7, Nov 2023
Startup Odisha Launches Millet Innovation Challenge
Bhubaneswar, 7th November 2023: Millets in Odisha hold a storied legacy of safeguarding food security and bolstering climate resilience for tribal communities. To further empower this sector, there is an increasing need for Startups and innovation to promote millet cultivation, encourage their consumption, and create economic opportunities within this sustainable agricultural domain.
In light of this Startup Odisha has launched the Millet Innovation Challenge on the sidelines of the International Millets Convention. This challenge serves as a platform for recognized startups operating within the millet industry to pitch their transformative solutions and ideas. By participating, the startups have the opportunity to win monetary prizes, receive promotional support, and even gain an exclusive opportunity to pilot their solutions with the Odisha Millet Mission.
Startups with expertise in diverse Millet industry sectors such as Branding and Packaging, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Quality Assurance and Safety, and Financial and Legal Mechanisms Management are encouraged to participate in this distinctive challenge.
Dr. Omkar Rai, Executive Chairman, Startup Odisha said, ‘The Millet Innovation Challenge is a crucial step towards fostering innovation in the millet industry. It marks the beginning of a transformative journey where millets will play a central role in ensuring food security, empowering local communities, and driving economic growth. Through this challenge, we aim to catalyze a wave of innovative solutions that will shape a sustainable and prosperous future for Odisha.”
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha said, “Unlocking the immense potential of millets is at the core of the Millet Innovation Challenge, driven by Startup Odisha. The primary goal of the Millet Innovation Challenge is to support startups in creating innovative solutions that enhance millet processing, improve value addition, and expand the market for millet-based products. This challenge is a significant leap towards a more resilient Odisha, guided by the spirit of innovation.”
The application deadline was set for November 5, 2023, followed by the 1st Round Pitch Presentations on November 7, 2023. The winners of the 1st round will be announced on November 8, 2023, with the final pitching event taking place at the International Millets Convention on November 10, 2023. The challenge will culminate with the announcement of the top 3 winners on the same day, November 10, 2023. The top 3 Startups, distinguished for their innovation and dedication, will receive monetary awards of 3 lakhs, 2 lakhs, and 1 lakh, respectively.
In the heart of Odisha, the Millet Innovation Challenge promises to be a transformative force, a testament to the resilience and potential of millets in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. With the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a shared vision of a thriving millets industry, this challenge stands poised to make a lasting impact on the state’s agriculture and economy. As these startups rise to the occasion, Odisha’s journey towards a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable tomorrow begins.
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- By Rabindra
7, Nov 2023
L&T Technology Services to partner with Google Cloud to develop state-of-the-art DevX platform
India, November 07, 2023: L&T Technology Services (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a leading global digital engineering and R&D services company, today announced an innovative collaboration with Google Cloud to harness the power of its generative AI (gen AI) technology and tools for the development of its LTTS Developer Experience Platform, known as DevX. LTTS DevX is a groundbreaking platform for engineering services, serving as a comprehensive, unified destination for API-enabled solutions across major industries, from LTTS and its ecosystem partners.
The collaboration underscores LTTS’ commitment in achieving transformative AI-driven objectives in collaboration with Google Cloud. It will facilitate the creation of an expansive API catalogue and experience, redefining how customers interact with LTTS’ digital offerings. Both organizations will work in tandem to shape LTTS’ DevX framework, and seamlessly integrate Google Cloud’s gen AI components into the overall architecture.
LTTS has multiple objectives for the alliance. Firstly, it aims to expand the mindshare among developers globally, positioning DevX as a go-to platform for engineering solutions. Secondly, it seeks to enhance consumption by streamlining the discovery and implementation of LTTS’ solutions and services for end-users, ultimately resulting in higher customer satisfaction. The collaboration also aims to deepen developer engagement with content by creating a “developer playground” experience and extending it with API discovery and accelerators.
