Category Archives: News

Hikvision Millimeter Wave Body Scanning Security System: A New Dimension in Security

Today’s security threats have become more quickly and effectively controlled thanks to developing technologies. In this context, one of the technologies that has come to the fore in recent years is millimeter wave (mmWave) body scanners. Hikvision’s innovative systems in this field take security measures to the highest level and enable the detection and prevention of threats. This article will detail what a millimeter wave body scanner is, how it works, the security threats it can detect, and its areas of use.

 What is a Millimeter Wave Body Scanner?
A millimeter wave body scanner is a device used at security checkpoints and is a system that can detect metal, plastic, ceramic, and similar objects on people. The term “millimeter wave” refers to radio waves in the frequency range of approximately 30 to 300 GHz, which is between microwave and infrared waves of the electromagnetic spectrum. These wavelengths can detect hidden objects by scanning not only through clothing but also in depth. Hikvision’s mmWave scanners can provide high-resolution scanning and blur private areas to protect people’s privacy. This enables security processes to be completed more quickly and effectively by focusing only on objects that may pose a security threat.

 Millimeter Wave Body Scanner Working Principle
Millimeter wave technology is based on the reflection of electromagnetic waves on the human body and clothes. The device sends high-frequency waves and receives the reflections that hit the body and return, and analyzes these signals to create images. These images are interpreted by special software and abnormal objects or objects that may be a threat are determined.

 Passive Operation: Millimeter wave scanners work by evaluating only the reflections. In this way, it provides a safe scan without using ionizing radiation such as X-ray.
High Resolution: The locations and sizes of suspicious objects can be determined with high-resolution images.
Fast Scanning Time: The scanning process is usually completed in seconds. This provides a great advantage, especially in areas with high human traffic.
What Can Be Detected with a Millimeter Wave Body Scanner?
Millimeter wave technology can effectively detect objects hidden under clothing. These devices can identify metal and non-metal objects, allowing them to be used against a wide range of threats.
Here are some of the items that can be detected:
Metal Objects: Guns, knives, or other dangerous metal objects.
Non-Metal Objects: Materials that metal detectors cannot detect, such as explosives, drugs, ceramic knives, or plastic weapons.
Explosives: Ability to detect concealed or worn explosives.
Other Prohibited Items: Electronic devices or any object prohibited in designated areas.
New Standards in Security

Key Features:
• Non-Contact Full Body Scanner
• Advance Milimeter wave Imaging Technology
• AI based location detection
• High Throughput
• Privacy Protection
• Networking Capability

Hikvision’s millimeter wave body scanning security system provides an effective solution to meet public and private security requirements. Fast, reliable and easy to use, this technology makes security measures more effective and efficient. In the face of the increasing variety and complexity of security threats, millimeter wave technology offers a strong layer of protection for personal security, public security and private property security.
Integrating this technology into the security strategies of institutions and organizations is an important step to provide a safer environment.

In A Third And Final Government Approval, Philippines Introduces Landmark Medical Education Reform for Indian Students to Practice Medicine

19th December 2024: In the third and final government approval, the Philippines government in its groundbreaking move, approved in the house amendments in their Philippine Medical Act, for foreign nationals to practice in Philippines. The new amendment in the Philippines, The Medical Act offers Indian students a clear path to practice medicine in the Philippines, responding to the growing demand for high-quality medical education among Indian aspirants. The reform addresses the growing aspirations of Indian students seeking high-quality, globally recognised medical education at affordable costs.

The new law, passed with overwhelming support in the House of Representatives (184-3-0), replaces the decades-old Medical Act of 1959. It introduces sweeping changes, including the creation of the Medical Education Council and the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine. These institutions aim to elevate academic standards, promote ethical practices, and ensure the Philippines remains competitive in global medical education.

Unlike many other countries that offer educational opportunities but restrict practice rights for foreign graduates, the Philippines’ decision is a game-changer. Indian students graduating from CHED-accredited colleges, upon completing their internships, can now register and practice medicine in the Philippines. Their qualifications will also align with Indian Medical Commission standards, providing seamless pathways to practice in India or even globally.

Speaking about this transformative initiative, Mr. Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy, remarked, “This reform is not just a milestone for the Philippines but also an indication to the country’s commitment to strengthening its educational ties with India. It positions the Philippines as Asia’s leading hub for medical education, offering unparalleled opportunities for students to become globally competent doctors.”

