Finale, Mr. Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, Entertainment Network (India) Limited, said, “Season 15 of Spell Bee showcased some of the country’s finest young spellers. The new gamified format and engaging finale experiences helped us connect more deeply with students. It is encouraging to see the continued support of schools, parents, teachers and students in making Spell Bee India’s largest spelling competition. Mirchi remains committed to enriching the lives of students through experiential properties like Spell Bee.”

SBI Life Spell Bee witnessed participation from students across multiple cities and schools, with the competition conducted through several stages including school-level, city-level, regional, and national rounds. The National Grand Finale was aired on Jiostar and simulcast on Nickelodeon, Nick HD+ and Sonic, extending the reach of the initiative to audiences across the country.

About SBI Life Insurance

SBI Life Insurance (‘SBI Life’ / ‘The Company’), one of the most trusted life insurance companies in India, was incorporated in October 2000 and is registered with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.

Serving millions of families across India, SBI Life’s diverse range of products caters to individuals as well as group customers through Protection, Pension, Savings and Health solutions.

Driven by ‘Customer-First’ approach, SBI Life places great emphasis on maintaining world-class operating efficiency and providing hassle-free claim settlement experience to its customers by following high ethical standards of service. Additionally, SBI Life is committed to enhance digital experiences for its customers, distributors and employees alike.

SBI Life strives to make insurance accessible to all, with its extensive presence across the country through its 1,154 offices, 28,534 employees, a large and productive network of about 268,792 agents, 73 corporate agents and 9 bancassurance partners with more than 40,000 partner branches, 149 brokers and other insurance marketing firms.

In addition to doing what’s right for the customers, the company is also committed to provide a healthy and flexible work environment for its employees to excel personally and professionally.

SBI Life strongly encourages a culture of giving back to the society and has made substantial contribution in the areas of child education, healthcare, disaster relief and environmental upgrade. In 2024-25, the Company touched over 53,000 direct beneficiaries through various CSR interventions.

Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (‘BSE’) and the National Stock Exchange (‘NSE’), the company has an authorized capital of Rs. 20.0 billion and a paid-up capital of Rs. 10.0 billion. The AuM is Rs. 4,814.6 billion.

For more information, please visit our website-www.sbilife.co.in and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

(Numbers & data mentioned above are for the period ended September 30, 2025)

In an effort to foster greater awareness about healthy eating habits and nutrition, over 300 students and their parents attended the interactive and educational event, Achchi Bhookh Quiz, organised in Mumbai. The record-extending fourth edition of the event, hosted by Slurrp in association with LupinLife Aptivate, featured a lively quiz competition, focused on enhancing knowledge about food, nutrition, and balanced diets among families.  After rigorous nationwide regional rounds across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and more, the epic journey culminated with the top 24 parent-child duos facing off in the Semi-Finals and Finals held in Mumbai.

Over 300 students and their parents attended the interactive and educational event, Achchi Bhookh Quiz, that was hosted by Slurrp in association with LupinLife Aptivate in Mumbai

Recognised by both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records as the largest food quiz of its kind, the Achchi Bhookh School Foodie Quiz has evolved into a nationwide movement promoting nutritional awareness amongst children and families. The finale, spearheaded by prominent educators and nutrition experts, along with HT Labs co-founder and CEO Avinash Mudaliar, a renowned quizmaster himself, aimed to bridge the gap in food literacy and address misconceptions about diet and health. Held for children from Classes 1 to 6 (aged 6 to 12), the event was designed to encourage intergenerational learning, with the program highlighting key aspects of healthy living, nutritious consumption patterns, including the importance of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, reducing processed food intake, and the benefits of regular exercise.

Meet The Winners

The contenders gathered from across India for the national semi-finals and final, with the prizes up for grabs including Hybrid Bikes, a laptop, a tablet PC, and a smartwatch. One of the standout features of the event was the delivery of over 150 nutrition workshops for families nationwide. The flagship quiz competition, which saw active participation from students and parents as teams, attracted over 35,000 pan-India online registrations across different cities. Over 100 teams, each from 24 locations, were selected for an engaging Cluster Finals round, which saw 24 pairs of finalists advance to the Grand Finale.

