Flood-stricken village in Punjab

Entire villages have been submerged, homes destroyed, fields drowned, and livelihoods lost. Families who once lived with dignity are now struggling without food, clothing, or shelter.

Amid this crisis, volunteers from various charities are on the ground, working tirelessly to provide relief. Their efforts include rescuing stranded families from submerged villages, delivering dry groceries, clean drinking water, and essential medical aid and preparing for the next phase - temporary shelters and long-term rehabilitation. These initiatives supplement the critical relief measures already being undertaken by both the Central and State Governments.

While the initial response has been heartening, the need remains overwhelming. Each day, more families reach out in desperation. Without immediate support, many will continue to go hungry, cold, and hopeless. 

“Punjab’s floods have left families fighting not just nature’s fury, but the struggle to survive each day. The fact that more than Rs. 2.3 crore has already been raised shows the power of collective compassion. But this is just the beginning. At Impact Guru, we are committed to empowering charitable organizations to maximize their fundraising and ensure no family is left behind. Together, we can turn despair into dignity and rebuild lives with hope,” said Piyush Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, Impact Guru.

Donors can extend their support either by donating directly to charity partners or by contributing funds that will be used to procure medical kits, grocery kits, and survival tents, which will then be distributed to affected families through charity partners on the ground.

Together, we can turn despair into hope, hunger into nourishment, and destruction into rebuilding. 

For more details, visit - www.impactguru.com/challenge/punjab-flood

1. AI-assisted Real-time Landslide Detection and Alerting System: This project uses AI techniques and Avnet's development boards to provide early detection and timely alerts for landslides, helping to protect lives and property in high-risk areas like the Himalayas and Western Ghats.

2. Automated Bird Identification and Survey System: Using deep learning, this system automates bird species identification from audio and video recordings, streamlining data collection in challenging environments and supporting conservation research.

3. Automated Bird Sound Identification for Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trafficking: This innovative system aims to detect and identify bird sounds to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. By integrating machine learning, the system enhances detection capabilities at checkpoints and contributes to preserving biodiversity by identifying bird calls in flight baggage.

As part of this partnership, Avnet India is also supporting the significant upgrade of NITK's Electronic Systems Laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment, including digital oscilloscopes and AI-embedded development boards, which will be vital for advancing these sustainability solutions.

With over 100 years of experience in technology distribution, Avnet has built strong relationships with global suppliers, equipping customers with the tools they need to navigate complex design and supply chain challenges. Through collaborations like the one with NITK, Avnet fosters innovation by enabling the creation of scalable, AI-powered solutions aimed at addressing pressing environmental and societal issues.

"Our partnership with NITK Surathkal highlights Avnet India's commitment to our global ESG strategy," said Suresh Kamath, Managing Director, Avnet India. "We are passionate about harnessing technology for environmental and community impact. The innovative solutions we are developing together—particularly in landslide detection and bird conservation—align perfectly with our goals of fostering a sustainable future and preserving biodiversity."

Building on this, the HOD of ECE, NITK shared their perspective on the collaboration: "We are excited to collaborate with Avnet India on these groundbreaking sustainability projects. By leveraging cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies, we aim to address some of the most pressing environmental and conservation challenges, from landslide detection to wildlife preservation. This partnership enables our students and faculty to engage in impactful research while contributing to the broader societal goals of sustainability and biodiversity conservation. We look forward to the continued success of this collaboration, which underscores the importance of industry-academia partnerships in driving innovation for the future."

The upgraded lab was officially inaugurated on April 16, 2025, by Sunil Kumar G, Senior Business Unit Manager (Xilinx) from Avnet India, along with other senior members from the company, and Professor Neelawar Shekar Vittal Shet from the Department of ECE, NITK. Professor Bhallamudi Ravi, Director of NITK, Surathkal, was also in attendance, along with some 60 faculty members and students.

NITK, recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India, consistently ranks among the top engineering education institutes in the country. Avnet India's support of the NITK Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE) department is part of its CSR program for 2024-25.

About Avnet

As a leading global technology distributor and solutions provider, Avnet has served customers' evolving needs for more than a century. Through regional and specialized businesses around the world, we support customers and suppliers at every stage of the product lifecycle. We help companies adapt to change and accelerate the design and supply stages of product development. With a unique viewpoint from the center of the technology value chain, Avnet is a trusted partner that solves complex design and supply chain issues so customers can realize revenue faster.