For years, the Philippines has stood out as a top destination for medical education, particularly for Indian students. The country’s English-based instruction, US-aligned curriculum, and affordable tuition fees have drawn thousands of aspirants annually. Among 64 accredited medical schools and globally recognised residency programs, the Philippines offers a rare combination of quality education and affordability.

Currently, around 2,000 Indian students choose the Philippines each year for their medical studies. The country’s cost-effective education, coupled with low living expenses and a culturally welcoming environment, makes it an increasingly attractive choice for Indian families seeking world-class opportunities for their children.

The Philippine Medical Act highlights the country’s vision of nurturing global healthcare leaders while strengthening its ties with India. By bridging educational and professional opportunities, the Philippines is not only empowering students but also taking a bold step toward addressing global health challenges. This landmark reform is set to leave a lasting impact on the future of medical education and practice.

Panasonic and T-Hub select four start-ups to drive adoption of the cost-effective wired communication technology, Nessum WIRE, in India

Hyderabad, India – 19th December 2024 – Panasonic, a global leader in innovative technologies, in association with T-Hub, the world’s largest innovation campus and India’s premier startup incubator, announced four start-ups – Ayka Control Systems, GoVidyouth Mobility, PureLogic Labs India, Xeeed IO as the finalists of the Innovation Challenge. The finalists will work closely with India Innovation Center (IIC) and Panasonic Holdings Corporation (PHD) – Nessum teams for adoption and commercialization of the cost-effective wired communication technology, Nessum WIRE, in India.

The Innovation Challenge was initiated in September 2024 and startups from India and beyond were invited to leverage Nessum Technology. T-Hub played a pivotal role in scouting and evaluating 197 innovative startups that applied for the program, conducting roadshows and leveraging its extensive ecosystem to identify the most promising solutions. As a result, eight high-potential startups were shortlisted for Demo Day. These shortlisted start-ups made their final pitch presentation to both the teams culminating the Innovation Challenge. And the following startups will get an opportunity to collaborate and work with Panasonic.

Ayka Control Systems is at the forefront of clean energy innovation, specializing in EV charging solutions.

GoVidyouth Mobility Pvt Ltd is a deep-tech startup committed to making electric mobility accessible and affordable in emerging markets.

PureLogic Labs India Pvt. Ltd. is dedicated to improving air quality monitoring through innovative solutions.

Xeeed IO specializes in designing and deploying Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies for manufacturing and energy sectors.

“I would like to congratulate all the start-ups who were shortlisted and we at Panasonic, are looking forward to work with finalists of the challenge” said Mr. Saijo Hiroshi, Head of Business Development Office, at Panasonic Holdings. “In line with Panasonic’s mission, we’ve always kept our customers at the centre. The Innovation Challenge has provided us with the necessary platform to leverage the talent of Indian start-ups. The finalists will partner with both India team and us in Japan, to build innovative solutions for our enterprise customers using Nessum WIRE Technology. We look forward to capitalizing on the innovation and provide customized solutions to India and global markets,” he further added.

“Nessum WIRE is an advanced Japanese communication technology. It is a plug-n-play, cost-effective, solution for data communication over existing wires. In a rapidly growing economy like India, the Nessum WIRE Technology is of utmost significance as enterprise customers do not prefer disturbing their existing network infrastructure, however, still want to address communication issues in remote or inaccessible areas such as basements, manufacturing plants, etc. Alongside T-Hub, we at Panasonic, have carefully evaluated all the short-listed start-ups and identified Ayka Control Systems, GoViyouth Mobility, PureLogic Labs India, Xeeed IO to partner with us. We look forward to collaborating with them to introduce these customized communication solutions to the market” said Mr. Manish Misra, the Chief Innovation Officer, at Panasonic Life Solutions India.

Sujit Jagirdar, CEO of T-Hub, says, “The Innovation Challenge with Panasonic showcases the incredible synergy that emerges when startups and global corporations come together to solve real-world challenges. At T-Hub, we are proud to facilitate this collaboration, empowering startups to unlock their potential and create impactful solutions. Congratulations to the winners for showcasing the transformative potential of Nessum HD-PLC technology. This partnership is a testament to the role of startups in driving innovation and shaping the future of communication technology. We look forward to seeing these solutions revolutionize the industry and pave the way for scalable, sustainable advancements in India and beyond.”

