Category Archives: News

Artist Khushi Khandelwal Debuts Her First Solo Exhibition at AIFACS

New Delhi, July 14th 2025: Emerging Artist Khushi Khandelwal will be showcasing her first solo art exhibition, which will open on July 18th till July 24th, 2025, at Gallery A, AIFACS (All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society), New Delhi. The art exhibition is titled “What’s Under My Skin?” will be open for public, free of cost, from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. 

“What’s Under My Skin?” is more than a title, it’s an invitation to showcase the complex emotional topography that exists beneath the daily surface, examining individual accounts of worry, inner struggle and psychological exposure.

In this series of work, Khushi intends to bring forward the overall concept of anxiety as a parasite growing inside the human body, which is not visible directly. Her pieces strive to render tangible inner condition, employing metaphor and material to make sense of the unsensory. Having a strong visual language that shifts effortlessly between realism, metaphor, and abstraction, Khushi’s paintings aim to investigate what is beneath the skin—issues of anxiety, emotions, vulnerability, and the internal self.

Using an intuitive mix of media—pencils, paints, markers, and pastels—Khushi creates a multi-textural world where feelings dictate form. Each piece is a standalone reflection, yet together they form a cohesive narrative of internal reckoning and transformation.

“This is my first solo show, and it’s a completely new and thrilling opportunity for me. The theme came from thinking about emotions like anxiety and how they grow inside us, almost like parasites. They take root deep within, but no one sees them unless something is torn open. This exhibition is me cutting open that surface, letting people see what’s really happening underneath,” said Khushi Khandelwal. 

The exhibition marks a significant moment in Khushi’s artistic journey, having previously participated in group shows but never on this scale or with this level of personal storytelling.  All the original pieces will be up for sale, with a specially chosen set of prints for those who want an even more affordable entry point into the world of Khushi’s Art.

SEDL partners with Indian Army’s Western Command for Blood Donation Drive

Mohali, 12^th July 2025: Spray Engineering Devices Ltd. (SEDL), a leading sustainable engineering and innovative technological solutions provider specialising in evaporation, crystallisation, heat exchange, condensation and thermal heat recycling process across industrial sectors, recently partnered with the Western Command of the Indian Army to organise a blood donation drive at its Mohali facility. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from SEDL employees and volunteers, resulting in the collection of 70 units of blood.

The drive was conducted under the supervision of medical officers from the Armed Forces Medical Services, ensuring strict adherence to safety and hygiene protocols. As a gesture of appreciation, SEDL also presented mementoes to the Western Command team for their support and service to the nation.

“At SEDL, we believe corporate purpose must extend beyond engineering excellence,” said Mr. Vivek Verma, Managing Director, SEDL. “We are proud to have hosted this life-saving initiative in collaboration with the Indian Army. Every unit donated reflects our shared responsibility toward society and Nation. We remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the communities and institutions that strengthen our country,” he added.

This drive is a part of SEDL’s widening social outreach efforts for 2025. In a recent environmental initiative, SEDL joined hands with 13 BN CRPF, Chandigarh to mark Van Mahotsav through a large-scale plantation drive. The event, inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, also marked the dedication of a new Wellness Park. As a contribution, SEDL provided 100 plant nameplates and 5 water sprinklers, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Further strengthening its grassroots engagement, SEDL’s employees have initiated an internal education program for the children of blue-collar workers at its facilities. What started with just a handful of students has grown into a volunteer-led movement that today supports over 50 children, offering access to basic education, mentoring, and learning resources.

Beyond its innovations in boiler-less sugarcane processing and sustainable water technologies for zero carbon emission, SEDL is dedicated for Sustainable Environment Development and has been expanding its social outreach too. The blood donation drive is part of a series of community initiatives planned for 2025 — including health camps, wellness workshops, and tree plantation drives.

With over 600 installations in sugar processing and more than 270 water treatment systems worldwide, SEDL reinforces its commitment to driving sustainable and socially responsible industrial growth.

