Chandigarh University to Train Youth as Nature Conservators and Ecotourism Guides, Creating Conservation-Linked Livelihoods

CHANDIGARH, India, Oct. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Department of Biosciences at Chandigarh University has secured a grant of over Rs 17 lakhs from Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India for conducting a three-month specialized training programme on ‘Nature Conservator-cum-Ecotourism Guide’ aimed at building a skilled workforce in nature conservation, sustainable and responsible tourism and green entrepreneurship.

Notably, the GSDP initiative was developed with an aim to create skilled workforce for environment and forest-related sectors with training designed to support gainful employment and self-employment.

Sanctioned by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) through its Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) Hub, the programme will train 20 participants through a combination of classroom learning, practical training, field exposure and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.

Prof (Dr) LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences Chandigarh University and Principal Investigator of the programme, along with experts including (Prof) Dr. Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University and Dr. Sangeeta from the Department of Biosciences from CU will contribute to the academic and practical delivery of the programme.

Sharing the details about the programme, Dr LK Attri, Head of the Department of Biosciences said, “The three-month programme will provide participants with extensive practical exposure, with the proposed training structure comprising approximately 35–40 per cent theory and 60–65 per cent practical and skill-based learning. Participants will be trained in areas including biodiversity assessment, identification of flora and fauna, wildlife and bird observation, nature interpretation, ecosystem understanding, sustainable tourism planning, ecotourism operations, hospitality, environmental monitoring, digital marketing, business planning and entrepreneurship.”

Prof (Dr) Attri added, “A significant component of the programme will be field-based learning. Participants are expected to visit ecologically and tourism-relevant locations including the Siswan Ecotourism Project, Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh Biodiversity Park, Chhatbir Zoological Park, Ropar Wetland, Morni Hills, Pinjore Heritage Gardens, Timber Trail, organic farms, village homestays in the Shivalik region, Hoshiarpur Eco Resort, Kalesar National Park and Harike Wetland. Such exposure will enable trainees to understand how conservation, visitor management, interpretation and local livelihood opportunities can be integrated at actual destinations.”

Prof (Dr) Sandeep Guleria from the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Management Chandigarh University said, “The programme carries a defined employment outcome with the sanction requiring 50 per cent gainful placement of trained candidates in relevant sectors. This places employability and livelihood generation at the centre of the training rather than limiting the programme to academic certification. The potential career opportunities emerging from the training span nature guiding, ecotourism operations, wildlife and birding activities, rural tourism, homestay management, hospitality, destination interpretation, conservation-related work and nature-based entrepreneurship. These skills can contribute to the growing demand for trained professionals in Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors. The sanctioned amount will cover course materials and training kits, boarding and lodging, transportation and field visits, honorarium, and other expenses for the three-month residential training programme for 20 trainees and resource persons.”

Dr Sangeeta, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University, shared that initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia, government agencies, conservation organisations, tourism stakeholders and local communities. Its field-oriented design can provide participants with direct understanding of protected areas, wetlands, biodiversity parks, rural tourism sites and community-based tourism models while also introducing them to the operational and entrepreneurial dimensions of the sector. For Chandigarh University, the grant adds another dimension to its engagement with green skills by connecting scientific training, tourism education and livelihood development. With nature-based tourism increasingly requiring trained personnel who understand both ecological systems and visitor needs, the programme is positioned to develop professionals capable of contributing to conservation as well as responsible tourism.

The programme comes at a time when ecotourism and nature-based tourism are increasingly recognised for combining responsible travel with biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, environmental awareness and sustainable livelihood generation. Unlike conventional tourism, ecotourism places greater emphasis on environmental protection, community participation, cultural preservation and nature-based enterprises. Punjab’s diverse natural assets, including the Shivalik foothills, wetlands, riverine habitats, forests, biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offer significant scope for developing such responsible tourism models and generating conservation-linked livelihood opportunities.

With expertise coming together from Chandigarh University’s Departments of Biosciences and Tourism & Hospitality Management, the interdisciplinary training will combine ecological knowledge with nature interpretation, biodiversity documentation, sustainable tourism practices, hospitality, destination management and enterprise development, preparing participants for responsible tourism and conservation-related livelihoods. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of GSDP to develop green-skilled human resources equipped for sustainable development, with programmes across the country covering nature conservation, ecotourism and livelihood-oriented training. Through the sanctioned programme, Chandigarh University will train 20 participants in a specialized green skill, combining field-based learning, practical training and employability-focused outcomes to support the development of skilled manpower for Punjab’s nature conservation, ecotourism and sustainable tourism sectors.