Learn more about Avnet at www.avnet.com.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/avnet-apac

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu chairing a meet with key officials

The meeting was attended by senior representatives from the AP Government including, Secretary, Additional Secretary and Commissioner.

At this hour of need, AP Government and Insurance Regulator along with entire Insurance Industry are working to extend full support to flood victims by expediting settlements.

Distressed Residents of Palwal Getting Support from Annamrita Foundation

Responding promptly to a distress call from the office of City Magistrate Dwiza Gathwal, the Annamrita Foundation's mass meal kitchen, located in Omaxe City, immediately swung into action. Hot and nutritious meals were dispatched to the flood relief centers established at Government School Mustafabad, MVN Convent School Acheja, and Baghpur.

Narveer, one of the flood victims, expressed his profound gratitude with tears in his eyes, saying, "You are all angels sent by God. Thank you for all your help." The piping hot cooked meals brought much-needed relief to the hungry and distressed victims, who had to leave their homes submerged in floodwaters.

City Magistrate Dwiza Gathwal lauded the Annamrita Foundation's exceptional proactiveness and dedication in providing immediate assistance to those in need. Vice Chairman-North India, Dhananjaya Krishna Das, stated that the Foundation would continue serving the meals free of cost to the flood victims until the local administration advises otherwise.

"It is not just our duty, but it is the moral principles on which the Annamrita Foundation is built," said Dhananjaya Krishna Das. "We will continue to bring solace to the distressed souls through highly tasty and nutritious meals. Disaster relief is our prime objective, and even beyond Faridabad, our services extend to Ukraine, where ISKCON is selflessly serving the tormented souls. Our endeavor is to quickly settle them and restore peace and happiness."

The Annamrita Foundation's swift response and unwavering commitment to assisting flood victims exemplify the organization's dedication to humanitarian causes, and it serves as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity in the region. The Foundation's efforts in Palwal district are a testament to the positive impact they bring to communities in times of crisis.

About Annamrita Foundation

A not-for-profit, non-religious, non-sectarian public charitable trust, Annamrita Foundation formed on April 23, 2004, and under its Haryana chapter is currently serving more than 2,50,000 healthy meals every day in more than 2500 schools of Haryana under mid-day meal scheme since 2007. 45000 students are being fed in Palwal district alone. The foundation serves hot and fresh meals, prepared with the highest standards of hygiene and quality ingredients that meet the nutritional requirements of growing children. The trust is registered under the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950.

In response to the waterlogging and flood situation caused by the overflowing of the Yamuna river in Delhi, SOS Children's Villages India has taken swift action to provide relief and support to the affected families. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority's notice regarding the evacuation of people living near the river banks prompted SOS India to address the urgent needs of the affected communities.

SOS Children’s Villages India successfully assembled 300 comprehensive relief kits for the affected families

Children and women are the worst affected in any natural calamity. Officials from SOS India visited the relief camps and spoke to the families to understand the support they required. Based on this assessment, relief kits for 300 displaced families were prepared keeping in mind the essential requirements of children and women in Mayur Vihar, Delhi.

SOS India promptly initiated the necessary steps, applying for relevant Government permissions from the District Administration to carry out the crucial relief work. Senior officials from SOS India held a meeting with the District Magistrate, seeking the necessary authorisations to proceed with the relief operations.

SOS India assembled 300 comprehensive relief kits for the affected families. These kits consist of essential supplies such as dry ration, hygiene products, and household essentials. With the assistance of the District Administration, SOS co-workers and local volunteers within the community, the relief kits were successfully distributed.

SOS Children's Villages India aims to provide immediate relief and contribute to the restoration of normalcy in the lives of the affected families.

About SOS Children’s Villages of India

Established in 1964, SOS Children’s Villages of India provides children without parental care or at the risk of losing it, a value chain of quality care services that goes beyond childcare alone, ensuring comprehensive child development. Our customized care interventions such as: Family Like Care, Family Strengthening, Kinship Care, Short Stay Homes, Foster Care, Youth Skilling, Emergency Childcare and Special Needs Childcare are aimed at transforming lives and enabling children under care into self-reliant and contributing members of society. The organization empowers vulnerable families in communities to become financially independent, thereby enabling them to create safe and nurturing spaces for children under their care. Today, over 6,500 children live in more than 440 family homes, inside 32 SOS Children’s Villages of India, in 22 States/UTs, from Srinagar to Pune, and Bhuj to Shillong. They are lovingly cared for and nurtured by over 600 SOS Mothers and Aunts. As India’s largest self-implementing childcare NGO, SOS Children’s Villages India directly touches the lives of around 45,000 children every year.