Dance, Devotion, and Discipleship Shine at Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav

July, 13 2025: The Satyagraha Mandap at Gandhi Darshan came alive with rhythm, reverence, and radiance as the Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav unfolded on the sacred evening. Organised by Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society in collaboration with Gandhi Darshan and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the event was a soul-stirring tribute to the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition.

Inaugurated by Shri Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti & Darshan Samiti, the event brought together disciples of celebrated classical dance gurus from across India. “Guru Purnima is more than a festival—it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to preserving and promoting Indian cultural heritage through our gurus and their disciples,” remarked Shri Goel.

Dr. Rekha Mehra, Founder of Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society, shared an emotional note, stating, “Through this Mahotsav, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to the Gurus who continue to be the torchbearers of Indian classical traditions. This evening is an offering of love, respect, and legacy.”

A Warrior’s Rhythm: Disciples of Ajay Bhatt
The festival opened with a striking performance of Mayurbhanj Chhau, a martial dance form from Odisha, by disciples Abhishek, Vishal, and Ravi Shanker. Their commanding leaps and martial movements embodied the spirit of ancient warriors, choreographed with precision by their guru, Ajay Bhatt.

Krishna’s Leela in Chaturang: Disciples of Vishwajeet
Following this was Chaturang, a vivid Kathak presentation by Suraj Kumar, Anchal Sharma, and Astha Gupta, disciples of Vishwajeet. Their dance explored the divine play of Lord Krishna, weaving together Sahitya, Sargam, Tarana, and Nritya with emotive abhinaya and synchronized grace.

Shudh Nritya in Jhaptaal: Disciples of Ritu Gupta
Disciples of Ritu Gupta showcased the technical richness of Kathak in Jhaptaal through a presentation of tukdas, tihais, parans, and pramilus. Their footwork and rhythmic clarity offered a glimpse into the pure dance (nritta) aspect of the form.

Invoking Shakti and Samarpan: Disciples of Purnima
Guru Purnima’s disciples performed two emotionally resonant pieces:

Shakti – A dynamic invocation of the Goddess, highlighting divine femininity and empowerment.

Samarpan – A moving portrayal of the Guru-Shishya bond, complete with mirror work and interactive elements that symbolized teaching, correction, and surrender.

Kathak Through the Eras: Disciples of Barun Banerjee
In a sweeping historical narrative, disciples of Barun Banerjee presented Kathak’s transformation through three key phases:

Mandir Kaal – as a sacred offering in temples,

Darbar Kaal – as an art form refined in royal courts, and

Adhunik Kaal – as a modern yet rooted expression.
This performance stood out for its narrative arc and deeply researched choreography.

Guruvy Namah: Disciples of Punita Sharma
Disciples Sukriti Singh, Rashika Johar, Ritika Mishra, Sumedha Singh, and Charvi, trained by Punita Sharma, offered Guruvy Namah, a heartfelt tribute to the Guru set to Sargam and structured in teen taal. Through aamads, tukdas, tihais, parans, and ladis, the performance reflected rhythmic brilliance and devotion.

Divine Invocation: Disciple of Vandana
The concluding performance was a soulful Durga Stuti in Pancham Sawari Taal (15 beats), performed by a disciple of Vandana. The dancer invoked the fierce yet compassionate energy of Goddess Durga, leaving the audience enveloped in spiritual stillness.

A Living Legacy: Gurus and Their Disciples
Adding to the grandeur of the evening were spellbinding performances by the disciples of some of India’s most celebrated dance legends — Padma Bhushan Dr Uma Sharma, Padma Shri Shovana Narayan, and Padma Shri Nalini-Kamalini. Each group of disciples carried forward the distinct legacy of their gurus with finesse and devotion. From intricate footwork to expressive abhinaya, their performances reflected years of rigorous training and a deep-rooted commitment to preserving the purity and grace of Indian classical dance. These acts not only paid homage to their mentors but also reaffirmed the living tradition of the Guru-Shishya parampara that lies at the heart of Indian culture.