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

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Over 4,375 churches, synagogues, and organizations in 13 countries worldwide to plant more than 5.2 million flags & stand in prayer, remembrance and solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people throughout October

CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) announced today that participation in its annual October 7 remembrance movement, Flags of Fellowship (FOF), has more than doubled since 2025, with more than 4,375 churches, synagogues, universities, and organizations worldwide set to mark the third anniversary of the attacks. In total, more than 5.2 million flags will be planted globally as part of the third annual campaign.

From October 2-11 and throughout the month of October, participating organizations will display fields of 1,200 mini Israeli flags and hold special FOF events, worship services, and community gatherings to visually and vocally demonstrate their support for Israel during this time of unprecedented anti-Semitism worldwide.

10 leading evangelical churches across Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Virginia will serve as flagship churches for this year’s FOF events, with some locations hosting special guest speakers including local dignitaries and October 7 survivors at their events.

Flags of Fellowship has also expanded significantly beyond the U.S. and Canada this year, with more than 1,775 international churches and organizations participating from 11 countries, including Australia, England, Kenya, South Africa, India, the UAE, and more.

“While much attention has been given since October 7 to stories of division and hatred, a different story—one of friendship between Christians and Jews—is being written in churches and homes across America and the world through Flags of Fellowship,” said Yael Eckstein, President and Global CEO of The Fellowship.

The movement began in 2024 with more than 220 participating organizations, and grew to more than 1,300 participants last year.

“When a church plants an Israeli flag, it is not making a political statement, it is making a spiritual one—a declaration of friendship, remembrance, and faithfulness to those who are hurting,” Eckstein added. “That is what I hope people see when they look at Flags of Fellowship—not simply flags, but friendship. Not simply remembrance, but solidarity. Because we know that together, we can transform mourning into meaning, and loss into lasting light.”

A key driver of the campaign’s international growth is its new hub model, through which leading churches serve as regional distribution centers and equip churches in their networks with flags and campaign materials. Hubs in Colombia, Mexico, and Guatemala alone represent approximately 1,050 participating churches.

In Colombia, approximately 1,000 churches across eight major cities are expected to display more than 1.2 million Israeli flags in October as part of Flags of Fellowship.

“Colombia is a nation of faith, and our churches have a deep desire to support Israel and the Jewish people,” said César Fernández, a Fellowship Ambassador Pastor. “We believe that the Colombian Church has a unique voice and a significant role to play in strengthening this bridge of friendship between Christians and Jews, and we’re proud and excited to see Colombia take its place in this global movement of Flags of Fellowship.”

Since October 7, 2023, The Fellowship has committed $432 million in aid to Israel to meet emergency needs while continuing its core humanitarian programs, including emergency food and water, equipment for first responders and security personnel, support for olim making aliyah, and aid to vulnerable populations affected by the war and ongoing conflict.

For more information, or to learn how to participate in Flags of Fellowship in 2027, visit www.ifcj.org/FOF.

About the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
For more than 40 years, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) has been the leading nonprofit building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and lifesaving aid. In 2025, The Fellowship helped more than 2 million people living in poverty, helped thousands make aliyah back to their homeland, Israel, and helped strengthen Israel’s security infrastructure. To learn more about The Fellowship’s work, visit www.ifcj.org.

About Yael Eckstein
Yael Eckstein is President and Global CEO of The Fellowship, one of the world’s largest religious charitable organizations, and is a respected Jewish leader, speaker, bestselling author, and an award-winning podcast host and humanitarian. A 2025 ‘Pillars of Jerusalem’ award recipient for her exceptional contributions to Israel’s public diplomacy, and The Jerusalem Post’s 2023 Humanitarian of the Year, Yael is a Chicago-area native based in Israel with her husband and their four children.

Media Contact: press@ifcj.org

SOURCE International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 2, 2026 /CNW/ — Light AI Inc. (“Light AI” or the “Company”) (Cboe CA: ALGO; (FSE: 0HC) (OTCQB: OHCFF) today announced that it will keep its QuickScan™ Strep A software-as-a-medical-device (“SaMD”) in controlled product development and continue its hold on related clinical activities.

