In an era where digital security is as critical as physical infrastructure, and as India’s digital ambitions accelerate at an unprecedented pace, the question is no longer whether systems are connected — but whether they are secure. At the centre of this conversation is Prof Sandeep K Shukla, Director of IIIT Hyderabad, who is steering the Cyber MANTHAN Centre, inaugurated in September 2025, towards addressing some of the country’s most pressing cyber vulnerabilities. Envisioned as a premier hub for research in cybersecurity, forensics, and trusted infrastructure, the centre brings together cutting-edge innovation while building strategic collaborations — including with law enforcement agencies like the Telangana Police to develop ‘Vyuha’-driven, future-ready solutions. With a strong focus on critical infrastructure protection, AI-led security systems, and capacity building, the centre aims to bridge the gap between research, policy, and real-world cyber defence.

The fitness landscape in India has evolved over the last few decades and how. At first, there were the traditional akhadas and the vyayam shalas frequented by wrestlers. With a rise in lifestyle diseases, and a focus on preventive health, the traditional setting has since given way to the likes of crossfit boxes, specialised studios and smart gyms. And the fitness story does look familiar – smartwatches track steps, apps calculate calories, and gym-goers check their phones between sets. But beneath this digital sheen lies a quieter reality. According to the ethnographic study titled, “Everyday HCI of Adaptive Fitness: The Bricolage of Self-Tracking in Urban India”, authored by Shivam Singh, Raagav Ramakrishnan and Chetan Mahipal under the guidance of Prof. Nimmi Rangaswamy, Indians are not simply following what their fitness apps tell them. Instead, they are constantly negotiating, adjusting, and even ignoring the data.

The Information Technology Development Agency (ITDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIIT-H. The agreement was signed by IIIT-H Director, Dr. Sandeep Shukla and ITDA Director, Alok Pandey. Under this collaboration, experts from IIIT-H will assess the state’s IT infrastructure, conduct research, and identify gaps. Their recommendations will help improve the systems and strengthen cybersecurity. This partnership marks an important step toward enhancing innovation, research, and capacity building in the state – bringing together ITDA’s vision for digi-transformation and IIIT-H’s academic and technological expertise. The agreement was signed by Prof Sandeep Shukla, Director, IIIT-H, and Shri Alok Pandey, Director, ITDA, in the presence of IT Minister Shri Pradeep Batra, IT Secretary Shri Nitesh Jha (IAS), Shri Ashish K Upadhyay, CISA, CISSP (DGM), and other distinguished members.