The Guru Purnima Nritya Mahotsav transcended performance to become a sacred offering—a living homage to the Gurus who shape not just artists, but custodians of cultural legacy. As the last note faded and the final bow was taken, what lingered was the spirit of gratitude, discipline, and the enduring beauty of the Guru-Shishya bond.

People Forum of India Announces Major National-Level Restructuring; Dr. Bhargav Mallappa Appointed In-Charge of Headquarters Administration

New Delhi, 12 July 2025:

The People Forum of India, an affiliate of the National Bharat Sevak Samaj — a public service body legislated by Parliament in 1952 and established under the guidance of former President of India, His Excellency Gulzarilal Nanda Ji — announced a major administrative restructuring during a press meet held today.

Addressing the media, Dr. S. Manimozhyaan, National Chairman of the People Forum of India, said, “It is an honour to meet one of the strongest pillars of Indian democracy – the media. On behalf of our organization, I thank you for attending and supporting our vision for a restructured and revitalized People Forum of India.”

With over 30 years of service in the organization, Dr. Manimozhyaan has held key positions, including State General Secretary and National Vice Chairman, before being appointed as National Chairman. He emphasized that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who refers to himself as a “Servant of the People,” the spirit of public service has gained renewed recognition and respect.

Complete Dissolution of Administrative Structure

To streamline operations and improve efficiency, the People Forum of India has dissolved its entire national and state administrative structure effective July 11, 2025. This move aims to ensure that welfare schemes reach citizens more effectively, and a new administrative setup will be introduced in three phases:

1. Phase 1: Appointment of National-level office bearers and State Chairpersons

2. Phase 2: Appointment of State office bearers and District Presidents

3. Phase 3: Appointment of District and Taluk-level office bearers

All previous ID cards are now void. Only newly appointed officials will receive secure ID cards embedded with barcodes and certificates of appointment.

Key Appointments Announced

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa has been appointed National Deputy Chairman and In-Charge of National Headquarters Administration & Organization. Known for his extensive national and international contributions to public service, Dr. Mallappa will oversee the appointment of new office bearers across the country.

Dr.S.Selvaganesh have been appointed as Vice President in charge of National Advisory Committee

Dr.Mylaraswamy have been newly appointed as a National Vice President incharge of South India

Mr.B.P. Suresh have been appointed as a National Treasurer

Mr. B.K. Paranthaman has been appointed State Chairman for Tamil Nadu. He will prepare a list of new state and district office bearers for review and approval by the National Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Dr. Manimozhyaan clarified that no individual or office bearer should use previously issued ID cards or engage in organizational activities under the forum’s name. Legal action will be initiated against unauthorized individuals misusing the organization’s identity.

A nationwide membership drive will commence from July 15, 2025, inviting both existing and new volunteers to apply for positions within the newly structured framework.

Reaffirming the Motto: “Public Service is God’s Service”

In closing, Dr. Manimozhyaan said, “The People Forum of India will continue to act as a bridge between citizens and the government. We are committed to strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring that every scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries.”

Fire and Industrial Safety a Key Focus for UP Government: Minister Rakesh Sachan

“Fire & Industrial Safety is one of the priority sectors of UP Govt”, says Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile, Govt. of UP.

UP Government considers Fire and Industrial Safety as key sectors for the prevention of accidents in the industrial as well as residential sector. Setting up disaster management units in every district, providing information through e-portals, spreading awareness among MSME workers, ensuring compliance with fire safety norms, and conducting regular checks of fire safety equipment are the key focus areas of our government said, Shri Rakesh Sachan, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, Khadi and Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Handloom and Textile at PHDCCI’s 4th edition of UFSEC held today, from 10th & 11th July 2025, at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

UP is the largest state in the country, and under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Modi and Hon’ble CM Yogi, the state has worked on strengthening its infrastructure. Earlier, many entrepreneurs were hesitant to invest here. But during the UP Global Investors Summit 2023, over 19,000 MoUs were signed, reflecting investment intents worth approximately ₹33.5 lakh crore, He discussed that this is a very important topic today at this conference many views have been shared regarding the country’s preparedness for such situation.