The rollout will unfold in two distinct phases: In the initial phase, LTTS will combine its expertise with Google Cloud for the development of DevX, focusing on select use cases, including automating the process of generating test cases from requirement documents thus streamlining the development workflow; expediting the unit test case generation process by integrating gen AI into the development code; and automating code generation, thereby significantly reducing manual efforts and boosting development efficiency.
Building on the success of this phase, LTTS and Google Cloud will take the next leap by creating a custom-gen AI platform seamlessly integrated into the overarching LTTS DevX ecosystem. This advanced platform will empower developers with even more sophisticated AI-driven capabilities.
LTTS has a track record of breakthroughs in AI, with popular AI solutions like Chest-rAiTM and AiKno®, for the medical, industrial, and transportation sectors, positioning it as a partner of choice for AI-enabled digital transformation initiatives. Cognitive Meta Data extraction modules from its AiKno® platform automates the tedious task of digitalizing physical data, thereby greatly improving efficiencies and significantly reducing the time taken for manual digitalization. The LTTS API Hub, developed using Google Cloud’s offerings, including Vertex AI, will help enhance operational efficiencies and capabilities for end customers worldwide. Vertex AI combines data engineering, data science, and ML engineering workflows, enabling global engineering teams to collaborate using a common toolset and scale myriad applications using the benefits of Google Cloud.
The collaboration aims to address complex challenges, such as generating test cases from unstructured data sources.
“We are excited to join forces with Google Cloud to unlock new dimensions of AI-led innovation,” stated Abhishek Sinha, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board at L&T Technology Services. “This partnership not only propels us closer to our gen AI goals but also cements our commitment to revolutionizing engineering and digital solutions for the benefit of multiple industries. As LTTS and Google Cloud embark on this transformative journey, the engineering landscape stands on the cusp of a new era. With the power of AI-driven innovation at the forefront, the future promises unparalleled possibilities for industries worldwide.”
“Google Cloud is committed to providing the industry’s most open cloud and helping customers accelerate their digital transformations,” said Chandra Sankholkar, Director of Partnerships, Google Cloud. “Through this new partnership, L&T Technology Services will use Google Cloud’s infrastructure to power new capabilities that can improve operations and create real-world value for businesses.”
7, Nov 2023
Zee Music presents Madhaaniyaan Rewritten sung by Famous Sufi Vocalist, Radhika Sood Nayak
National, 07 November, 2023: Presenting her captivating voice immersed in Sufi mysticism, famous Sufi vocalist Radhika Sood Nayak, has sung “Madhaaniyaan Rewritten” a lyrical song that is an ode to love, new beginnings, and unions in our times. Zee Music has presented the rewritten song, which is a mother’s emotional reinvention and expression, unlike the earlier ones describing a daughter’s parting from her parent’s home forever following her wedding. Madhaaniyan Rewritten is a beautiful rendition of new beginnings, new homes, and larger, expansive, inclusive families coming together! The lyrics are written by Gita Chadha and the music is produced by Vinayak Netke.
Talking about the song, Radhika Sood Nayak says, “Madhaaniyaan Rewritten is more than just a song; it’s an emotional quest for unification, a celebration of our present times and choices, a heartsong of mothers for their daughters and sons alike.”
After graduating from XLRI with an MBA, Radhika Sood Nayak left a successful job at ANZ Grindlays Bank to focus on her love & passion for music. This composition is the outcome of her collaboration with the artists, who are inspired to rewrite more inclusive narratives.
7, Nov 2023
Ransomware Attacks Have Doubled Over the Past Two Years, According to Akamai Research
Bengaluru, India, 7th November 2023 – Akamai Technologies (NASDAQ: AKAM), the cloud company that powers and protects life online, today released a new report highlighting the increase in ransomware, the adoption of Zero Trust, and the benefits of micro-segmentation. The State of Segmentation 2023 found that organizations surveyed experienced an average of 86 ransomware attacks in the past 12 months, up from an average of 43 annual attacks two years ago. Security organizations have responded to the recent rise in attacks by implementing Zero Trust and micro-segmentation strategies. Nearly all (99%) of respondents who reported that they have deployed some form of segmentation have also deployed a Zero Trust security framework.
