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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Marik Institute of NIMS University: Redefining the Future with Futuristic and Advanced Labs
In the age of intelligent machines, automation, and data-driven decision-making, the Marik Institute of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics & Cybernetics at NIMS University is emerging as a game-changer. Positioned at the intersection of innovation and education, the institute is not just keeping pace with the digital revolution—it is leading it. From industry-integrated labs to global research collaborations, the Marik Institute is redefining how India prepares its youth for the careers of tomorrow. A Launchpad for the Next Generation of Tech Leaders Inaugurated in collaboration with the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics (CIIRC), Czech Technical University, Prague, and graced by H.E. Petr Fiala, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, the Marik Institute is one of Asia's most forward-thinking tech education hubs. With academic programs in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Cybernetics, and Data Science, the institute prepares students to become architects of tomorrow's digital world. Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar, Founder and Chancellor of NIMS University, states: 'We are not just teaching AI—we're shaping the next generation of thinkers, builders, and leaders who will define its ethical and practical future.' World-Class Labs That Power the Future The true heart of the Marik Institute lies in its futuristic, state-of-the-art laboratories, which allow students to turn theory into real-world innovation: Computing & AI Lab by NVIDIA – Powering deep learning and real-time analytics Robotics Lab by KUKA (Germany) – Training on advanced robotic arms used in global industries Automation Lab by Siemens (Germany) – Hands-on learning in industrial automation systems Drone Technology Lab by Captics (Canada) – Empowering students in the booming drone-tech sector 500+ High-Performance Computing Systems – Ready for simulation, prototyping, and experimentation Innovation & Incubation Centre – Fueling start-ups, student-led projects, and ideathons These labs are not just facilities—they are living, breathing ecosystems of innovation, placing Marik students at the cutting edge of global tech evolution. A Global Network of Minds and Ideas The institute thrives on international collaborations and academic partnerships that give students and researchers exposure to the best minds in the world. Through its role as the Indo-Pacific-European Hub for Digital Partnerships (INPACE), Marik Institute is also a key player in the European Union's 'Trusted Digital Technologies for Sustainable Wellbeing' initiative. AI-Con 2025, hosted by NIMS, marked another milestone—bringing together AI leaders from across the globe including: H.E. Eliska Zigova, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to India Prof. Vladimír Mařík, CIIRC, CTU Prague Dr. Samrat S. Kumar, EURAXESS India Scientists from Japan, USA, Czech Republic, and India Topics ranged from Human-Inspired Robotics to Responsible AI in Healthcare, and Smart City Testbeds—cementing Marik Institute's role as a global thought leader. Beyond Classrooms: Career-Focused, Globally Aligned Marik's programs are designed for impact. Students graduate with: Real-world portfolios Patent-ready prototypes Globally recognized certifications Internship experiences in Europe and North America (including CIIRC, Prague) Exposure to workshops by Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Cisco leaders The institute's emphasis on research-first culture, publications, and open-source innovation ensures students don't just learn—they create. Backed by the Powerhouse of NIMS University As part of NIMS University Rajasthan, one of India's premier private universities, the Marik Institute benefits from an extensive academic ecosystem: 400+ programs across disciplines like Health Sciences, Engineering, Management, and Humanities 600+ industry tie-ups with giants like Microsoft, Intel, TCS, HP, IBM One of India's largest private hospitals with 1400+ beds for interdisciplinary health-tech research A 250+ acre smart campus with world-class hostels, labs, classrooms, sports arenas, and sustainability centers NIMS has also institutionalized its commitment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the '1 Mission, 1 Goal, 1 Month' initiative—integrating global responsibility into campus life. Conclusion: The Future Begins Here The Marik Institute at NIMS University is more than a place of learning—it's a vision for the future. It empowers students not just with skills, but with a purpose—to build, innovate, and lead the world into a smarter, more sustainable, and AI-driven future. For students and researchers looking to be at the heart of the tech revolution, there is no better destination. Visit: Admission Helpline: 1800 120 1020


France 24
25-06-2025
- Business
- France 24
Court rejects EDF complaint over Czech nuclear tender
If the court had ruled in EDF's favour, the firm would have been allowed to seek compensation -- but it would not have affected the deal, signed earlier this month by Prague and South Korea's KHNP. The construction is crucial for the Czech Republic, which relies on nuclear power from two plants for 40 percent of its electricity consumption. "The complaint has been rejected," Klara Belkovova, a spokeswoman for the Regional Court in the city of Brno, told AFP. She said EDF had eight days to file an appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court to contest the verdict. But EDF said in a statement obtained by AFP that it would "not pursue any further legal action in the Czech Republic", adding that it "takes note" of the Brno court's decision. EDF has also filed a complaint over the tender with the European Commission, claiming KHNP may have used state aid that is illegal in the EU. The Commission has not yet decided on the case. In the rejected complaint, EDF questioned the transparency of the bidding process. But Prime Minister Petr Fiala said earlier that KHNP's bid was "better in all criteria assessed" than EDF's offer. KHNP is due to build two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany plant for some 200 billion Czech koruna ($9 billion) each, with construction scheduled to begin in 2029 and the first reactor to be launched in trial operation in 2036.