He further appreciated PHDCCI for working hand in hand with the government for the past 120 years and said that the UP government is consistently working towards the goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy. After agriculture, the MSME sector is the second-largest contributor to India’s economy in terms of employment generation and GDP contribution. Nearly 1.75 crore people have gained employment through MSMEs, and it plays a very significant role in the GSDP of UP.

Uttar Pradesh is moving ahead as a growth engine, the government has recently allotted a sizeable land for a textile manufacturing park in Kanpur and I further urge investors to invest in UP and participate in the state’s vision.

Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & HOD, National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India discussed that while disasters don’t announce themselves, unpreparedness always does. He added, each life lost and every economic setback is a reminder that preparedness is not just essential but non-negotiable.

He further informed that NDMA has developed comprehensive protocols on chemical and industrial safety and shared that in the past two years, the focus has been on mock drills to enhance real-time preparedness. He informed that Last year, the Hon’ble Home Minister highlighted the need for action in industrial businesses. The 15th Finance Commission allocated ₹5,000 crore to states for expansion and modernisation of fire services, with ₹700 crore allocated to Uttar Pradesh.

Mr Singh deliberated that the success of these initiatives depends on partnership and cooperation, and it is up to the states to utilise the funds. Out of the ₹2.28 lakh crore allocated, 40% has been utilised to provide relief, 30% for rebuilding, 20% for mitigation, and 10% for capacity building. He also advised everyone to take this seriously, learn from past incidents, and be prepared for the future.

Shri Shashank Chaudhary, IAS, ACEO, Invest UP, highlighted upon the investment opportunities in UP. He said UP is the only state with 13 expressways (6 operational and 7 upcoming), the highest number of international airports, and one of the largest numbers of domestic airports. It also has a rapid transport system, enabling sustainable transportation.

He informed that the current GSDP of the state is around $350 billion and that 56% of the total population is in the working age group. Further, UP has an ecosystem of 3,000+ Industrial Training Institutes. On the industrial ecosystem, he stated that the state has the highest number of MSMEs in India (9.6 million), with a 15% YoY growth in the manufacturing sector, contributing 11% to the state’s GSDP. He also mentioned the presence of district-wise export clusters for 75 unique One-District One-Product (ODOP) items and said the government is actively focusing on investment.

He concluded that the state has a favourable business environment, currently ranked 2nd in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) rankings. To attract foreign investment, the state government has launched the UP FDI-FCI policy. He also discussed platforms like Nivesh Mitra and Nivesh Sarathi, along with the Online Incentive Management System, which reflect the government’s commitment to investor facilitation through digital governance.

Shri Sunil Kumar Jha, IPS, Director General Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India discussed how North India especially the Delhi-NCR region is an important industrial corridor, but it also poses various disaster risks. He noted the aging infrastructure and inadequate fire safety equipment in many industries. He highlighted the need for proper fire and disaster preparedness, especially for small-scale industries.

Mr. Jha also noted that climate-induced heat waves further increase the complexity of disaster response. The central government has introduced the Fire Safety Bill to bring about uniformity which has been implemented in Uttar Pradesh. Various campaigns are being promoted across educational institutions through the department’s portal, time-to-time advisories are issued. He informed that BIS issues the National Building Code and that a new version will be released by 2025.

Further he called upon all stakeholders to collaborate and focus on smart fire-fighting technologies, AI, robust training for first responders, and investment in fire research and development making fire safety not just a compliance requirement, but a corporate necessity, responsibility, and priority.