For more information, please visit: www.soschildrensvillages.in. 

The Integrated Command Control Center (ICCC), the nerve centre of the Mangaluru Smart City, is enabling the city administration to take strategic decisions in the areas of transport, surveillance, solid waste management, disaster management, and many other city operations based on the analysis of real time data. One Touch Mangaluru, a web and mobile-enabled master platform, helps citizens access all government services.

Integrated Command and Control Centre Enables Mangaluru Smart City to Leverage Real Time Data for City Operations

Among the major applications of ICCC are: Intelligent Transport Management System, Solid Waste Management System, Unified Messaging System, Public Information System, and Disaster Management & Emergency Response. Comprising different layers and components, ICCC collects, integrates, and processes real time data from multiple types of sensors.

Mangaluru is a leader in ICCC implementation in Karnataka. It has also become the first city in Karnataka to implement a QR code-based solid waste management system, wherein each house is assigned a QR code. The collection staff can scan the code after collecting waste. They can also enter additional information such as the status of access to a house (whether it was open or closed), using a handheld device. The entire process can be tracked, monitored and managed with the help of data, maps and reports that are displayed at the ICCC. Smart Solid Waste Management has covered 90,000 houses in the city. The QR code installed at houses can also be extended for other public services such as payment of electricity bills, property tax, and phone bills, among others in future. Through One Touch Mangaluru mobile app residents can register complaints from their smartphones.

 
Mangaluru has also recently got smart poles that act as the core components of the smart city infrastructure. A new feature on the urban landscape, these poles come with in-built surveillance systems, and cameras. They leverage sensors and communication technologies to create an intelligent environment. The smart poles are connected to ICCC and help authorities in monitoring various services including traffic management. Since the status of poles can be identified remotely, there is no need for physical examination of poles.

The video surveillance system on these poles can help police maintain law and order, as the posts can help in detecting traffic violations, criminal activities, and in responding to emergency situations. With internet of things (IoT) connectivity and smart pole technology, providers of emergency services and first responders now have a powerful smart detection tool that can help them close the emergency response gap. Smart poles can also help identify high pollution areas and help the administration take localised measures to tackle emission issues.

It is to be noted that the ICCC has come handy during the COVID pandemic as it was used as an emergency response centre for the Mangaluru City Corporation. Mr. Prashant Kumar Mishra IAS is the Managing Director of Mangaluru Smart City and has been instrumental in the success of this project. The project has been implemented by Madras Security Printers Pvt. Ltd., a 45-year-old company based out of Chennai, specialising in system integration, e-governance solutions, track and trace solutions, Smart City ICT implementation, smart card-based solutions, identity management and biometric solutions, datacenter & IT/ITeS solutions and high security printing.

 Sectoral experts virtually speaking at the roundtable, ‘Building a fire safe India’ held recently

In this context, several experts from various fields came together to discuss possible solutions. The expert consultation is a part of a series of round table tilted, ‘Road to Fire Prevention & Life Safety in India: Understanding existing gaps in policy and the way forward’ conducted by Fire Safe India Foundation (FSIF), a non-profit organization working towards raising awareness about fire safety in India and APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs and strategic communications consultancy.

The consultation session was addressed by leading voices across sectors including Mr. M.V. Deshmukh Chairman, FSIF and Former Director & Fire Advisor, Govt. of Maharashtra, Mr. M.N. Sarma Secretary General, General Insurance Council, Dr. K.C. Wadhwa Additional Director, DRDO, Mr. Hemant Sali, Technical Consultant and Former Executive Engineer, Public Works, Department, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Sumit Khanna Chief Underwriter, FM Global, Mr. Abhijit Deshmukh Legal Expert, Mr. Makarand Soundalgekar, Consultant, Facilitator/Trainer Project Management, Business Excellence, Behavioral programs. The speakers discussed about existing policy gaps, legislative, academic reforms and solutions that will ensure a fire safe India.

