India’s first indigenous high-precision and compact diode laser, developed by a startup supported by the National Quantum Mission, Prenishq Pvt Ltd, a spin-off from IIT Delhi, marks a significant leap in the nation’s capability for all emerging quantum technologies. It paves the path towards quantum-encrypted communication and computing.
The high-performance, precision-engineered laser is designed for quantum research, higher education, and advanced scientific applications. Delivering exceptional beam quality, superior stability, and long-term reliability, it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of scientific and industrial systems.
The simplicity of operation covering a wide range of wavelengths from ultraviolet to near infrared makes these lasers a true enabler of quantum technologies. In particular, the laser will open the door to the financial and banking industry to provide quantum-safe transactions, protecting sensitive client information and critical business data. These precision lasers will also help photonic quantum computers solve previously incomputable problems, such as drug discovery and chemical process analysis, benefiting both society and the environment.
The integrated driver electronics ensure stable output power and temperature-controlled operation across a range of varying environmental conditions. The small form factor of the laser system offers high efficiency with low power consumption. Its free-space and optional fibre-coupled optical output, together with plug-and-play configuration, make it suitable for integration into both educational and research laboratories.
By enabling precise control of wavelength and power stability, Prenishq’s high-precision diode lasers support a broad range of quantum optical experiments and quantum research, reinforcing India’s capability in developing indigenous quantum-grade instrumentation. These lasers stand out for their low cost of ownership, ease of installation, minimal maintenance, compact design with less weight, and assured availability to promise. Combining performance, efficiency, and accessibility, Prenishq’s lasers position India at the forefront of laser technology and quantum innovation. The innovation aligns with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, who envisions India as a leader in manufacturing quantum technology products.
The innovation was made possible thanks to the support of several organisations, including DST-Nidhi Prayas, the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS), the National Quantum Mission (NQM), the I-HUB Quantum Technology Foundation, IISER Pune, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, the BITS BioCyTiH Foundation, and TBI-KIET.
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Reckitt’s tribute to sanitation workers
The commemorative stamps honoured six sanitation workers whose lives were transformed through Harpic World Toilet College.
Reckitt unveiled a historic tribute to India’s sanitation workforce, the backbone of India’s cleanliness and health, on World Toilet Day. Reckitt has supported the Swachh Bharat Mission, focusing on infrastructure and behavioural change, operations, and maintenance, the critical investments that create lasting impact. Under its flagship initiative, Dettol Banega Swasth India, the campaign launched a special collection of six commemorative postage stamps, celebrating the dignity, resilience, and indispensable role of sanitation workers in shaping a cleaner, healthier India. This initiative is deeply aligned with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, the foundation of India’s progress. The commemorative stamps represent a national statement of pride and progress, acknowledging that true development is measured by GDP and gross domestic behaviour, the dignity, health, and well-being of every citizen.
Sanitation workers have long remained invisible, despite performing hazardous work essential to public health. Their life expectancy is just 45 years compared to 75 years for the average citizen, which reflects systemic inequities. Through the Harpic World Toilet College (HWTC)initiative, Reckitt is working to bridge this gap by empowering sanitation workers with skills, safety practices, and dignity—lifting them out of poverty and breaking the intergenerational trap. Since 2018, HWTC has trained over one lakh sanitation workers, equipping them with technical knowledge, life skills, and access to safer, more dignified livelihoods. These efforts have transformed lives, enabling workers to become agents of change in their communities.
Reckitt believes everyone has a right to good health and hygiene, says Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia. Sanitation workers are the backbone of India’s hygiene ecosystem. They protect our communities, safeguard our cities, and uphold the nation’s health every single day, Jain points out.
Six sanitation workers
- Jaswinder Kaur from Patiala: A breast cancer survivor who rebuilt her life and now ensures clean, safe government school toilets for children.
- Kuku Ram from Patiala: A sanitation worker and international bodybuilding champion, supported by WTC to pursue his dreams and represent India globally, overcoming overwhelming challenges.
- Sunil Kapursing Siraswal from Sambhajinagar: Once a daily-wage manhole cleaner, he formed the Swachhta Ratna Purush Bachat Gat self-help group and is now a community leader advocating mechanised sanitation and safe practices.
- Arati Naik from Bhubaneswar: From years of unstable work to a secure sanitation role, she regained her confidence and built a stable future for her children.
- Shushil Kumar from Varanasi: Coming from a family where no one had attended school for seven generations, he is now a community role model advocating education and hygiene.
- Sital Bastia from Cuttack: Someone who once had to fight for her identity, she found dignity and purpose through WTC training and now manages a Septage Treatment Plant.