The finale saw intrepid child-parent pairs from across the length and breadth of India ready to ace the quiz for the top spots. The questions covered topics such as the nutritional value of different food items, myths about diets, and tips for planning balanced meals, along with pop culture and general knowledge about food and beverages. With 24 teams split into 3 semi-finals, the top 2 from each of the rounds competed to be crowned the National Champion.

Sana Roshith, a student of Hari Sri Vidya Nidhi School, Thrissur, topped the quiz along with her father Roshith Mohan, and took home a Hybrid Bicycle, Laptop, Trophy and Certificate, while Anant Pradyumna Srikant of Sishya School, Chennai took home a Hybrid Bicycle, Samsung Tablet, Trophy and Certificate as the first runners-up, partnering his father, P. Srikant. Teertha Garimella from Kalpa School, Hyderabad, and her mother Pragati Garimella, were crowned the second runners-up and awarded a Hybrid Bicycle, Smartwatch, Trophy and Certificate.

A Word From Leadership

Commenting on the finale, Avinash Mudaliar, co-founder and CEO of Slurrp and HT Labs, said, “At Slurrp, we believe that building a strong foundation of nutrition knowledge starts at home and extends to the community. The caliber of talent this year was truly outstanding, with young minds from across the nation offering unique regional insights and a sincere passion for culinary education. These students demonstrated an awareness that stretched past simple rote learning.”

Anil V Kaushal, CEO, LupinLife Consumer Healthcare Limited, added, “It’s been a joy to see how this quiz brings the magic of learning and healthy eating to life. The enthusiasm from every child and parent has been nothing short of infectious, creating a ripple effect of positive growth within the home. Seeing these young ‘stars’ grow in confidence and understanding is exactly why we do what we do.”

Endless Innovation

In an innovative addition to this year’s edition, LupinLife also launched Nutribot, a WhatsApp-based nutrition assistant designed to help parents navigate children’s dietary queries. The AI-powered chatbot offers meal planning suggestions, answers nutrition questions, and provides customised advice based on children’s age, weight, and activity levels. Throughout the day, the audience asked Nutribot their burning nutrition queries, exploring the tool’s diverse and informed potential, after which the most insightful questions were selected for special rewards.

While the contestants were the stars of the show, the Quizmaster also engaged the audience with entertaining foodie trivia, creating an informative experience for all attendees. The program concluded with students taking a pledge to adopt healthier lifestyles and help spread awareness within their communities. From modest crowds of 5,000 to 10,000, to a record 22,000 last year, this season set a new benchmark with over 35,000 registrations from every corner of India, highlighting the growing desire of children and parents alike to engage with food in informed ways. With the support of LupinLife, the quiz was made an engaging experience and highlighted the importance of such initiatives in tackling the rising prevalence of lifestyle-related health issues among younger generations.

Jindal Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS), Hisar, has become the first medical institution in North India to introduce the SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System for knee replacement surgery, in collaboration with U.S.-headquartered MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. This landmark installation marks a significant advancement in the orthopedic care landscape across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and is a moment of pride for both Hisar and JIMS.

Launch of SkyWalker Orthopedics Robotic System

SkyWalker™ is the only orthopedic robotic platform globally that is integrated with a patented True Medial-Pivot Knee philosophy, delivering sub-millimeter precision for highly accurate joint alignment. This technology enables superior stability, improved functional outcomes, and faster recovery—resulting in a durable, natural-feeling knee that allows patients to return more quickly to everyday activities such as walking long distances and climbing stairs with confidence and ease.

Leadership teams from Jindal Hospital, Hisar and MicroPort Orthopedics

Earlier, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Late Shri Netram Jindal Ji and Late Smt. Chandrwali Jindal Ji, the SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System was graciously introduced by Smt. Savitri Devi Jindal Ji for the benefit of the masses. The introduction of this state-of-the-art robotic technology reflects Jindal Hospital’s continued commitment to advancing orthopedic care through precision, innovation, and patient- centric treatment.