“At this juncture, fire is a state subject in India. We need legislative reforms to ensure this subject gets a central legislation. The current bills are recommendatory and not mandatory for implementation. Hence, a constitutional amendment is needed,” said, Mr. Mr. M.V. Deshmukh Chairman, FSIF and Former Director & Fire Advisor, Govt. of Maharashtra speaking about the status of fire safety in India.

He added, “Moreover, from a readiness perspective, we need to check the existing public safety infrastructure and analyze the requirements of fire stations and equipment in case of fire. In case a fire accident occurs, there is a need for fire forensics in the country to determine the actual cause of fire. We also need certifications and standards to analyze the fire load a building can sustain. Every building must be always equipped with fire-retardant materials to ensure the safety of lives and minimize fiscal losses. Additionally, qualified vendors must be deployed for execution of the design, construction, and execution.”

Sharing his perspective on infrastructural remedies, Mr. Hemant Sali, Technical Consultant and Former Executive Engineer, Public Works, Department, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Short circuits and electrical faults happen because of the defects in design, construction and verification of electrical installation, leading to thermal effects detrimental to wiring installation, making short circuit a leading cause of fire accidents in the country. We need to build a strong foundation starting at the infrastructural level. As of today, there is a lack of procedural check-ups, initial and periodical verification and testing as per specified norms. Electrical audits comprising verification and testing, give factsheet of adherence to safety standards. We need strict enforcement of regulatory provisions to implements safety standards. Additionally, we need to sensitize the builders and building occupants about importance of quality, which is possible by appointing experienced design consultants, contractors and use of standardized products while planning the construction.”

Mr. M.N. Sarma Secretary General, General Insurance Council, discussed the role of insurance sector in case of fire accidents. He said, “The role of insurance comes into play after the fire has taken place. Our goal is to minimize financial affect after the accident. However, to ensure such accidents are prevented, there needs to be a system in place to prescribe compulsory upgradation of fire safety infrastructure on a regular basis. We also need to implement a mechanism of data collection on causes of fire accidents and fire statistics to preempt the potential loopholes and prevent such cases. Besides certification, regular electrical audits should be made mandatory. Currently, the cases of fire accidents also show lack of accountability and responsibility. We need to align every stakeholder to implement fire safety standards in private and public establishments.”

According to reports, electrical faults are cited as the leading cause of fires and have been identified as the main reason behind recent fires. Past incidents show that most fire accidents take place due to three major reasons: electrical short circuit and gas cylinder/stove bursts, human negligence, and ill-formed habits. Hence, fire safety in India requires robust policy interventions and focused efforts towards prevention rather than post-accident mitigation. Given the recent incidents of fire in India, the subject is crucial for urban planning and development in states as well as nationally.

About FSIF
FSIF is a non-profit making organization which aims to working towards working to make India free from fire hazards. The organization aims to establish a fire-safety culture that is based on individual care, knowledge of techniques and available technologies for prevention and control of fire incidents.

Netrack NRSs seismic - PR

No matter wherever a company may be located, it would want the server and other telecommunication equipment to be operational at all times. To reduce the risk involved and minimize equipment damage, an IT rack needs to have proper seismic protection.

Earthquakes are a significant concern for the IT industry not only because they cause damage to the equipment but also because they eventually affect the overall operations. The aim of any IT setup is to provide compute power and uptime. Compute power can be achieved by purchasing the right hardware to an extent, but the certainty of uptime needs better infrastructure.

The rating of a seismic rack is done based on the amount of protection it provides from the shocks in the event of an earthquake. Seismic rack standards are often specified in terms of the earthquake risk zones they are made to withstand. These zones vary from 0 to 5, with zero denoting no substantial risk, while three and above denoting medium to very high risk. A seismic rack is manufactured pertaining to the requirements for physical protection for each of these zones.

The benefits of a seismic rack include its physical properties and construction. It has an enhanced base and robust anchoring hardware to hold the rack in place and well protected, like the NRSs series  from Netrack India. Made for high-density application in IT industry, and for IT rooms located in medium and high-risk seismic zones, this product offers four distinctive bracing option like High Tension Bracing Bolt, Anti vibration Mount Pads, Ultra Rigid Bracing frame & Top bracing to be able to mount the rack on True floor or the raised floor based on its type for the highest level of protection. Product also tackles the Airflow management issues with the accessories like Blanking Panel, Air Seal Kit & Brush module for efficiency to ensure effective airflow management within the cabinet specifically for the Data-Center industry.