Memory foam is 58 years old – The Sleep Company launches RetireMemoryFoam campaign to raise awareness and urges consumers to upgrade their sleep with Gen Z SmartGRID technology

Mumbai, 19th December 2024: For six decades, the world has embraced countless technological advancements, yet millions of consumers still rely on 58-year-old memory foam. Innovation is taking over the world head on, modern technology is in your phone, car and just about everywhere. Modern sleep solutions are here to revolutionise the world of comfort for you making it the most important factor for healthier lifestyle changes. The Sleep Company (TSC), India’s leading comfort-tech brand, has revolutionized the industry with its patented SmartGRID technology. Through its latest campaign #RetireMemoryFoam, it gives a wake-up call to not live under the rock with outdated Memory Foam and choose SmartGRID technology as your comfort partner.

Despite advancements in sleep technology, many people in India remain unaware of the new innovations disrupting this space. The campaign is aimed to educate and create awareness about how such advancements can significantly improve sleep quality. Acknowledging that we spend nearly one-third of our lives sleeping in bed, approximately 26 years on average, TSC’s new campaign emphasizes the need for mattress technology to keep pace with modern advancements. Memory foam, invented in 1966, has remained unchanged ever since, rendering it outdated and increasingly redundant.

Interestingly, memory foam was originally invented by NASA as cushioning for astronauts and was not designed with sleep in mind, making it unsuitable for truly restful sleep. Unlike memory foam, the SmartGRID is modern Gen Z technology, free from common issues such as breaking, sagging, and heating. SmartGRID, a revolutionary sleep technology developed by ex-DRDO scientists after years of rigorous research and trials, offers the perfect balance of comfort and support. The Sleep Company proudly pioneers India’s first and only SmartGRID mattress, redefining sleep quality like never before.

Conceptualized by Steve Priya, the plot of TSC’s ‘Retire Memory Foam’ campaign starts with a couple who cannot sleep and are shocked by an old man’s voice coming from a mattress that narrates its story. It highlights how technologies like phones and computers have changed over decades, while memory foam remains the same. The campaign aims to educate people about the importance of advanced sleep technology. This engaging narrative promotes consumers to prioritize sleep quality and make smarter choices through innovative solutions like SmartGRID. The outdated memory foam mattress urges people to let it retire, as sticking with it feels like living in the past. Instead, it inspires them to make a smarter choice by welcoming the innovative SmartGRID mattress into their homes.

Memory Foam versus SmartGRID:

Priyanka Salot, Co-founder of The Sleep Company, said, “At The Sleep Company, we identified significant gaps in sleep solutions; traditional memory foam could not provide firmness and softness simultaneously, it had poor cooling abilities, and it did not adapt to individual body types. We defined comfort and sleep quality using our patented SmartGRID technology, featuring 2500+ air channels for superior breathability and adaptive support for every body type. The ‘#RetireMemoryFoam’ campaign actively promotes people to outlive the old and outdated sleep solution technologies and embrace innovation that impacts their overall well-being.”

Ripal Chopda, Chief Marketing Officer of The Sleep Company added, “With the ‘Retire Memory Foam’ campaign, we want to challenge the conventional way of thinking and encourage consumers to rethink their sleep solutions. Our mission is to educate and empower people to make smarter, more informed choices when it comes to their sleep. SmartGRID technology is the perfect solution for anyone looking to experience unparalleled comfort and support. It’s time to move forward with sleep technology into the future and leave behind the old ways.”

Priya Pardiwalla, Chief Creative Officer of Steve Priya said, “Today, everyone’s constantly upgrading their laptops, mobiles, watches, and other gadgets. We wanted users to also upgrade from their memory foam mattress to The Sleep Company’s SmartGRID technology, which is the latest in sleep science. While researching for this campaign, we discovered that the memory foam mattress was invented way back in 1966. It’s a 58-year-old technology. The timing, the year was perfect for the retirement of the memory foam mattress.”

