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Noida, May 02: BPTP Limited, a leading real estate developer in NCR, has leased office space at its Grade-A commercial development, Capital City in Sector 94, Noida, to Taiwan-based semiconductor company MediaTek for its new research and development (R&D) hub. 

Spread across approximately 104,000 sq. ft. across three floors, the facility supports MediaTek’s expanding R&D operations in India. The centre has recently become operational and marks MediaTek’s second R&D hub in the country, after Bengaluru, further reinforcing Noida’s growing stature as a preferred destination for global technology and innovation-led companies. Strategically located with seamless connectivity to Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida, BPTP Capital City is situated around 300 metres from the Okhla Bird Sanctuary Metro Station, offering strong accessibility for corporate occupiers. 

Commenting on the development, Manik Malik, CEO & President, BPTP, said: “The leasing by MediaTek at Capital City reflects the increasing interest from global technology companies in well-connected, high–quality commercial developments in NCR. With a focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and occupier experience, Capital City is positioned to support evolving workspace requirements of leading corporates.” 

A MediaTek spokesperson added: “India continues to be a key market for MediaTek’s innovation and engineering capabilities. The new R&D facility in Noida is aligned with our efforts to expand our talent base and strengthen our research capabilities. The location and infrastructure at BPTP Capital City support our operational requirements and provide a conducive environment for our teams.” 

BPTP Capital City is a Grade-A commercial development designed in alignment with global sustainability benchmarks. The project has achieved LEED v4.1 O&M Platinum Certification, along with IGBC Platinum and WELL Core Platinum Certification, reflecting its focus on energy efficiency, environmental performance, and occupant well-being. 

The development also reflects a global design approach, with architectural design by Robert A.M. Stern and interior design by HBA Studios. This is complemented by carefully curated architectural elements, including the use of a refined limestone façade, contributing to the project’s distinct and enduring identity. 

The development offers approximately 780,000 sq. ft. of office and mixed-use space, featuring modern infrastructure, including multi-level parking, vertical mobility systems, and a range of occupier amenities such as food courts, wellness facilities, and co-working spaces. 

The addition of MediaTek further strengthens the tenant mix at Capital City, which already houses companies across sectors including technology, financial services, manufacturing, and education.

As artificial intelligence (AI) permeates everything we do — from internet searches to writing — questions and concerns about its safe use have emerged. How do large language models actually work? Is AI decision‑making aligned with human values? What if AI is misused for warfare? How should society govern AI?

The questions surrounding AI may be an unprecedented new challenge, but at Georgia Tech, students are already trying to answer them. The AI Safety Initiative (AISI) is a student group aiming to steer AI research and policy for society’s benefit.

“AI introduces new kinds of challenges into our legal and societal frameworks,” said Rocio Perales Valdes, AISI co-director and second-year computer science student. “Its capabilities emerge fast and on a jagged, hard-to-predict edge, which leaves AI governance like chasing a moving target. The work ahead is building the governance and technical tools we need to evaluate these systems, set direction, and enforce them without hindering innovation.”

AISI focuses on developing and deploying AI responsibly, rather than avoiding it. The group offers guest talks from AI researchers, fellowships that immerse students in the latest safety research through reading and discussion groups, and independent projects that contribute directly to the field. Past projects from AISI include demonstrating large language model security risks on Capitol Hill, responding to U.S. Federal Requests for Information, and running a war game for GTRI faculty. Part lab and part learning community, AISI prepares students to become the next generation of AI safety researchers and practitioners. They have placed alumni at leading organizations such as Anthropic, RAND, Model Evaluations and Threat Research, the UK AI Security Institute, and the Horizon Institute for Public Service.

“AI safety is an urgent problem because there is a rapidly growing gap between what AI systems can do and what we understand about them; yet mitigating AI risks is systematically neglected by current market incentives,” said Yixiong Hao, third‑year computer science student and co‑director of AISI. “I think the set of things I can do to directly move the needle is quite limited in the next three to five years, and that’s why I run this group. I have higher leverage in convincing smart people to work on neglected problems in AI safety.”

Founded in 2022 by Gaurav Sett, who is now a Ph.D. student at the RAND School of Public Policy and a fellow at the Institute for Progress, AISI has grown quickly. Its 10‑member executive board supports a broad base of student involvement, with more than 70 students participating in the fellowship program each semester. Over the past two years, members have also published 13 papers at top conferences such as the International Conference on Learning Representations, with projects spanning AI security and algorithmic transparency. 

From Discussion to Discovery

As a first‑year computer science student, Ishan Khire joined AISI looking for a deeper way to engage with AI safety and quickly found a pathway into research. After attending one general meeting, Khire enrolled in the group’s six‑week fellowship program, where students meet weekly to discuss current technical and policy challenges shaping the field.