The report is based on input from 1,200 IT and security decision-makers from around the world. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that micro-segmentation is an effective tool to keep assets protected, but deployment was lower than expected, with only 30% of organizations segmenting across more than two business critical areas. Globally, the top obstacles to deploying microsegmentation are a lack of skills/expertise (39%) followed by increased performance bottlenecks (39%), and compliance requirements (38%). Almost all of those surveyed, no matter the sector, industry, or country, reported the same obstacles to slightly different extents.
Despite slow deployments, organizations that have persevered and implemented a micro-segmentation strategy across six mission-critical areas reported recovering from an attack in an average of only four hours. That’s 11 hours faster than organizations that have only segmented across one critical area, underscoring the effectiveness of a Zero Trust strategy that utilizes micro-segmentation.
“The cybersecurity landscape is always evolving and shifting based on the latest threat methodologies developed by cybercriminals. Whether it’s defending against ransomware, new zero-days, or sophisticated phishing attacks, it’s vital that organizations reevaluate their risks to protect their critical assets,” said Steve Winterfeld, Advisory CISO at Akamai. “One of the key ways to do this is with a Zero Trust architecture. That means utilizing a combination of Zero Trust Network Access and micro-segmentation integrated as part of a clear security strategy supported by access to staff and partners with necessary skills.”
Other findings from the report include:
Of all respondents, 93% claimed that microsegmentation is critical to help thwart ransomware attacks.
Network downtime (44%), data loss (42%), and brand/reputation damage (39%) were the most common issues impacting organizations after a ransomware attack.
The U.S. and Germany reported the most ransomware attacks over the past year, with the U.S. at 115 and Germany at 110.
India leads the way in segmentation, with 58% of organizations reporting more than two assets/areas being segmented, followed by Mexico with 48% and Japan with 32%.
Read the full report.
Methodology
Akamai partnered with Vanson Bourne to interview 1,200 IT and security decision-makers in 10 countries to measure the progress organizations have made in securing their environments, focusing on the role of segmentation.
They were asked questions related to their IT security approaches and segmentation strategies, as well as about the threats their organization faced during 2023. These findings give us insight into how security strategies have changed since 2021, and where progress still needs to be made.
Security personnel and decision-makers from the U.S, Mexico, Brazil, the U.K., France, Germany, China, India, Japan, and Australia were interviewed. All worked for organizations with more than 1,000 employees, and they represented a balanced range of industries and sectors.
7, Nov 2023
To The New is certified as an AWS Graviton Service Delivery Partner
New Delhi, 7th November 2023 – TO THE NEW, a leading global digital technology services company, is proud to announce its certification as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Graviton Service Delivery Partner. This recognition validates AWS Partners that excel in enabling the best price-performance for workloads in Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), RDS, DocumentDB, Elasticache, OpenSearch, MemoryDB, & more and that help customers accelerate and scale their adoption of AWS Graviton to achieve better workload performance and cost savings.
This specialization strengthens TO THE NEW’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge cloud solutions on AWS Graviton’s advanced architecture and empowers businesses with enhanced performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
TO THE NEW has been an AWS partner since 2013, helping customers across geographies and industry verticals adopt AWS, set up new applications on AWS, migrate legacy applications and infrastructure from on-premises data centers to the cloud, deploy DevOps automation, and 24×7 managed services.
As an AWS Graviton Delivery Partner, TO THE NEW, joins an exclusive group of AWS Partners that offer customers world-class services to implement workloads on AWS Graviton-based services. From pilots to production deployment, verified partners are able to recommend a transition strategy to AWS Graviton and guide the customer throughout the entire process.
The collaboration with AWS enables TO THE NEW to leverage the power of AWS Graviton processors for a wide range of workloads, including web applications, containerized microservices, and data analytics.