Boosting creative economy of Meghalaya, Hello Meghalaya organises conclave

New Delhi, December 19th, 2024: The Hello Meghalaya Conclave took place in Shillong, serving as a vibrant gathering for the cultural community. As Meghalaya’s indigenous OTT platform, Hello Meghalaya offers invaluable opportunities to filmmakers, artists, and content creators. The event was organized by the Department of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya.

Since the launch of Hello Meghalaya in 11th July 2024, the app had seen an overwhelming response with over 3.14 lakhs total app downloads and 2 lakh registrations in just a span of 5 months, 281K total number of views, 7.33K total content downloads, and 5.05K total content shared. The top-performing content includes Ka Daw, Thong Iong Nga, Ehrang, Ka Chithi, and Papa, with Thadlaskein, Laskein, and Mawlai being among the top regions for views. Hello Meghalaya also boasts a strong social media presence, with nine thousand YouTube subscribers, five thousand Instagram followers, and over four thousand Facebook followers, all achieved within six months.

Dr. Vijay Kumar D, IAS, expressed his pride in the success of Hello Meghalaya as an OTT platform launched by a state government. He shared an experience from his visit to Nongnah, a village in Southwest Khasi Hills located over three hours from Shillong. During his interaction with farmers and youth in the village, the youth showcased the Hello Meghalaya app, highlighting its impressive reach even in remote areas.

The conclave showcased the video presentation of the journey of Hello Meghalaya over the span of 5 months. Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister launched the Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet, to encourage film production and to promote the use of local language a corpus fund has been created by the Government of Meghalaya to provide financial assistance to filmmakers. The corpus fund is based on 4 categories- A, B, C and D. Under Category A, nominated filmmakers will receive up to Rs 35 lakhs to produce one feature film within a calendar year. Category B offers up to Rs 25 lakhs for feature films, while Category C provides up to Rs 20 lakhs for web series, disbursed per episode, with a minimum of 10 episodes, each 30-40 minutes long. Category D supports emerging filmmakers from Meghalaya with up to Rs 5 lakhs to create short films.

Following the launch of the booklet, sanction letters amounting to Rs 35 lakh each were distributed to three prominent filmmakers of the state – Dominic Sangma, Pradip Kurbah, and Simi Khongtiang on a nomination basis.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K Sangma, praised Hello Meghalaya OTT platform and said “in the last few months, six months or so, we have really been able to push this, you know, to the next level. I should say we are very happy with the kind of response we’re getting. We are very happy that today we are launching, in fact, the new guidelines for the film production, again, an area which I am very, very keen to promote again. There are so many programs that the state government is running today to support the youth, and we want you to take advantage of that, because we want to give you that platform. We want to give you that opportunity.”

He spoke about the brimming talent in Meghalaya and the government’s commitment to nurture their growth. Recognising this evolution, the government established a robust ecosystem through Hello Meghalaya to empower local producers and content creators.

Hon’ble Chief Minister said that the Guidelines of Film Grant Booklet launched today is a testament to commitment to supporting filmmakers in their endeavours providing a necessary framework for financial assistance and ensuring that creative minds have the resources they need to bring their visions to life.

The financial assistance of Rs 35 lakh each to the three selected filmmakers and the Corpus fund will encourage the production of original content, including films, web series, and short films that promote the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local languages, he added.

The conclave featured an award ceremony honouring storytellers across categories like films, web series, and documentaries, highlighting the importance of diverse narratives. Winners in each category received a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Additionally, five beneficiaries from the state were recognized with Rs 10,000 each as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the app’s success.

Speaking about handholding the film makers, Shri Paul Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Meghalaya said that the government looks forward to the day that they should be in a position to stand on their own and in 2025 they look forward to seeing Shillong’ State Central Library to be able to have a multiplex to screen movies.

Lyngdoh added that the platform will serve as a window into our culture, stories, and people, embodying the spirit of “by the people, for the people, to the people.” The Hon’ble Tourism Minister lauded the movie ‘Rapture” stating it as “a masterpiece that not only placed Meghalaya on the global cinematic map but also demonstrated the immense talent and potential of our filmmakers.”

Earlier, the conclave featured the screening of Dominic Sangma’s latest and critically acclaimed award winning ‘Rapture’ (Rimdogittanga). Panel discussions were also held which laid emphasis on the potential of Indigenous Storytelling in Meghalaya. The panellist included prominent filmmakers from the state: Dominic Sangma, Simi Khongtiang, Commander Shangpliang and Lucky D Kharsati.