“Finding a community that cares about AI safety was a big part of joining the fellowship,” Khire said. “Because AI safety is a broad subject, it was helpful to have an accountability group to discuss current issues.”

Thanks to the connections he made at AISI, Khire began conducting AI research with computing faculty member Giri Krishnan to predict the 3D structure of proteins. 

“AI is going to be really transformative in the next five to 10 years, and we want to make that transformation go well,” Khire said. “AISI tries to upskill people and connect them to technical and policy research that helps them find impactful work.”

Student Advantage

AISI is entirely student‑run, with a small group of faculty advisors. That structure lends itself to uncertain research that can be difficult to fund through traditional academic labs, and faculty support has followed.

“Any cursory look at the news today will show there is significant angst about AI and whether it is being developed responsibly and with sufficient guardrails in place,” said Tom Conte, the College of Computing associate dean for Research. “AISI has Georgia Tech at the forefront of that conversation.”

AISI member and computer science Ph.D. student Glenn Matlin has recruited many undergraduate researchers from the group for his own projects.

“I consider AISI like a third lab,” he said. “I use it as a great place for recruiting students. I’m constantly sharing my own research, and it helps me stay up to date with what other researchers are talking about.”

Matlin also credits AISI with advancing his own work in AI safety. Through the fellowship, he synthesized research that helped him apply for opportunities such as the prestigious AI safety mentorship at the MATS Program, which has connected him to additional research funding.

In a future increasingly shaped by algorithms, AISI’s students are betting that the most important safeguards won’t come from code alone, but from the people guiding how that code is built, deployed, and governed.

“AI safety matters to everyone,” Matlin said. “AI is going to disrupt not just technology, but also politics and business — and its risks are creating urgent opportunities to make it safer.”

A research letter from experts at the University of Chicago Medicine, published in JAMA Oncology, warns that upcoming funding cuts and changes to federal Medicaid eligibility rules could lead to dramatic reductions in cancer screening for millions of Americans, ultimately worsening patient outcomes.

Surgical oncologist Sarah Shubeck, MD, MS, and Adrian Diaz, MD, a surgical oncology fellow, used recent data and robust statistical modeling to project the downstream effects of proposed Medicaid work requirements and more frequent recertification rules outlined in the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill. The analyses suggest the proposed restrictions could result in hundreds of avoidable deaths and many more advanced cancer diagnoses each year.

Administrative hurdles lead to coverage loss

Starting in January 2027, new federal rules will require many Medicaid recipients to prove they are working and re-certify their eligibility more often. In practice, these new hurdles will make it more difficult for people to remain insured.

“These new requirements introduce administrative barriers that often mean paperwork or technical errors determine whether someone gets screened for cancer,” Shubeck said. “A particularly concerning aspect is that people who are disproportionately likely to lose coverage are exactly the people most likely to benefit from early cancer detection: younger adults and people from vulnerable social groups.”

Shubeck and Diaz estimate that within two years of the new rules taking effect, roughly 7.5 million adult Medicaid enrollees eligible for cancer screening will lose coverage, with the number rising above 10 million under the most drastic scenario modeled.

Lost coverage leads to missed screenings, later diagnoses, and preventable deaths

The researchers analyzed troves of real-world data from across the United States, such as the previous work requirements in Arkansas and pandemic-era changes in Medicaid verification. The results showed that more than 1 million mammograms, colorectal screening tests, and lung cancer screenings may be missed nationwide within just the first two years of the new restrictions. This could result in over 2,300 undetected cases of breast, colorectal, and lung cancer — hundreds of which may be at more advanced and difficult-to-treat stages when finally discovered. Even without accounting for potential treatment interruptions for already-diagnosed cancer patients, the model projects approximately 155 avoidable deaths from just these three types of cancer within two years of policy implementation.

“Early screening saves lives, and lost coverage means lost opportunities for detection,” Diaz said. “The consequences aren’t just numbers; they represent real families affected by avoidable disease and loss.”

The authors emphasized that the impact will vary widely across states, depending on factors like whether states expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, populations of screening-eligible adults, and differences in state safety net programs that help support cancer screening and treatment for people without insurance.

“This analysis highlights how policy changes like Medicaid cuts and restrictions can have profound and preventable negative effects on public health,” Diaz said. “The hope is to inform policymakers and the public about the stakes before these changes take effect.”

New York / New Delhi, May 02: Times Internet, India’s largest digital products company, announced the launch of Diaspora Dialogues — a fortnightly video podcast featuring intimate, unfiltered conversations with South Asian trailblazers shaping culture, business, and creative life across America and beyond. Hosted by veteran broadcaster Sujatha Padmanabhan, the show is available from today across all major platforms.