Arab Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Czech coalition government survives no-confidence vote over bitcoin scandal
PRAGUE, June 19, (AP): The Czech government survived a parliamentary no-confidence vote called by the main opposition party on Wednesday over a bitcoin-related scandal. Only 94 opposition lawmakers in the 200-seat lower house of Parliament voted in favor of dismissing the four-party coalition led by conservative Prime Minister Petr Fiala. At least 101 votes were needed to oust the government at the end of a two-day debate. The main opposition centrist ANO (YES) movement led by populist billionaire Andrej Babiš requested the vote after the Justice Ministry accepted a donation of bitcoins and sold them for almost 1 billion Czech koruna ($47 million) earlier this year. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek resigned from his post over the issue on May 30 and was replaced by Eva Decroix on June 10. Blažek said he wasn't aware of any wrongdoing, but didn't want the coalition to be harmed by the scandal. Fiala said he believed Blažek acted with goodwill. Decroix said she will order an independent probe into the ministry's activities in the case. The scandal focuses on the fact that the bitcoins were donated to the ministry by a person who was previously convicted of drug dealing and other crimes, while it was not clear why he did it. The opposition has accused Blažek of possible money laundering, because it wasn't clear where the bitcoins originated, and demanded the resignation of the entire government. The issue is being investigated by the national police's organized crime unit. It was the fourth no-confidence motion since the government took over after a 2021 election. The scandal comes just months before the Oct. 3-4 parliamentary election. Babiš and his movement are predicted to win the vote.


The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Czechs sign record nuclear deal but questions remain
PRAGUE: The Czech Republic signed a contract earlier this month with South Korea's KHNP to build two nuclear reactors, but experts question its future over complaints raised by KHNP's French rival EDF. The deal is crucial for the EU member country of 10.9 million people, relying on nuclear power produced by the southern Dukovany and Temelin plants for 40 percent of its electricity consumption. KHNP beat EDF in a tender last year to supply the two units for Dukovany, and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala insisted its bid was 'better in all criteria assessed'. Prague expects construction to begin in 2029 and the first new reactor launched in trial operation in 2036. But the biggest contract signed by a Czech state company since the country became independent in 1993 is currently under the scrutiny of both a Czech court and the European Commission. EDF delayed the deal by months as it questioned the transparency of the tender in a complaint at the Czech antitrust office and later in court. The deal was signed in great haste and online, just hours after a court rejected the EDF complaint and returned it to a lower-instance court which is due to pass its verdict on June 25. But EDF has also contested alleged state support for KHNP, illegal in the EU, in a complaint to the European Commission. 'Chances that KHNP will not build the units in the end are still considerable, despite the signature,' Petr Barton, a data economist at the Datarun analytical platform, told AFP. 'The European Commission is investigating the Korean bid. The Czech government knows about it... and yet it has signed,' Barton said, labelling the Czech side's decision to sign as 'most daring'. EDF declined to comment on its chances to thwart the deal. 'Several potential risks' The crucial argument for Prague was the low price offered by KHNP -- some 200 billion Czech koruna ($9 billion) per unit, but Barton said the EU is worried it was reduced by a Korean state subsidy. 'A Czech consumer would be happy to have electricity subsidised by a foreign country, but the European Union forbids this,' Barton said. 'So we are in for lengthy proceedings, shame over the signature which took place after the EU's warning, and in the end the deal may not materialise at all,' he added. A day after the signature, Czech Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek told Czech Radio there were 'several potential risks' to the deal. 'Let's not be naive. We have to overcome the obstacles systematically, patiently, step by step,' said Vlcek, adding he was in 'close contact' with the European Commission. He added however that the EDF complaints cannot affect the contract between Prague and KHNP, which 'is simply valid'. 'A complex legal problem' But Jiri Gavor, who leads the Association of Independent Energy Suppliers, voiced doubts. 'From the Czech point of view, it is a done deal. But unfortunately for the Czech side or the construction itself, I don't think it will resolve all problems,' Gavor told AFP. He said the EU probe posed a much bigger threat than the Czech court dealings which will hardly overthrow the signature. 