Another important panel discussion was carried out in the conclave emphasising on The Role of Cinema in Bridging Cultural and Regional Divides where Kunal Sharma who is currently writing a film that’s set in north-eastern part of India said he will come back to Meghalaya for research, adding it is God’s gift to come to Meghalaya. He did not reveal much about the movie. According to him, cinema can play a very big role in someone’s life. The panellist included Nationally renowned filmmakers: Dinesh Shenoy, Kunal Sharma, Pradeep Reddy, Manish Gaekwad and Pradip Kurbah.

Dinesh Shenoy said that the people will be curious to know about Shillong and the state through Rapture. Pradeep Reddy said cinema is a wonderful medium to bridge cultures between states. Pradip Kurbah said film makers within the Northeastern region should also watch each other’s movies. He further said that film makers doing a film on the region should go through proper channel and sources, not to make a film based on assumptions. Dinesh Shenoy said that there should be a single window to get clearance for location. Manish Gaekwad spoke about empowering locals to tell nice stories and tell stories as locally as possible.

Ola Consumer announces pan-India expansion of Ola Food on ONDC, launches quick food delivery ‘Dash’ in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, December 19, 2024: Ola Consumer today announced the pan-India expansion of Ola Food and the launch of Dash, its 10 minute quick food delivery service, now operational in Bengaluru, further strengthening its mission to redefine India’s food delivery landscape. With these launches, Ola Consumer sets new benchmarks in convenience, affordability and speed, by combining scale, efficiency and savings, and leveraging its deep integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

Ola Food

With the expansion, Ola Food will now be available across 100 cities. With savings of up to 50% on food orders, the platform offers ‘Best Deal on Every Meal’ with a superior delivery experience free of cost without the hassle of subscriptions. Customers can earn 10 times more OlaCoins by ordering from Ola Food and redeem them across Ola Consumer’s offerings.

Dash

Ola Consumer unveiled Dash—a breakthrough offering for freshly prepared food delivered in just 10 minutes. To ensure speed and reliability, Dash delivers from a curated selection of nearby restaurants. This service is currently being piloted in Bengaluru & Ola will soon be expanding it to other cities.

Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Ola Consumer, said, “India’s quick commerce landscape is at a pivotal moment, driven by technology and ever evolving consumer needs. With the Pan-India expansion of Ola Food and the launch of Dash in Bengaluru, on ONDC, we’re offering a faster, more affordable, and seamless food delivery experience. This expansion reflects our commitment to democratising commerce, leveraging ONDC’s open network to make quality services accessible to all. We are confident that, as we scale, we will emerge as the largest buyer app on the platform, continuously transforming convenience for a billion Indians.”

Ola Consumer has been making efforts to redefine the retail and commerce journey for consumers in India. At its annual Sankalp event, Ola Consumer announced a slew of technology-led initiatives, aimed at revolutionising consumer services. The company unveiled its fully automated dark store prototype to revolutionise warehousing operations and supercharge the commerce supply chain.

Further, Ola Consumer will also deploy 1 lakh 2W EVs in the next two years to drive electrification in ride-hailing. Additionally, the company announced Ola Loyalty Program – OlaCoin, which will reward end-users for every transaction they make on the Ola platform across mobility, e-commerce, and logistics services.

Ascendion Earns Great Place to Work Certification

Mumbai, 19th December 2024: Ascendion, a trailblazer in AI-powered software engineering, is proud to announce once again its certification as a great workplace. This global accolade reinforces our commitment to a workplace culture that drives innovation, fosters inclusion, and empowers individuals to thrive.

At Ascendion, we redefine what it means to be a technology leader by delivering “Engineering to the Power of AI.” Our mission is to revolutionize software engineering with AI-driven talent orchestration and innovation, solving critical client challenges in trust, velocity, and capital efficiency. This certification isn’t just a milestone—it’s a reflection of our values: bold optimism, relentless curiosity, deep empathy, and unwavering allyship.

“Being recognized as a great workplace for two years in a row highlights the transformative culture we’ve built—one that empowers our people to achieve extraordinary outcomes for themselves and our clients,” said Prakash Balasubramanian, Executive Vice President, Engineering Services. “This recognition validates our relentless focus on leveraging AI to elevate human potential, enabling our teams to create software that impacts lives.”