Each 30-to-45-minute episode moves beyond the career highlight reel to explore the human story underneath — immigration journeys, the weight of dual identities, the untold moments behind achievement, and what it truly means to carry a culture across borders. Conversational, soulful, and occasionally humorous, Diaspora Dialogues is storytelling that is both aspirational and deeply personal.

The debut season features a bold and eclectic guest roster: YouTube and music sensation Vidya Vox; critically acclaimed chef Vijay Kumar of Semma NYC; actor and cultural icon Kal Penn; entrepreneurs Ani and Ayan Sanyal of Kolkata Chai Co.; fitness pioneer Sarina Jain, founder of Masala Bhangra; comedian Amit Tandon; renowned business author and academic Prof. Ram Charan; and restaurateur Jay Jayaraman of Mylapore. Additional guests will be announced throughout the season.

South Asians are the fastest-growing, highest-earning community in the United States — over 5 million strong, with a median household income of $151,000. Yet premium content that authentically reflects their experience has remained scarce. Diaspora Dialogues is built to fill that space.

“South Asian stories deserve more than a footnote in someone else’s narrative. This show is about the journey the doubt, the grit, the culture you carry with you, and the identity you build on the other side. These are conversations I’ve wanted to hear for years.” Sujatha Padmanabhan, Host, Diaspora Dialogues

“Homeownership is one of the most meaningful milestones for diaspora families, and at Sistar Mortgage, we are committed to making that journey simpler and more trusted. We are proud to partner with Diaspora Dialogues a Times Internet initiative that amplifies powerful stories from across global South Asian communities.” Vinita Gandhi, CEO, Sistar Mortgage

“Laxmi is honored to be the presenting sponsor of Diaspora Dialogues. As a premium brand known for the finest ingredients and as an integral pantry partner for South Asian homes for over 50 years, Laxmi remains deeply committed to uplifting our community — championing its stories, celebrating its cultural impact, and amplifying the vibrant contributions of South Asians across North America.” Suhasinee Patil, VP of Marketing, HOS Global Foods

Diaspora Dialogues is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Gaana, and the Times of India app.

About Times Internet Times Internet is India’s largest digital products company and a subsidiary of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. (Times Group), reaching hundreds of millions of users globally across news, entertainment, and lifestyle platforms.

Desi Voices. Big Impact. No Filters

Chandigarh, May 02: amã Stays & Trails, the premium homestay offering from Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), announces the signing of a cluster of bungalows in Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and CEO, IHCL, said, “As travel preferences continue to evolve towards experience‑led stays, the homestay segment has emerged as a strong driver of growth. With a portfolio of over 370 bungalows across India, the expansion of amã Stays & Trails to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, marks the brand’s foray into the island destination reflecting our focus on building a diversified presence across leisure destinations. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Abhishek Singh for this project.” 

amã Stays & Trails, Port Blair offers ten bungalows set amidst lush green surroundings, within walking distance from Manjery beach. It will feature a restaurant and offer a range of amenities including a fully equipped gym, spa, meditation and yoga decks and a swimming pool. Guests can snorkel through the turquoise waters or experience the region’s distinct colonial and tribal heritage. 

amã Stays & Trails offers a distinctive collection of bungalows that reflect the local culture and heritage of each location, providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and charm of the region. Spread across idyllic destinations, amã Stays & Trails is a portfolio of 370+ bungalows across idyllic settings in Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar Islands among others.  

Mr. Abhishek Singh, Founder & Chairman, Terra Rex Realty and Terra Rex Energy, said, “Port Blair, a historic town and the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL’s amã Stays & Trails  on this project to bring these experiences to life for our guests.”

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a historic town serving as the main entry point to the archipelago. Renowned for its scenic beaches like Chidiya Tapu and the iconic Cellular Jail, it offers visitors a rich blend of natural beauty and history.

Gurugram, May 02: Marking Labour Day, SPJ Group organised a dedicated health camp for on-site workers at its project site, Vedatam, in Sector 14, Gurugram, reinforcing the company’s continued focus on workforce wellbeing and responsible site practices.

The camp saw participation from numerous workers who were provided access to essential health check-ups. These included basic blood sugar testing, a complete blood count to assess overall health and detect common issues like anemia or infection, cholesterol tests to understand heart health, as well as liver and kidney function tests to evaluate how well vital organs are working.

Medical professionals were present on-site to address immediate concerns and offer practical advice on maintaining health in physically demanding work environments.

Pankaj Jain, Founder and CMD, SPJ Group, said, “For us, Labour Day is not just about acknowledgement, it’s about action. The people working on our sites are at the heart of everything we build, and their well-being cannot be treated as an afterthought. Through this health camp, we are trying to make care more accessible and immediate. We believe our responsibility extends beyond construction timelines and delivery; it includes creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and looked after in a real, tangible way.”