“JIMS carries a strong legacy of over 57 years, defined by patient-centric care, continuous advancement, and a commitment to remain at the forefront of medical science,” said Dr. Ritu Chopra, Medical Director, Jindal Institute of Medical Sciences. “The adoption of cutting-edge medical technology is central to our mission, and we are proud to be the first institution in North India to bring SkyWalker™ robotic technology to our patients.”

Dr. Sidharth Baheti, Senior Orthopedician at JIMS, Hisar, highlighted the growing clinical need in the region, “Across rural Haryana and Punjab, we are witnessing a significant rise in knee osteoarthritis—impacting nearly 60–65% of the elderly population in rural and semi-urban areas. Alarmingly, about 15–20% of these patients already present with advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis and severe deformities. Whether it is a complex case with deformity or the more common presentation of knee osteoarthritis, patients seek total knee replacement surgery to regain mobility and independence. In this context, the SkyWalker™ Robotic System represents a timely paradigm shift—enabling accurate joint-line reconstruction with greater ease, reduced discomfort, and notably faster recovery in all kinds of presentations.”

SkyWalker™ is fully compatible with the Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee System, which closely replicates natural knee kinematics. This combination overcomes long-standing challenges associated with conventional knee replacement—such as instability and residual pain.

“We believe that the dynamic gap balancing and built-in kinematic principles of SkyWalker™ allow complex cases to be managed far more effectively than traditional non-robotic techniques. It clearly stands apart from existing options, establishing a new patient-first benchmark in knee replacement surgery and elevating the overall surgical experience,” added Dr. Vishal Gupta, Senior Orthopedician at JIMS.

Dr. Mukesh Parmar, Senior Director and General Manager – South Asia, MicroPort Orthopedics, commented, “It is a privilege to launch the SkyWalker™ system at an institution like JIMS, which is deeply committed to patient outcomes. Together, we are setting a new benchmark—aligned with global standards—for total knee replacement across the region with both a world-class knee implant and a cutting-edge ortho-robotic system. The choice of implant is as critical as the robotic platform itself, since it remains with the patient for life. The Evolution® Medial-Pivot Knee has demonstrated over 95% patient satisfaction, 98.8% survivorship at 17 years, and nearly 80% Forgotten Joint Scores worldwide. Alongside 45+ other countries, our patients in India deserve to experience the benefits of this unparalleled implant performance with the seamless and refined customization for every knee that can be achieved with the SkyWalker™ system.”

With the introduction of the SkyWalker™ Orthopedic Robotic System, JIMS, Hisar, further strengthens its position as a leading destination for advanced orthopedic care in India, transforming patient outcomes and redefining standards in knee replacement surgery.

About MicroPort Orthopedics Inc.

With presence in over 100 countries, MicroPort Orthopedics Inc. leverages decades of orthopedic expertise and strong clinical evidence to improve patient outcomes and enhance provider satisfaction worldwide. Its mission is to partner with surgeons to redefine hip and knee replacement solutions that meet the evolving demands of today’s patients. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to helping patients achieve “Full Function, Faster”, MicroPort Orthopedics supports healthcare providers in delivering world-class care every day.

Learn more: www.microportortho.com

About Jindal Institute of Medical Sciences (JIMS)
JIMS is a 580-bedded, multi-superspecialty hospital that has been serving the healthcare needs of millions across rural Haryana, Punjab, and adjoining regions of Rajasthan since 1968. Spread across 15.5 acres in Hisar, Haryana, the campus offers a patient-friendly ecosystem with a strong focus on clinical excellence and compassionate care.

Guided by the philosophy that “without the upliftment of weaker and backward sections of society, a nation can never truly prosper,” the Jindal family laid the foundation of the institution with the establishment of NC Jindal Eye Hospital in 1966, in memory of Late Shri Netram Jindal and Late Smt. Chandrwali Jindal.

Learn more: www.ncjims.org