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Rotary Young Achievers
Recognising impactful services
Akarshana Sathish from Hyderabad, Aneesha Narain from Delhi, Bhavini Bhargava from Jaipur, Nidhi Rana from Chandigarh and Suhana Saini from Rohtak receive the distinction and ₹1 lakh.
Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change. Rotary connects 1.2 million people of action from more than 45,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world. Their service improves lives both locally and internationally, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.
Rotary members in India and across South Asia gathered to reassess regional priorities and pathways to sustainable community impact while highlighting the membership service organisation’s work across global health, peacebuilding, education, and climate resilience.
CP Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India; Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo, Dr CN Manjunath (Member of Parliament) and Sudhanshu Trivedi (Member of Rajya Sabha) attended the three-day event in which five young Indians were recognised as Rotary Young Achievers, each receiving an award of ₹1 lakh. Akarshana Sathish from Hyderabad, Aneesha Narain from Delhi, Bhavini Bhargava from Jaipur, Nidhi Rana from Chandigarh and Suhana Saini from Rohtak were the Indians to receive the recognition. Akarshana Sathish received the honour for championing literacy as the founder of The Open Libraries, which established 24 libraries and donated over 16,375 books to make education accessible to underserved communities. Aneesha Narain received the honour for multifaceted humanitarian service, including Project OGAAN, which helped 7000 individuals with warm clothing during harsh winter conditions. She has also inspired more than 250 schools and Rotarians to adopt sustainable giving practices – creating a movement of responsible social intervention. Bhavini Bhargava is a young cricketer and badminton player who has been inspiring village girls to take up sports, as part of her project ‘Aao Gaon Se Jadhein’ with Rajasthan-based Vasudha Jan Vikas Sansthan NGO.
Nidhi Rana from Chandigarh for experiential learning to transform waste into eco-friendly furniture. Through her initiative, EcoFlow, she has addressed water conservation challenges by repurposing greywater systems for community irrigation, blending ecological awareness with practical engineering. She has also led impactful campaigns like Blood Donation drives and ‘Say Boom to Cancer’, fostering a culture of empathy, awareness and youth-led change. Suhana Saini is a world-ranked table tennis prodigy, with multiple World Championship medals for World No. 1 in U19 Girls Doubles. She aims to represent India in the 2028 Olympics.
In addition to the five young achievers, Rotary recognised three more people – Pushpa Priya from Bangaluru, Dr Aparna Deshmukh from Pune and Rudra Prasad Mohapatra from the Indian Air Force – as Inspiring Change Makers. Pushpa Priya is an IT professional from Bengaluru who has served as a compassionate scribe for more than 1500 visually impaired students. Dr Aparna Deshmukh is the founder of Abhamaya Old Age Home in Pune. She has created a sanctuary of dignity and care for more than 70 abandoned elders. Rudra Prasad Mohapatra works for veteran welfare, disaster relief, healthcare support, environmental conservation, and community empowerment.
Rotary members, including those in 4600 clubs worldwide, develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment. More than $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service and support these initiatives over the last 100 years.
AACA Awards at Ahmedabad
The Ahmedabad Advertising Welfare Circle Association (AACA) marks its 35th year with the Festival of Advertising & AACA Media Awards 2026 at the YMCA in Ahmedabad, January 4, 2026. This event will be the largest celebration of the advertising and media community in Gujarat. The Association will unveil a coffee table book to commemorate Gujarat’s creative milestones.
As a part of the event, AACA will host a student competition named Creative Spark, an art and literature confluence by the name Kala Sangam, a Legend Talk Show, along with industry sessions, and the AACA Media Awards 2026, to recognise excellence across print, radio, television, outdoor, and digital media.
Entries for the awards are now open, and interested agencies may register and submit their work online.
ITC Info bags contract
ITC Infotech has been awarded a multi-year contract with Nippon Life India (NAM India), one of the country’s leading asset management companies. Under this multi-year partnership, ITC Infotech will manage and modernise NAM India’s core technology operations covering applications, infrastructure, and cybersecurity, while enabling advanced data, digital, and AI-driven initiatives.
The partnership also includes strategic technology advisory and a dedicated Offshore Development Centre in Mumbai to enhance agility, collaboration, and delivery excellence. “ITC Infotech will help us strengthen our technology backbone, enhance operational resilience, and bring greater agility,” says Abhijit Shah, CTO, NAM India.
The pact shows ITC Infotech’s proven expertise in transforming financial institutions through digital technologies, strengthening its position as a partner driving innovation and sustainable growth.