Shri Hemant Sapra, Co–Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, spoke about PHDCCI providing such a platform where stronger policies and environments can be created, as the life of every individual and worker is important. He informed that PHDCCI has been working for the safety issues for the past 30–35 years. Fortunately, the government has created policies and infrastructure that ensure safety and implementation.

He added that BIS has also upgraded the standards of safety products. He also emphasised that 100% implementation must be ensured and that a conscious effort is needed to maintain safety both personally and in one’s surroundings.

Shri Vivek Agarwala, Co– Chair, UP State Chapter, PHDCCI, discussed on how this conference on industrial safety, fire safety, and disaster response is aligned with PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat. He said that PHDCCI is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, and aligning with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, both for the country and Uttar Pradesh is the chamber’s goal.

This 4th edition of UFSEC is a step in that direction, focusing on deliberations on such vital issues. There should be One Nation, One Policy, One System, as currently every state has a different policy. We want one unified policy for better resource utilisation, added Mr. Agarwala.

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta CEO and Secretary General, PHDCCI discussed that Safety is one of the most important aspects of our lives. Today, there is a need to be aware and prepared. It begins with each citizen understanding its importance and even one act of negligence can cost millions of lives. In a rapidly changing world, awareness of safety at every phase is essential. This expo and conference is a platform to discuss these critical issues and we are truly honoured to have such luminaries here to deliberate on this crucial topic.

He added, nothing is more powerful than protected and well-lived lives. If safety becomes a habit and health is prioritised, then success follows naturally.

Dr. SP Garg, Conference Convenor & Former Executive Director, GAIL (HSE) India Ltd spoke on the theme of the 4th edition of UFSEC and said the conference is critical, as 4% of the world’s GDP is lost due to such incidents. Therefore, we need to seriously discuss and strategise ways to create safer work environments both on and off campus.

Shri Mahesh Kudav, President, Safety Appliances Manufacturers Association and Shri Rajendra Sankhe, Chief Operating Officer, Indorama India Pvt. Ltd. also deliberated on various aspects of safety in the industry. The conference witnessed over 100 exhibitors participated, underscoring the global relevance of industrial safety, fire prevention, and disaster preparedness. The participation of both national and international stakeholders reflects a shared commitment towards building resilient industrial ecosystems and fostering cross-border collaboration on safety standards and technologies. Revolving around the theme “Building a Safe, Sustainable, and Resilient Tomorrow,” UFSEC 2025 aims to foster co-learning through knowledge sharing, promote meaningful interactions among stakeholders, and establish new partnerships and networks.

Acuity Knowledge Partners Launches RFP Pulse to Help Asset Managers Win New Mandates

Bengaluru, India, July 11, 2025 – Acuity Knowledge Partners’ RFP Pulse, a managed digital solution is designed to transform how asset and wealth managers respond to RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and DDQs (Due Diligence Questionnaires). Already live with multiple clients, RFP Pulse is delivering measurable results, including 25-30% efficiency gains, reduced manual effort, and improved response quality.

Built specifically for financial services workflows, RFP Pulse combines generative AI, semantic search, and a structured content repository with Acuity’s deep domain expertise and service layer. This format-agnostic solution automates and accelerates document ingestion, content retrieval, draft generation, and formatting across Word, Excel, and digital DDQ tools – dramatically reducing time and effort for client teams.

“We are extremely pleased with the developments achieved through RFP Pulse, an innovative tool that integrates Generative AI with human expertise to enhance productivity and collaboration,” said Sailaja Devireddy, Global Head of Financial Marketing Services at Acuity Knowledge Partners. “We have drawn on Acuity’s extensive experience supporting over 70 financial institutions and 250+ RFP specialists, whose insights have been crucial in developing the transformative capabilities offered by RFP Pulse.”

“RFP Pulse is the result of our strong delivery capabilities and domain expertise in asset management,” said Chanakya Dissanayake, Head of Delivery Strategic Initiatives (Asset Management) at Acuity Knowledge Partners. “By automating every stage of the RFP and DDQ process, we’re helping firms enhance productivity and maintain top-tier quality.”