“Our people are the heart of Ascendion,” added Sangeeta Shetty, Associate Vice President, Human Resources. “This certification reflects the trust, respect, and innovation that fuel our culture. It belongs to every Ascender who embodies our mission to deliver AI-enhanced solutions that drive meaningful change.”

As a Great Place To Work CertifiedTM company, Ascendion continues to lead in AI-first engineering, leveraging proprietary platforms like AVA+ to boost developer velocity by 60%, achieve 100% engineering transparency, and cut time to market by nearly half. Our innovative approaches empower enterprises to scale faster, innovate smarter, and deliver real-world impact.

This recognition builds on our recent accolade as one of India’s Best Workplaces™ in Health & Wellness 2023 and further solidifies Ascendion’s reputation as the partner of choice for engineering a future shaped by generative AI and human ingenuity.

KIIT World School Hosts Prestigious World School Summit 2024

Gurugram: KIIT World School has organized the World School Summit 2024 (Robochamps) on December 17. This summit has brought educational leaders to discuss the future of education. The chief guest and resource person was Mr. Akshaya Ahuja. During his visit, he toured the school campus and commended the school’s efforts in providing diverse resources to students while fostering strong cultural values.

The purpose of the summit was to tackle the problems that the Indian education system is facing and identify effective solutions. The focus areas were on issues related to meeting the diverse learning needs of students, incorporating modern technologies into education, the balancing act between traditional and modern teaching methods, and how teacher training programs could be made better.

The event saw the participation of principals from 20 schools of Gurugram, who participated in meaningful discussions aimed at improving the quality of education. These deliberations gave educators a platform for sharing their insights, discussing new ideas, and devising workable strategies to improve the educational landscape of India. The summit also complemented the goals of New Education Policy (NEP 2020), ensuring that it was implemented correctly.

Dr. Neelima Kamrah, Principal of KIIT World School, played a pivotal role in organizing the summit and ensuring its success. Speaking about the event, she said, “Our aim is not just to deliver quality education but also to instill strong moral and cultural values in our students. Events like these provide an excellent platform for educational leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively towards improving the education system.”

The summit highlighted KIIT World School’s commitment to excellence in education and cultural enrichment. The appreciation from Mr. Akshaya Ahuja further encouraged the school to continue its efforts toward holistic development and innovation in education.

Understanding Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Life-Threatening Disease That Stiffens the Lungs

By-Author: Dr. Pavan Yadav, Lead Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology & Lung Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital

Imagine your lungs are like balloons, helping you breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Now, imagine if these balloons became stiff and couldn’t expand properly. That’s what happens in a condition called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

IPF is a serious disease that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. Over time, this scarring makes the lungs stiff and less efficient at supplying oxygen to the body. The word “idiopathic” means we don’t know exactly what causes it, and “fibrosis” refers to the scarring itself.

Who Gets IPF?

IPF mostly affects people over 50 years old and is slightly more common in men than women. While it’s rare in young people, anyone can develop it.

What Causes IPF?

The frustrating part about IPF is that doctors often don’t know the exact cause. However, in some cases, it could be linked to:

• Genetics: Mutations in certain genes.

• Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to toxins.

• Injuries to the lung: Repeated small injuries that heal abnormally, causing scarring.

Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of IPF often develop slowly, and people might mistake them for signs of aging or other lung problems:

1. Shortness of Breath: Feeling out of breath, even during simple activities like walking or climbing stairs.

2. Chronic Dry Cough: A persistent cough that doesn’t go away.

3. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired, even after resting.

4. Chest Discomfort: A feeling of tightness in the chest.

5. Clubbing: The tips of the fingers may become rounder and wider.

Is IPF Life-Threatening?

Yes, IPF is a serious and progressive disease. Over time, the scarring worsens, and the lungs struggle to deliver enough oxygen to the body. This can lead to complications like respiratory failure, heart problems, or lung infections. Unfortunately, without treatment, IPF can be life-threatening, with most patients living 3-5 years after diagnosis.

Can Early Diagnosis Help?

