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.

Netherlands-Based YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar Launches in India, Ushering in a New Era for Tea Lovers in Bangalore

Bangalore, 18th December 2024: YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar, the internationally renowned and innovative tea pioneer from the Netherlands, has launched its first outlet in India, choosing Bangalore as the perfect gateway to a nation rich in tea tradition. With over 12 years of experience revolutionizing tea culture in Europe, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar, founded by the visionary Wing Li and brought to India by the dynamic Jose Mohan, is set to enchant Indian tea lovers with its vibrant flavors, customizable creations, and contemporary approach.

Founded in the Netherlands—a country where coffee often dominates the beverage landscape—YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar began with a mission to reimagine tea as a dynamic and creative experience. Its signature pink branding, innovative bubble tea offerings, and personalized beverages including the unique warm bubble teas—have since captured hearts across Europe. By introducing warm bubble teas, a comforting twist on the globally loved bubble tea trend, YOYO! brings a fresh and cozy option for tea lovers, especially during cooler seasons. The brand now aspires to establish a similar legacy in India, celebrating the country’s deep-rooted tea culture.

Bangalore, known for its openness to culinary innovation, was a natural choice for YOYO!’s India debut. With a robust franchise model, the brand plans to expand across metropolitan and emerging cities.

Globally, the bubble tea market is booming, with a valuation of roughly $2.75 to $3 billion in 2023–2024, and projected growth to reach $5.4 billion by 2030–2032. The South Asia and Pacific region, one of the largest markets, dominates the industry and is poised for further growth, reflecting immense potential in these demographics. A significant driver of this rise is the increasing popularity of bubble tea among the younger generation, drawn to its innovative flavors and customizable options.

Having captivated the Netherlands, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar now sets its sights on enchanting tea lovers across Europe and India. By introducing this global phenomenon, YOYO! aims to elevate India’s tea culture with unique flavors, locally sourced ingredients, and personalized beverages. Its expansive menu caters to all tastes, featuring refreshing fruity infusions, artisanal iced teas, and globally loved bubble tea creations. As the largest bubble tea store in the city, spanning 1800 sq ft, YOYO! offers tea enthusiasts an unmatched space to explore and customize drinks with premium toppings like popping bobas, tapioca pearls, and tropical jellies.

“India is the heartland of tea, and its rich heritage aligns perfectly with our journey of elevating this beloved beverage,” says Wing Li, Founder of YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar. “Our vision is to combine India’s love for tea with our innovative global concepts, crafting experiences that resonate with both tradition and modernity.”

The debut also marks the introduction of an exclusive range of ‘India Specials,’ created using locally sourced ingredients. These beverages will seamlessly blend traditional flavors with YOYO’s innovative techniques, offering something truly unique for Indian tea lovers.

“Our India Specials reflect our commitment to honoring the diverse tastes of India while introducing a fresh perspective on tea culture,” says Jose Mohan, Master Franchise Owner of YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar India. “By using locally sourced ingredients, we are not just crafting drinks, but creating a meaningful connection between global trends and local traditions.”

YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar is committed to sourcing ingredients locally, supporting regional farmers while reducing its ecological footprint. Franchise opportunities will prioritize partnerships with local entrepreneurs, fostering community-driven growth.

As YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar makes its grand entry into India, it envisions becoming a sanctuary for tea lovers—a space where heritage meets modern innovation. With its iconic branding, globally loved menu, and commitment to sustainability, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar is poised to create a tea revolution in India, one handcrafted cup at a time. For those eager to get a taste, YOYO! Fresh Tea Bar is also available on Swiggy and Zomato, bringing its refreshing beverages right to your doorstep.

FIIB Celebrates the Power of Midlife at TEDxFIIB Women, Redefining a Pivotal Life Phase

New Delhi, December 18, 2024: Fortune Institute of International Business (FIIB) hosted a transformative edition of TEDxFIIB Women on 14th December 2024, themed Midlife Matters, spotlighting the importance of midlife as a time of growth, self-discovery, and reinvention. The event gathered 10 trailblazing speakers who shared their personal stories, offering insights into the opportunities, challenges, and transformations that come with this pivotal phase of life.

 In a world that often glorifies youth, TEDxFIIB Women sought to redefine midlife, presenting it not as a crisis but as an empowering chapter full of possibilities. The event began with an inspiring address from Prof. Radhika Srivastava, President & CEO of FIIB, who emphasized the need for conversations around midlife transformations in personal and professional contexts. Her words set the tone for an empowering day filled with insights, stories, and actionable wisdom
Conversations That Matter
The speakers included leaders from diverse fields, all reflecting on how midlife has shaped their personal and professional journeys. Dr. Maria Pressentin, Chief Knowledge Officer at Leadership Scientific, kicked off the talks with From Limits to Liberation: The Power of Fitting You, inspiring the audience to embrace individuality and authenticity. Leadership coach Ms. Navixha Bagga followed with her session Four Mantras to Your Best Life in Midlife, encouraging attendees to break free from stereotypes and embrace self-awareness.

 Ms. Supriya Nagpal, a content creator and lifestyle influencer, shared her reinvention journey, from a midlife wake-up call to becoming a fitness influencer and pageant winner. Dancer and choreographer Ms. Ritu Gupta spoke on Dance: A Path to Liberation in Midlife, highlighting the role of creative expression and emotional resilience. Entrepreneur Ms. Divya Jain discussed how setting boundaries in her talk When ‘No’ Becomes a New Beginning, empowering the audience to take control of their narratives.

 Inspiring Journeys
Among the event’s standout moments were talks by Ms. Madhu Bala Sharma, Senior Program Manager at Amazon, and Ms. Dipti Karki, Founder of Phosphenes Art Studio. Ms. Sharma shared her extraordinary journey as a blind individual, emphasizing how midlife can be an opportunity for growth, not a crisis. In her talk Embracing Life, One Page at a Time, she encouraged the audience to transform challenges into meaningful stories. Meanwhile, Ms. Karki offered a profound perspective on navigating midlife with Mindfully Mapping Through Middle-Age, urging attendees to embrace self-discovery and reinvention.

 The event concluded with Ms. Deepali Wilson, Principal of DPS Chhatarpur, who shared her philosophy of being “invisibly visible,” encouraging attendees to embrace midlife as a time of authenticity and grace.

 Moments of Connection
In addition to the impactful talks, the event featured a dance workshop led by Ms. Gupta, which showcased how dance can serve as a tool for emotional balance and self-expression. Mr. Abhijeet Singh, CEO of Kubotor, also delivered an insightful talk on cybersecurity, educating the audience on safeguarding their digital lives.

 TEDxFIIB Women was not just an event—it was a movement. By highlighting the opportunities in midlife, it reinforced the message that this phase is one of reinvention and empowerment. The event left every attendee with renewed purpose and the tools to confidently navigate their own midlife transformations.