Management made this decision following a preliminary product, quality and verification and validation (“V&V”) assessment that identified gaps in the objective evidence currently available to substantiate performance of the complete QuickScan™ Strep A system across its intended-use population and use environment. The assessment includes machine-learning development and validation evidence, datasets, image acquisition and processing, software and system V&V, design controls, usability, cybersecurity and supporting quality-system documentation.

As a result, the Company will not resume external clinical validation or advance toward a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) submission until the product configuration and supporting objective evidence establish readiness for clinical use.

Action Plan

The Company will undertake a structured technical and quality action plan that will include:

continuing the hold on its New Zealand feasibility activities and planned U.S. clinical study;conducting an independent robustness assessment of the existing machine-learning model and supporting datasets;determining whether the existing model can be remediated and/or retrained or whether redevelopment is required;continuing to evaluate controlled imaging alternatives to the current smartphone-based image-acquisition approach; andcompleting the required design-control, quality-system and system-level V&V activities.

The preliminary assessment has not reached a conclusion on the underlying technology’s ability to achieve its target performance or on whether the existing machine-learning model can be retrained rather than redeveloped; those questions will be addressed through the independent robustness assessment described above. Management has concluded that the Company does not currently have sufficient objective evidence to rely upon the existing product configuration and validation package for further clinical deployment or advancement toward an FDA submission without additional development, remediation and V&V.

Expected Implications

The timing of the Company’s previously contemplated U.S. clinical and FDA regulatory activities is being reassessed. The Company will not provide a revised timetable until the relevant development, remediation and V&V work has progressed sufficiently to support a reliable assessment of next steps.

“Patient safety, product performance and objective scientific evidence are the foundation of our development program,” said John R. Luna, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Light AI. “Our review identified gaps in the evidence supporting the performance of the complete QuickScan™ system, and we are addressing them directly. Before we resume clinical studies, we intend to complete the development, design-control and validation work necessary to establish that the product performs as intended across its intended-use population and use environment. This is a setback in timing, but doing this work now is the right path to building a product that clinicians and patients can rely on.”

The Company’s Health Canada Class II medical device license, as disclosed in the Company’s news release dated August 12, 2026, remains in effect. The Company is assessing the findings of its review and any resulting regulatory obligations in consultation with its regulatory advisors.

The Company expects to provide its next update when it has reached material milestones or decisions regarding the machine-learning assessment, imaging architecture, remediation program, clinical activities or regulatory strategy.

About Light AI Inc. (CBOE CA: ALGO / FSE: 0HC / OTCQB: OHCFF)

Light AI Inc. is a healthcare technology company focused on developing artificial intelligence-powered SaMD solutions designed to support rapid, accessible clinical assessment at the point of care.

The Company’s core technology, Light AI QuickScan™, is a device-agnostic software platform that applies proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to medical images to provide healthcare professionals with actionable clinical information within seconds. The QuickScan™ platform is designed to operate across compatible imaging and computing hardware, providing flexibility for integration into a range of healthcare devices, clinical workflows and care settings without dependence on a single proprietary hardware platform.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

“John R. Luna”
Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please contact the Company at investors@light.ai or visit https://light.ai/.

Website: https://light.ai/
LinkedIn: LinkedIn/company/Light AI
X (Formerly Twitter): @lightaihealth

Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions.  These forward looking statements include the Company’s expectations regarding its anticipated technical and quality remediation program, including the assessment and the evaluation of the underlying technology and the existing machine-learning model, the timing and resumption of external clinical validation activities and advancement toward an FDA submission, the Company’s regulatory strategy and potential regulatory obligations, and the Company’s business strategy, development plans, and market opportunities.  Forward looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business that could cause actual results to vary, including such risks with the Company’s ability to successfully execute its business plans, the Company’s ability to raise additional capital, scientific data may not be sufficient to meet regulatory standards or receipt of required regulatory clearances or approvals, the QuickScan™ platform does not perform as anticipated in clinical or actual patient settings, risks associated with the development, validation, and ongoing performance of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, including algorithmic bias, data quality issues, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, protection offered by the Company’s patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by its competitors, the available market for the Company’s products will not be as large as expected, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s documents filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company’s management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws.

SOURCE Light AI Inc.