Absolutely! Early diagnosis is key to managing IPF. While it cannot prevent the disease, catching it early allows doctors to:

1. Start treatments to slow the progression of lung scarring.

2. Improve the patient’s quality of life through oxygen therapy, exercise, and medications.

3. Plan for advanced care options like lung transplantation.

Is There a Permanent Cure?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for IPF. Once scarring occurs in the lungs, it cannot be reversed. However, there are treatments that can slow down the disease, reduce symptoms, and help patients live longer, healthier lives.

How is IPF Treated?

1. Medications:

• Drugs like pirfenidone and nintedanib can slow lung scarring. These are game-changers in IPF treatment and are widely prescribed today.

2. Oxygen Therapy:

For patients with low oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen can help them breathe easier and feel less tired.

3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

This involves supervised exercise programs and education to improve lung function and overall well-being.

4. Lung Transplant:

For those with progressive disease in advanced stages, a lung transplant can be a life-saving option.

A Final Word

While IPF is a challenging disease, hope is not lost. Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and lifestyle changes can make a big difference. If you or someone you know has unexplained shortness of breath or a persistent cough, don’t ignore it—visit a doctor. Remember, the sooner you act, the better your chances of managing the disease effectively.

Just like a balloon needs to be flexible to work properly, our lungs need to stay healthy to keep us alive and active. Let’s not take them for granted!

Glance Integrates upGrad’s Intern-Zip Program into Smart Lock Screens as Part of Glance for Good Initiative

India, 18 December 2024 – Glance, the world’s leading smart lock screen platform has partnered with upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development companies, to unlock critical upskilling opportunities for millions of young Indians. Through this partnership, upGrad is providing free courses under its Intern-Zip program on Glance Smart Lock Screen. This partnership is part of “Glance for Good” program, that leverages the power of Glance Smart Lock Screens to foster personal growth and drive positive social change.

upGrad’s Intern-Zip is designed to impart essential, job-ready skills to the youth between 20 and 24 years of age. Glance reaches over 235 million users every day, 47% of whom are under 24 years of age. This makes Glance an ideal platform in terms of scale and relevance for upGrad to reach its intended beneficiaries. Within three weeks of the launch of the partnership, upGrad’s content has garnered over 100 million views (glances) on lock screens.

Most young Indians start their day with Glance Smart Lock Screen as early as 6 am. By bringing Intern-Zip to Glance’s users on their lock screens, this initiative aims to address the 13.4% unemployment rate among graduates by helping them build their professional futures with confidence and competence. Courses offered under this initiative cover foundational topics such as technical savviness, soft skills and professional development.

Piyush Shah, Co-founder of InMobi and COO & President of Glance, said, “With Glance, we’re not only reaching millions—we’re empowering them to seize opportunities and inspire them to discover something new every moment. By bringing upGrad’s workforce-ready content directly on smart lock screens, we’re equipping users with technical expertise, soft skills, and professional development tools. We’re creating a platform that fuels career growth, closes the skills gap, and directly contributes to India’s future.”

“India has now become a global epicentre of learning and skilling, and this is the most opportune time, we could really scale our value proposition to a different demographic altogether,” said Mayank Kumar, Co-founder of upGrad. “We notice a steady migration of individuals to service-based economy and AI-first businesses. This makes it crucial to provide the new generation with the right support, guidance and empowerment to shape their professional trajectories. Partnering with Glance allows us to expand our reach and leverage smart tech integration, further reinforcing our commitment to this cause.”

 With over 50% population under 25, India holds a demographic advantage that, if effectively utilized, can drive long-term economic growth Investment in upskilling initiatives can enhance labour market resilience, make youth job-ready, and address the evolving needs of a tech-driven economy.

 “As India works towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, a skilled, adaptable workforce is essential for sustaining growth and solidifying the nation’s standing as a global talent hub,” said Bikash Chowdhury, Chief Marketing Officer at Glance. “Our goal with Glance for Good program is to harness our massive user base in India, and ease of access to content on the lock screen to inspire positive behaviour and actions that drive large-scale, real-world impact. This partnership with upGrad is a big step in that direction.”

 Glance is an AI-driven platform that delivers a diverse range of engaging experiences directly on Android lock screens, including updates, sports, games and shopping, available in seven Indian languages. By partnering with reputable publishers and developers, Glance’s AI curates premium content tailored to each user’s preferences. This allows users to access relevant information seamlessly, without the need to unlock their phones or navigate through multiple apps.