RFP Pulse has already demonstrated significant impact in live client deployments, including a 70% reduction in time to retrieve responses and over 80-85% accuracy in initial drafts. Clients are experiencing measurable efficiency gains and bandwidth savings, making it a trusted solution for top-tier global asset managers.

“With RFP Pulse, we’re redefining what efficiency and quality look like for asset and wealth managers,” said Jon O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer of Acuity Knowledge Partners. “It’s a key step forward in our mission to deliver scalable, intelligent solutions that help financial services firms work smarter and stay ahead of the curve.”

Malaka Spice Kharadi to Host a Rib-Tickling Comedy Night

Malaka Spice, Kharadi, in collaboration with Orange Comedy Club and Teacher’s Glasses, is set to light up Friday night with an unforgettable comedy evening on 11th July 2025. The event promises a vibrant mix of laughter, delectable food, and upbeat energy, making it the perfect plan to unwind and kickstart the weekend.

Guests can look forward to an entertaining lineup of stand-up comedians delivering sharp punchlines and relatable humour in a warm, laid-back setting. With an inviting ambience and curated menu, Malaka Spice will ensure the evening is as flavourful as it is funny. Bites and beverages will be served starting 8:00 PM, followed by the opening act at 8:30 PM.

“We’re excited to host a night that brings people together over food, laughter, and shared experiences,” said Ilvika Chandawarkar, Research and Business Development, Malaka Spice. “It’s all about good vibes and great memories.”

Entry is by reservation only, and limited seating is available. So, what you waiting for reserve your seats now and head to Malaka Spice Kharadi for a fun evening.

Creators Wanted: YouTube’s 2025 Rules Reward Originality — And Big Money

By-Anubhav Pandey, Chief Strategy Officer, Consortium Gifts

The digital landscape is transforming rapidly, and YouTube stands at the forefront as a dynamic wealth-building platform in July 2025. No longer just a video-sharing hub, YouTube has evolved into a robust ecosystem for creators and businesses to generate sustainable income. With new monetization policies and stricter guidelines emphasizing authenticity, the platform is reshaping how creators earn money while ensuring originality remains at its core. Here’s how to navigate these changes and thrive in 2025.

The Evolving YouTube Partner Program (YPP) in 2025

YouTube’s Partner Program continues to democratize monetization, making it accessible to creators at various stages while prioritizing authentic content. As of 2025, YPP offers two tiers:

1. Full Monetization Access
   Creators can unlock full monetization, including ad revenue from long-form videos and Shorts, by meeting one of these thresholds:
   • 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or
   • 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.
2. Early Access & Fan-Funding Tier
   New creators can access fan-funding tools with lower requirements:
   • 500 subscribers,
   • 3 public uploads in the past 90 days, and
   • Either 3,000 valid public watch hours (long-form) or 3 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

This tier unlocks features like Channel Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers, Super Thanks, and YouTube Shopping, enabling creators to earn revenue before reaching full monetization.

New YPP Guidelines: Authenticity Takes Center Stage

Starting this 15th July, 2025, YouTube is rolling out some significant updates to its Partner Program (YPP) guidelines, and let’s be real, they’re putting authenticity front and center. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a big shift designed to ensure that the content you’re pouring your heart into truly stands out and gets rewarded.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters to You

YouTube is cracking down on mass-produced, low-effort content that lacks originality. Channels relying heavily on AI-generated narrations, repetitive compilations, or generic formats without a personal or creative touch will no longer qualify for monetization. Instead, the platform now demands genuine value, whether that’s through insightful commentary, educational transformation of third-party material, or uniquely creative storytelling. The review process is also becoming more rigorous, with a hybrid system of AI and human evaluators, making authenticity a key requirement to retain YouTube Partner Program (YPP) eligibility.