This initiative reflects SPJ Group’s belief that the strength of any development lies in the people who build it. By bringing healthcare access directly to the workplace, the company continues to take a holistic approach to development, in which infrastructure and human-centric practices go hand in hand.

 

Ahmedabad, May 02: Global Indian International School (GIIS) Ahmedabad has been conferred with the esteemed IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Award Trophy 2025 in the education category, recognising the institution’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and holistic student development. The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony graced by cricket legend and Padma Bhushan awardee Mr. Sunil Gavaskar as the Chief Guest.

The award was received by Global Schools Group Co-Founder & Executive Chairman Mr. Atul Temurnikar, along with Mr. Rathin Khandadia, Director – GCEE, Mr. Caesar D’silva, Principal, and Ms. Ruchika Dhingra, Vice Principal, and was presented by Mr. Sunil Gavaskar in the presence of Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, marking a significant milestone for the institution at a national level

The recognition reflects GIIS Ahmedabad’s approach to education, combining academic focus with values-based learning and innovation. Central to this is the 9GEMS™ framework, which supports intellectual growth alongside character development, leadership, creativity, and a global outlook. The school also emphasises experiential learning, digital integration in classrooms, and a student-centric pedagogy, with initiatives around community engagement, ethics, and international exposure shaping well-rounded learners.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Caesar D’silva, Principal, GIIS Ahmedabad, said, “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of excellence across every dimension of education. At GIIS Ahmedabad, quality is not a milestone but a continuous discipline embedded in our culture, systems, and mindset. This honour reflects the collective commitment of our educators, students, and parent community in building an institution that not only meets global benchmarks but consistently raises them. We remain focused on nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills, values, and resilience required to thrive in an evolving world.”

The IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Award is widely regarded as a benchmark for organisational excellence in India, recognising institutions that demonstrate strong performance across quality management and operational effectiveness.

GIIS’s latest recognition reinforces its position as a leading institution in the Indian education landscape, with a strong focus on academic outcomes, innovation, and holistic development. The school continues to set high standards in delivering world-class, future-focused education.

 

Mumbai, India – May 01: Gifts India Expo, India’s leading B2B exhibition for corporate, personal and lifestyle gifting, has announced that visitor registrations are now live for its 32nd edition, scheduled to be held from 20–22 August 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. Presented by MODA as Title Partner and supported by the Corporate Gifts Association of India (CGAI), the expo further strengthens its position as a key industry-led platform that brings together manufacturers, brands, distributors, and corporate buyers to explore new business opportunities and evolving market dynamics. 

The Indian gifting industry is witnessing strong growth, driven by rising corporate spending on employee engagement, rapid expansion of SMEs and startups, and increasing demand for personalised, premium, and experience-led gifting solutions. As organisations place greater emphasis on brand visibility and customer engagement, the sector continues to evolve towards innovation-led and customised offerings, strengthening the relevance of dedicated trade platforms such as Gifts India Expo.

The 32nd edition will feature 250+ exhibitors, 700+ brands, 7,000+ products, and over 15,000 trade visitors, making it one of the most comprehensive sourcing destinations for the industry. The exhibition provides a focused business environment for stakeholders to discover new products, evaluate innovations, and connect with key players across the gifting and lifestyle ecosystem.

The three-day exhibition will serve as a structured platform for the industry, enabling visitors to explore the latest trends, products, and innovations across categories such as corporate gifts, home décor and handicrafts, fashion accessories, Clothing and Lifestyle products, Stationery, Tech gadgets, Food & Confectionery, Beauty, Health and Wellness, Promotional merchandise, luggage and travel accessories, as well as a curated selection of international products. Designed to support discovery and collaboration, the expo brings together the entire value chain under one roof.

Speaking on the opening of registrations, Umang Gupta, Country Head – RX India, said, Gifting in India is an emotion, and the Gifting industry has significantly evolved and transformed over the years. Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of Industry & buyers’ behaviour, Gifts India Expo has evolved as the most innovative sourcing platform for the gifting industry. The expo brings together diverse gifting segments on a single platform from both domestic & international markets. As we open registrations for the 32nd edition, we are pleased to invite a pan-India community of buyers, brands, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and key decision‑makers to visit and witness the excitement. This year Gifts India expo has a line-up of the most innovative gifting products, ranging from tech, décor, luxury to sustainable options. We look forward to a mega expo this year with thriving business deals, new product launches and a great experience for corporate, personal and bulk buyers.”

The expo offers strong networking opportunities, expanded market access, and direct engagement with leading brands and manufacturers. With participation from a strong line-up of renowned and established exhibitors, the platform brings together the best of the industry under one roof. Visitors can discover new products, explore innovations, gain industry insights, and identify emerging business opportunities across the gifting and promotional merchandise ecosystem.

 

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