Other features of the NRSs series that make it the best-in-class seismic rack to use:

• UL certified

• Conforms to DIN 41494 or equivalent ISO/EN/EIA standards

• Adjustable mounting depth

• Universal 25mm pitch holes for ETSI Standard racks

• Grounding and Bonding options

• 2 or 4 Fan module mount provision on Top cover

Considered as one of the top-quality seismic server racks, they undergo workshop operations such as punching and forming, followed by intense quality testing to have them adhere to the best displacement distribution required for protection from earthquakes. 

When it comes to investing in something that can save a business's purpose, it is crucial to have the product checked for quality and durability. A seismic server rack is the best solution for data centers in earthquake-prone regions. 

About Netrack

Netrack Enclosures Pvt. Ltd. is one of the top manufacturers of network enclosures worldwide. The company offers active network components to meet the demands of the modern-day office spaces. Their product range includes Server & Networking Racks, Wall Mount Racks, Acoustic racks, Seismic Racks, Lab Racks & Furniture, and Customized racks.

To explore more about an ideal seismic rack and how it would suit your office IT equipment, log on to www.netrackindia.com.

As the states of West Bengal and Odisha cope with the aftermath of Amphan, it is critical that thousands of animals affected by the cyclone are not forgotten.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), which is leading the evacuation, rescue and relief efforts on the ground are also helping animals in the region.

“The response teams of NDRF are on the ground. They are working in Cyclone shelters and going to villages in the states to help the people and the animals in the area. The teams are also working to save cattle and livestock and helping on the resettlement of cattle and livestock,” said Director General, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), S N Pradhan, while addressing a press briefing on Wednesday (20^th May, 2020).

The rescue of animals, along with humans, during any natural disaster is part of the operations mandate of the NDRF.

World Animal Protection conducted numerous trainings of NDRF battalions and after consistent advocacy work, animals were included in the operations mandate of the national body.

It is crucial to save animals during a natural disasters. By protecting animals, you are also protecting people, their lives, livelihoods and our country's resources.

In India, animals play an intrinsic role in the lives of the poor and vulnerable communities. Nearly 67% of the poor people own more than 70% of the livestock in the country.

Since 2008, World Animal Protection has been working closely with the Government of India to ensure animals are protected in disasters.

As part of these efforts, the organization conducted mock drills and simulation exercises with key stakeholders to train them on how to rescue animals during a disaster. Such simulations and mock drills were a first in India.

World Animal Protection has also responded directly on the ground following disasters to provide rapid assistance to affected animals and communities.

Gajender K Sharma, Country Director, World Animal Protection India said, “Cyclone Amphan is a reminder that animals also suffer during natural disasters. World Animal Protection is monitoring the situation and is relieved to see that NDRF teams are also rescuing and caring for animals in their response. Although animals have been integrated into the National Disaster Management Plans and also by a few states, there is still a lot more to do.”

“It is the need of the hour that a dedicated national institution or a division at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is established which is focused on comprehensively and sustainably addressing the needs of animals during disasters. Currently, there is no such dedicated institute in the country.”

PrepVet can help too

World Animal Protection has developed an online course called PrepVet or Veterinary Preparation for veterinarians or individuals who are interested to learn ways in managing animals during different stages of disasters.

This online course has a self-enrollment option and it is self-paced for individuals to take the course at their convenient time and can continue anytime from where they have left.

World Animal Protection is working closely with Veterinary Emergency Response Units (VERUs), Veterinary Universities, National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and state administrative training institutes to promote the course.

For course details, please visit: animalsindisasters.org/prepvet

How to protect animals during Cyclones like Amphan?

Watch this video to know how you can protect animals during a cyclone.

Notes to editors

• For more information, photos and videos or to arrange an interview please contact Sahil Sharma on 9871444038 or email sahilsharma@worldanimalprotection.org.in

• About 1 billion of the world’s poorest people rely on horses, livestock and other animals for food, transport and their livelihoods. Domestic animals play their part too, providing valued companionship.

• World Animal Protection has been working actively with governments, communities and individuals in disaster management since 1964. Out of 250 pieces of disaster response work across 50 years, we have provided aid to over 7 million animals.