While the new rules raise the bar, they also create exciting opportunities for creators who prioritize quality and originality. By focusing on authentic content, creators can build stronger relationships with their audience and attract more premium partnerships. Smaller creators benefit too, with earlier access to fan-funding and shopping tools, easing reliance on ad revenue. These updates signal a clear push for innovation, encouraging creators to carve out unique voices and formats in a more level and rewarding creator economy.

Diversified Monetization Strategies for 2025

To maximize revenue in 2025, creators should focus on authentic brand partnerships that align with your niche and values, using YouTube Analytics to showcase audience insights and engagement potential. They should embrace affiliate marketing by promoting genuinely used products, embedding links in tutorials or reviews, and targeting high-commission digital offerings. They need to build deeper audience connections by selling their own products and services, including digital products, coaching, or via YouTube Shopping. They need to leverage YouTube Shorts monetization with its 45% ad revenue share by creating engaging, bite-sized content that boosts reach and funnels traffic to long-form videos, products, or memberships.

Strategic Pillars for Success in 2025

To succeed under YouTube’s new guidelines, creators should sharpen their niche focus to attract loyal viewers and premium brand deals, prioritize quality over quantity with polished, consistent content, make data-driven decisions using YouTube Analytics to tailor videos to audience preferences, leverage AI for scripting, editing, SEO, and thumbnails to boost efficiency without losing originality, and expand their cross-platform presence on Instagram, X, or personal websites to maximize reach and revenue.

The Future: Authenticity Fuels Wealth

YouTube’s 2025 monetization landscape rewards creators who prioritize originality, engagement, and diversification. The stricter guidelines eliminate low-effort content, paving the way for authentic creators to shine. By mastering the expanded YPP, building genuine audience connections, securing strategic partnerships, and creating their own products, creators can transform their channels into sustainable digital businesses. The potential for wealth-building is limitless for those who innovate, stay true to their voice, and treat YouTube as a multifaceted platform for growth.

She Matters 2.0: OFSI and Katradi Empower Marginalized Women Through Arts-Based Leadership

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 11 July 2025: Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the CSR arm of Omega Healthcare, in association with Katradi, an initiative of Wind Dancers Trust (India), successfully concluded She Matters 2.0, a Radical Immersion Leadership Camp that brought together women from marginalised communities at Mannmuqi Village. Using immersive traditional arts such as storytelling, theatre, dance, and other forms of creative expression as powerful tools for self-discovery, the three-day programme helped participants develop sensitivity towards caste and gender-based barriers, build financial literacy, and reclaim their voices as grassroots leaders.

This year, 50 participants were trained as leaders equipped to initiate conversations and facilitate workshops on gender-based violence, gender stereotypes, reproductive health, and basic financial literacy, including managing income and expenses. Each woman is also prepared to mentor others, ensuring a ripple effect of community-led change. This cohort marks a powerful shift where women who are not just finding their voice, but empowering by example like leading, uplifting, and transforming their communities from within.

Speaking about the initiative, Sunanda Rangarajan, CEO, OFSI said, “True empowerment begins when women rediscover their strength and lead with purpose. She Matters 2.0 reflects our belief that leadership is not reserved for a few, but must be nurtured at the grassroots, especially among women who have long been denied space, voice, and opportunity.By creating immersive experiences rooted in empathy, we’re not just building individual confidence but also investing in sustainable, community-led change that grows stronger with each woman who dares to lead.”

The camp organised storytelling, theatre, and traditional dance as a creative expression of collective empowerment. Through various activities the participants engaged in confronting and dismantling deeply ingrained societal barriers tied to caste, patriarchy, and class. Additionally, the camp served as a platform for participants to come together and confront gender-based violence, break free from stereotypes, embrace the importance of financial independence, and reclaim leadership through shared stories, joy, movement, and deep connection.

