Bangaluru: Bengaluru City University is set to host a groundbreaking international conference, "Dual Transition of Net Zero Carbon and Digital Transformation," on February 16th and 17th, 2024. The event will take place at the JnanaJyothi Auditorium, BCU, and is a collaborative effort between Bengaluru City University, India, and Birmingham City University, UK. This conference is a culmination of the joint research project, "Net Zero Carbon Emission Hub," supported by the British Council, U.K., and KSHEC, Dept. of Higher Education, Govt. of Karnataka.

The conference will witness the participation of academic and industrial representatives, scientists, NGOs, and technocrats from PAN India and across the globe. Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Honorable Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, will inaugurate the conference on February 16, 2024, and release the Conference Proceedings. Prof. Linagraja Gandhi, Vice-Chancellor of Bengaluru City University, will preside over the function, with S K Rai, Managing Director of Hero Cycles, delivering the keynote address. The conference has attracted a total of 550 registrations, expecting around 1000 participants on both days.

The Valedictory function is scheduled for February 17, 2024, at 4:00 PM, with Mr. Kamal Bali, CEO of Volvo and Director of CII, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Lingaraja Gandhi, Vice-Chancellor, Bengaluru City University, will preside over the function, accompanied by esteemed guests such as Mr. Rajendra Tripathi from British Council Division, Sayalee Gankar from DY Patil University, and Prof. S.R. Niranjan, Vice-Chairman, KSHEC. International speakers include Dr. Alex De Ruoyter, Dr. Shishank from Birmingham City University, Dr. Suresh Renukappa, Dr. Shubhasini Suresh from the University of Wolverhampton, and Dr. Redouane Sarrakh from the University of Lincoln.

The conference encompasses four plenary sessions where industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academicians will converge to discuss pathways toward a more sustainable, equitable, and connected world. With four parallel technical sessions for research paper presentations, a total of 107 papers will be shared during these sessions, providing a platform for offline and online participation from various locations globally.

This conference aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise among academia, industries, professional organizations, and policy-making bodies. Focusing on the intersection of environmental sustainability and digital transformation, it will explore how digital technologies can accelerate the journey to net-zero emissions. The conference addresses the necessity and importance of the dual transition toward net-zero emissions and a digitally transformed world for the sustainability of the planet and the prosperity of future generations.

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New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has busted a major international cyber fraud syndicate -- linked with over 2,000 complaints and scams worth over Rs 300 crore -- with the arrest of its alleged mastermind and 10 others, an official said on Sunday.

During the investigation, police uncovered a well-organised network operating across multiple states with links to international cyber fraud syndicates, particularly in Cambodia.

"We have so far identified over 260 bank accounts linked to more than 100 fictitious companies used to channel the proceeds of crime. The total number of complaints linked to the syndicate stands at 2,567," police said.

The key accused, Karan Kajaria, was apprehended at Kolkata airport on April 3 after a Look Out Circular was issued against him. He was brought to Delhi a day later for further investigation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Aditya Gautam said.

The case came to light following a complaint by a city resident, Sultan, who alleged that he was duped of Rs 31.45 lakh after being lured into an investment scheme.

Police said the victim was persuaded to download a fake trading application and invest money with promises of high returns. However, when he attempted to withdraw the profits, the application stopped functioning, and the group became inaccessible.

"An FIR was registered at the cyber police station in northeast and later transferred to the crime branch for a detailed probe," the officer said.

The syndicate created fake investment platforms and messaging groups to lure victims. They used mule bank accounts arranged through intermediaries and deployed malicious applications to capture sensitive banking details, including OTPs. Funds collected from victims were routed through a complex web of bank accounts and shell companies to conceal the trail, police said.

"Kajaria, who is believed to be the main coordinator, maintained direct links with foreign-based operators and facilitated the movement of funds through cryptocurrency channels,' the DCP said.

He acted as a bridge between Indian operatives and international cyber criminals. He was also involved in procuring mule bank accounts and sharing sensitive banking details via encrypted social media platforms, the DCP added.

Police said Kajaria frequently travelled abroad to establish and strengthen links with overseas fraud networks and had attempted to evade arrest by staying outside India.

Technical surveillance helped investigators trace the network to Kolkata, where several bank accounts and shell entities were found to be operating. Upon his arrival in India, Kajaria was intercepted at the airport and taken into custody.

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to his involvement in the syndicate, police said, adding that accounts linked to his network were associated with more than 2,500 complaints registered on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and fraud of Rs 300 crore, the DCP said.

The investigation revealed that the syndicate had been active for the past four to five years and operated on a large scale across multiple states.

During the crackdown, police recovered 48 mobile phones, 258 SIM cards, multiple ATM cards and cheque books, four laptops, and several banking and KYC documents. Funds amounting to Rs 19 lakh have also been frozen. A total of 11 accused have been arrested in the case so far, police said, adding that further investigation is underway to identify other members of the syndicate.