“We are thrilled to achieve the AWS Graviton Service Delivery Partner certification,” said Narinder Kumar, COO and Co-founder at TO THE NEW. “This recognition showcases our dedication to staying at the forefront of cloud technology and delivering exceptional solutions to our clients. With a team of 50+ specialized AWS Graviton experts and our experience in the successful migration of complex cloud workloads to AWS Graviton, we commit to fueling customer-centric next-generation architecture adoption on AWS. Leveraging ARM architecture, we aim to unlock higher speed, power, performance, and flexibility, while reducing the total cost of ownership for our customers.”
With this certification, TO THE NEW looks forward to offering migration services tailored to leverage the unique capabilities of AWS Graviton processors along with strategic guidance throughout its customers’ AWS Graviton adoption journey. With extensive experience in cloud-native development, TO THE NEW is well-positioned to assist businesses in harnessing the full potential of AWS Graviton and driving digital transformation initiatives.
TO THE NEW’s recognition as an AWS Graviton Delivery Partner further strengthens its position as a trusted digital transformation partner capable of delivering innovative cloud solutions and driving business growth for customers. This includes helping Tata Play, India’s leading PayTV and OTT Services Company, to define a strategy and execute a successful end-to-end migration.
Commenting on this, Vishal Arya, CTO/CIO at Tata Play, said, “Cultivating innovation is at the core of Tata Play’s ethos. We leverage AWS for several large digital platforms. TTN has been our Cloud and digital partner for many years. As part of the Cloud Cost Optimization drive, TTN helped us migrate a lot of our workloads to AWS Graviton. It not only resulted in significant cost savings without any performance impact but also contributed towards our ESG goals. We will keep leveraging such services as they emerge to further accelerate our pace of innovation and bring cost efficiencies to our customers.”
7, Nov 2023
Ujaas and Stayfree collaborate for an Extensive Sanitary Pad Distribution Campaign in Maharashtra
Mumbai, November 7, 2023: Recognizing the pressing gap in period management resulting from the lack of menstrual health products among underprivileged girls in India, Ujaas and Stayfree have collaborated to provide sanitary pads, reinforcing Ujaas’ distribution efforts in 9 districts within Maharashtra.
Alongside the pad distribution initiative, Ujaas will conduct comprehensive workshops on Menstrual Health and Hygiene management within schools statewide. Ujaas, an initiative by Aditya Birla Education Trust, is dedicated to promoting menstrual health and hygiene awareness among school children aged 12 to 15. The distribution camps, set to run across 9 districts in Maharashtra, will provide Stayfree, one of India’s leading menstrual hygiene brands, to schoolgirls, enabling them to manage their periods independently.”
As a part of this partnership over 500,000 Stayfree Secure XL packs will be distributed amongst underprivileged girls across Mumbai, Palghar, Pune, Satara, Yavatmal, Aurangabad, Nandurbar, Amravati, and Washim. Alongside this extensive distribution effort, Ujaas will also host awareness sessions to educate girls on the significance of menstrual health and hygiene practices while dispelling long-standing stigmas and misconceptions.
Ujaas is dedicated to catalyzing a profound change in societal perspectives through grassroots endeavors including awareness sessions in menstrual health education to girls and boys, ensuring product accessibility, and empowering educators to champion a progressive shift.
Manoj Gadgil, Vice President, Marketing and Essential Health Business Unit Head, Kenvue said, “Lack of awareness around menstrual health and access to affordable high quality sanitary napkins coupled with poor sanitation facilities are often key barriers which restrict girls especially in rural areas. At Stayfree, we firmly believe that every girl deserves an opportunity to pursue her dreams without the fear, shame and discomfort of periods. We are delighted to collaborate with Ujaas to launch a holistic menstrual health initiative to improve accessibility of sanitary napkins, create awareness as well as eradicate stigmas to help young girls to pursue their dreams.”
Speaking on the collaboration, Advaitesha Birla, Founder Ujaas said, “Such partnerships are essential bridges, narrowing the gap in accessibility to menstrual health products. Together, we confront the pressing challenges of awareness, accessibility, and affordability, particularly impacting young girls in rural areas. Ujaas is committed to providing accurate information and convenient access to menstrual products, reducing school absenteeism during menstrual days. Additionally, we are dedicated to promoting menstrual hygiene among women. Stayfree’s support guarantees pad availability through Ujaas’ initiative, reinforcing our commitment to menstrual health equity.”