'There are legal doubts... what will happen if the European authorities decide EDF is right, and on the other hand you have a signed contract?' he added. 'I don't dare estimate the legal impact on the project. I think it will constitute a rather complex legal problem. And certainly a most unpleasant one,' said Gavor. Barton said Prague will also have to ask the EU for a go-ahead on a Czech government subsidy for the construction in a so-called notification. The EU has already approved this, but the government then changed the financing model and has had to ask for the permit again. 'And it's not certain if they will get it, especially as the Korean bid is under scrutiny. And you can't pay for the construction without a notification and you can't expect the Koreans to build it for free,' Barton said.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Czechs sign record nuclear deal but questions remain
The Czech Republic signed a contract earlier this month with South Korea's KHNP to build two nuclear reactors, but experts question its future over complaints raised by KHNP's French rival EDF. The deal is crucial for the EU member country of 10.9 million people, relying on nuclear power produced by the southern Dukovany and Temelin plants for 40 percent of its electricity consumption. KHNP beat EDF in a tender last year to supply the two units for Dukovany, and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala insisted its bid was "better in all criteria assessed". Prague expects construction to begin in 2029 and the first new reactor launched in trial operation in 2036. But the biggest contract signed by a Czech state company since the country became independent in 1993 is currently under the scrutiny of both a Czech court and the European Commission. EDF delayed the deal by months as it questioned the transparency of the tender in a complaint at the Czech antitrust office and later in court. The deal was signed in great haste and online, just hours after a court rejected the EDF complaint and returned it to a lower-instance court which is due to pass its verdict on June 25. But EDF has also contested alleged state support for KHNP, illegal in the EU, in a complaint to the European Commission. "Chances that KHNP will not build the units in the end are still considerable, despite the signature," Petr Barton, a data economist at the Datarun analytical platform, told AFP. "The European Commission is investigating the Korean bid. The Czech government knows about it... and yet it has signed," Barton said, labelling the Czech side's decision to sign as "most daring". EDF declined to comment on its chances to thwart the deal. - 'Several potential risks' - The crucial argument for Prague was the low price offered by KHNP -- some 200 billion Czech koruna ($9 billion) per unit, but Barton said the EU is worried it was reduced by a Korean state subsidy. "A Czech consumer would be happy to have electricity subsidised by a foreign country, but the European Union forbids this," Barton said. "So we are in for lengthy proceedings, shame over the signature which took place after the EU's warning, and in the end the deal may not materialise at all," he added. A day after the signature, Czech Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek told Czech Radio there were "several potential risks" to the deal. "Let's not be naive. We have to overcome the obstacles systematically, patiently, step by step," said Vlcek, adding he was in "close contact" with the European Commission. He added however that the EDF complaints cannot affect the contract between Prague and KHNP, which "is simply valid". - 'A complex legal problem' - But Jiri Gavor, who leads the Association of Independent Energy Suppliers, voiced doubts. "From the Czech point of view, it is a done deal. But unfortunately for the Czech side or the construction itself, I don't think it will resolve all problems," Gavor told AFP. He said the EU probe posed a much bigger threat than the Czech court dealings which will hardly overthrow the signature. "There are legal doubts... what will happen if the European authorities decide EDF is right, and on the other hand you have a signed contract?" he added. "I don't dare estimate the legal impact on the project. I think it will constitute a rather complex legal problem. And certainly a most unpleasant one," said Gavor. Barton said Prague will also have to ask the EU for a go-ahead on a Czech government subsidy for the construction in a so-called notification. The EU has already approved this, but the government then changed the financing model and has had to ask for the permit again. "And it's not certain if they will get it, especially as the Korean bid is under scrutiny. And you can't pay for the construction without a notification and you can't expect the Koreans to build it for free," Barton said. frj/giv