‘AI for empowering PwDs’ conference to showcase inclusive tech innovations in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The city is set to host a landmark conference titled ‘AI for Empowering PwDs’ on May 30, 2025, aimed at highlighting the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in creating inclusive, accessible, and assistive solutions for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The event is being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
Bringing together a global consortium of academicians, technologists, innovators, policymakers, startups, and key stakeholders, the conference will explore cutting-edge AI applications that improve the lives of PwDs. It is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for deliberation, demonstration, and discussion on inclusive technology.
The day-long event will commence with a special address by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of DEPwD, along with noted academicians Prof. P.V.M. Rao of IIT Delhi and Prof. Venu Govindaraju from the University at Buffalo, USA.
Among the key launches scheduled during the conference are:
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Mission AI Accessibility
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Mission AI: Implementation of AI in Assistive Technology and Tools for Empowering PwDs
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National Disability Support AI Chat Bot
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Unified Benefits Interface (UBI)
The conference will feature a range of sessions designed to spotlight innovative approaches in assistive technology. Panel discussions under themes such as ‘Innovations for an Inclusive India’ will include representatives from IIT, AIIMS, OpenAI, Anuvadini, CSIO, Sarvam AI, and Karya Inc. Another major panel titled ‘Assistive Technology Leveraging AI’ will include participants from Microsoft, Lenovo, Bhashini, StackGen, and the EquiBeing Foundation.
Experience-sharing sessions will bring forward real-life stories of transformation from entrepreneurs and changemakers like Ekansh Aggarwal of Svar Smart Solutions, Gopikrishnan S. of Sunva.AI, and Arman Ali from the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP).
Technology demonstrations will form a major highlight, showcasing innovations by startups under the India AI Challenge (MeitY) as well as global tech players. Featured exhibitors include Dot Inc (South Korea), Torchit, Sunbots Innovations, Sohum Innovation Labs, Indic AI, Barrier Break, and Khyaal, presenting solutions for developmental, visual, hearing, and multiple disabilities.
Adding a cultural touch to the event, Miracles on Wheels will deliver a special performance celebrating resilience and talent among persons with disabilities.
The conference will conclude with an interactive Q&A session and a ‘Way Forward’ address by Rajesh Aggarwal, outlining a strategic roadmap for inclusive AI development. The event is expected to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders and ignite new ideas for building future-ready, inclusive technology solutions.
‘#AI for #EmpoweringPwDs’ Conference to bring out transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in creating Inclusive, Accessible and Assistive solutions for Persons with Disabilities.#EmpoweringDivyangjan@Drvirendrakum13
— PIB | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (@pib_MoSJE) May 29, 2025
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Illegal sand mining has created environmental crisis in National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary: SC
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday said rampant illegal riverbed sand mining has created an "environmental crisis" and wreaked "havoc" in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, causing a grave risk to the gharial (long-snouted crocodile) preservation project.
Slamming the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh for their utter failure in dealing with the issue, the apex court directed them to install high-resolution Wi-Fi-enabled CCTV cameras along all routes frequently used for illegal sand mining in the area.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed that live feed of such surveillance cameras shall be placed under the direct control, supervision and operational oversight of the superintendent of police or the senior superintendent of police of the concerned district and the divisional forest officer.
It said these officers shall ensure continuous and effective monitoring of the CCTV feeds by designating appropriate officers.
"It can't be gainsaid that the issues involved are of great concern in as much as the rampant illegal mining activities in the river bed have created an environmental crisis and havoc in the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary causing a grave risk to the very project of gharial preservation of which the state governments themselves were proponents and were under an obligation to foster and promote," Justice Mehta said while pronouncing the order.
The bench directed the authorities in these three states to initiate prompt and necessary action under law if any instance of illegal mining or allied activities comes to light.
It said the authorities shall ensure seizure of vehicles or machinery found involved in illegal sand mining and also initiate prosecution of persons involved in it.
The bench, which passed several other directions, posted the matter for hearing on May 11.
The top court passed the order in a suo motu case titled 'In Re: Illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary and threat to endangered aquatic wildlife'.
The National Chambal Sanctuary, also called the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 5,400-sq km tri-state protected area.
Besides the endangered gharial, it is home to the red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river Dolphin.
Located on the Chambal river near the tripoint of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, the sanctuary was first declared a protected area in Madhya Pradesh in 1978 and now constitutes a long and narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states.
On March 13, the top court took suo motu cognisance of news reports about rampant illegal sand mining on the banks of the Chambal river.