Sangeeta Isvaran, Founding Trustee, Katradi, added, “The arts give us the empathy and courage to question generational injustice. In She Matters 2.0, we saw how creativity becomes a tool for truth-telling, connection, and collective healing. These women were not just taught leadership skills but also trained to execute it at grassroot level. Through shared stories, movement, and reflection, they broke silences carried for generations. At Katradi, we believe transformation begins not with answers, but with the freedom to ask difficult questions and that is what this camp gave them.”

Hosted amid the serene paddy fields of Mannmuqi Village, the retreat provided space for reflection and connection. Participants, many of whom had never travelled alone, worn a watch, or spoken publicly were left equipped to mentor peers on gender-based violence, reproductive health, and economic independence, creating a ripple effect of community-led change. 

Sujatha Natarajan, Co-promoter of Mannmuqi Village, shared, “The program aligned deeply with our belief in creating spaces that nourish both body and spirit. These women spend their lives caring for others, often without access to rest or reflection. It was a privilege to offer them a space where they could feel safe, seen, and supported. Through quiet surroundings, wholesome food, and shared connection, we hoped to help them reconnect with themselves—and we look forward to continuing to hold space for journeys like these.”

The ‘She Matters 2.0’ camp is a testament to the meaningful collaboration between the Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI) and Katradi. OFSI has a long-standing commitment to uplifting underserved communities through integrated healthcare, education, and livelihood development initiatives. Katradi leverages the transformative power of the arts to foster empathy and address critical social issues, including gender-based violence and mental wellness, across over 35 countries. 

NETSCOUT, Inspira & Cloud.in Champion AI Skills on World Youth Skills Day

On July 15, 2025, the world marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day. This year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills,” highlights the urgent need to equip young people with future-ready capabilities—from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to cloud computing and virtual collaboration. In India, where more than 65% of the population is under 35, bridging the skills gap is not just a development priority—it’s a national imperative.

Vinay Sharma, Regional Director, India and SAARC, NETSCOUT

NETSCOUT has a long history of bridging the digital divide and empowering the next generation with Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) skillset development by reaching out to communities that are often underrepresented in technology. As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, we believe it is crucial to empower our youth with AI and digital skill sets in an increasingly digital world. NETSCOUT supports these efforts because it is the right thing to do and part of our caring culture and pride in being Guardians of the Connected World.

Lalith Sharma, President and Chief Human Resource Officer at Inspira Enterprise

In today’s digital-first world, digital proficiency, especially in AI, is a catalyst for career growth across industries and functions, including cybersecurity. AI literacy goes beyond writing complex algorithms, well into understanding the implications of AI on cybersecurity, the working of AI systems and techniques in building resilient systems, and securing generative AI (GenAI). On this World Youth Skills Day, we are committed to providing skills to teams on navigating the convergence of AI and cybersecurity. AI has significantly redefined cybersecurity and continues to offer immense potential for deeper, more proactive defense capabilities. However, the shortage of skilled security professionals for implementing and managing AI systems is still a challenge and has to be addressed through targeted training programs. Besides, AI-driven security solutions can also help in closing the skills gap with self-service security models. Such advancements are compelling organizations to reevaluate the skills and capabilities they value in the workforce.

Rahul S Kurkure, Founder and Director of Cloud.in

As GenAI and digital technologies become core enablers of innovation, businesses are increasingly turning to Cloud and AI Solution Providers not just for operational support, but for strategic transformation. This evolution calls for a new breed of professionals – cloud-certified talent with deep expertise in AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making. At Cloud.in & Hostin Services, we are proactively addressing this demand by upskilling and reskilling our teams with future-ready digital capabilities. Through initiatives like HostinAcademy.com and Evalix.AI, we’re nurturing talent from the ground up – offering hands-on training and intelligent assessments in cloud and AI technologies. As we commemorate World Youth Skills Day, we reaffirm our belief that the future lies in empowering youth through strong industry-academia collaboration, fostering an AI-literate generation ready to shape the digital economy.”