Author: Sharad Natani
In a proud moment for Indian academia, Dr. U. Sandhya Shenoy, Professor and Principal Research Scientist at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Srinivas University, Mukka, Mangaluru, has been named among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University — for the third consecutive year. Stanford University’s updated science-wide author databases of standardised citation indicators released on September 19, 2025, highlights the world’s most impactful researchers across disciplines. Dr. Shenoy’s consistent presence on this elite list underscores her groundbreaking contributions to materials science. Transforming Waste into Power Dr. Shenoy’s pioneering research focuses on converting waste heat into electricity by…
In a country where lakhs dream of cracking the Civil Services Exam, one man’s journey is redefining perseverance. Ishwar Lal Gurjar, who once failed his Class 10 exams and later faced six competitive exam failures, has today achieved what many consider impossible — clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam three times and securing his place as an IPS officer. From Failure to Fierce Comeback Born in a lower-middle-class farmer’s family in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, Ishwar Lal Gurjar’s early life was full of challenges. In 2011, he failed Class 10 and almost gave up on education. But his father’s words — “Never…
In a landmark step blending technology with civic discipline, Bengaluru has become the first Indian city to install an AI-powered billboard that displays unpaid traffic fines, expired vehicle documents, and other compliance issues in real time. The pilot project, stationed at the busy Trinity Circle, aims to shame violations into compliance and reward responsible drivers at the same time. A New Face of Enforcement The initiative is a collaboration between the Bengaluru Traffic Police, Cars24, CrashFree India, and Monday Ventures, signalling a bold experiment in using public accountability to boost road safety. The large digital screen is fitted with advanced…
Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination — one of the toughest in the world — is a dream for millions. Doing it once is extraordinary. Doing it four times, without coaching, is almost unheard of. Yet IPS officer Amrit Jain has achieved exactly that. Currently posted as ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jain is living proof that consistency, self-discipline, and self-study can break even the toughest barriers. A Journey of Relentless Determination Amrit Jain first appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2018 and cracked it on his very first attempt. He didn’t stop there.…
From launching Eastern India’s first industrial waste facility to running the country’s largest municipal solid waste project, Ravi Kant has transformed the way India handles waste. His journey from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to the boardroom of India’s biggest environmental management company is a case study in how policy experience and corporate innovation can combine to solve some of the country’s toughest problems. Building a Green Foundation in the IAS In his early years as an IAS officer in West Bengal, Ravi Kant identified a glaring gap in India’s waste management systems. He spearheaded the creation of Eastern India’s…
In a country where the UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered one of the toughest tests of grit and intellect, Anjali Sondhiya has emerged as a shining example of resilience, self-belief, and determination. From a small village in Madhya Pradesh to securing an All India Rank (AIR) 9 in the Indian Forest Service (IFS) exam 2024, her story is as inspiring as it is moving. A Daughter’s Promise to Her Father Born in Chanderpura village, Anjali was raised in a humble farming family. Her father, Suresh Sondhiya, dreamed of seeing his daughter become an officer. But tragedy struck when he…