7, Nov 2023
ZEE Entertainment’s 10 TV channels & OTT platform ZEE5 to LIVE broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 2
7th November 2023: The second season of DP World International League T20 (ILT20), the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, is set to begin on 19th January 2024. Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can exclusively watch the LIVE action on ZEE’s 10 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5, and on its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world.
The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic UAE venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah – starting from 19 January 2024 to 17 February 2024. Cricket fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.
The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches is played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).
Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.
The deep distribution and disruptive marketing strategy for the 2nd season aims to further enhance the league’s reach and ensure widespread viewership, emphasizing ILT20’s appeal to a broad and diverse audience. In the previous season, the league achieved a remarkable reach of over 250 million across India. The event will be broadcast in Hindi and English commentary. ZEE5 will offer Live free-to-view streaming of the 34 cricket matches, aimed at bolstering cricket viewership in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This move represents a commitment to making cricket more accessible to a wider audience, thereby democratizing the experience of sports viewing in the region.
Mr. Rahul Johri, President – Business, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), “Zee is delighted to present DP World ILT20 2nd season and promises an electrifying experience to cricket fans in India and around the world. With the world’s finest players, iconic stadiums and infrastructure and six leading sporting franchises, our goal is to build upon the previous year’s success, further solidifying the league’s stature as one of the most widely followed cricket events in the world.”
CEO DP World ILT20 David White: “We are excited to announce the DP World ILT20 Season 2 schedule. Just like the opening season, we are set to deliver 34 action-packed matches at three fantastic cricket venues. The event begins on 19 January and will finish with the final in Dubai on 17 February. Season 2 will be launched with riveting on-field action and entertainment for the entire family on the opening weekend in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.”
“This year, we have attracted some of the biggest cricket stars from around the world to the DP World ILT20 Season 2. We have three world-class stadiums that have a rich history of hosting some of the biggest cricket events including the T20 World Cup. The weather in UAE is absolutely ideal for cricket in the months of January and February. There is as always, a huge appetite and interest in the game here and we welcome local fans as well as international travellers as they have the greatest cricketing spectacle to enjoy with a number of entertainment opportunities on offer besides the action on the field.”
Following the opener in Sharjah between Sharjah Warriors and Gulf Giants on Friday, 19th January, Dubai Capitals will play MI Emirates at the DIS on Saturday 20 January. Last year’s runner-up Desert Vipers will open their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium.
All single header matches will be broadcast Live at 8 PM India prime time, starting with the pre-match presentation at 7:30 PM. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4:00 PM.
A total of 15 matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi will host 11 and Sharjah will stage eight fixtures. Each team will have five home and five away fixtures. The match tickets will be soon launched, the details will be shared in the next few days.
DP World ILT20 Season 2 Schedule:
Match 1: Friday, 19 January – Sharjah Warriors vs Gulf Giants – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 2: Saturday, 20 January – Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates – Dubai International Stadium
Match 3: Sunday, 21 January – Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Dubai International Stadium
Match 4: Sunday, 21 January – MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 5: Monday, 22 January – Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriors – Dubai International Stadium
Match 6: Tuesday, 23 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 7: Wednesday, 24 January – Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers – Dubai International Stadium
Match 8: Thursday, 25 January – Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Dubai International Stadium
Match 9: Friday, 26 January – Sharjah Warriors vs MI Emirates – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 10: Saturday, 27 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 11: Saturday, 27 January – Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 12: Sunday, 28 January – MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 13: Sunday, 28 January – Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriors – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 14: Monday, 29 January – Sharjah Warriors vs Dubai Capitals – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 15: Tuesday, 30 January – Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates – Dubai International Stadium
Match 16: Wednesday, 31 January – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 17: Thursday, 1 February – Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers – Dubai International Stadium
Match 18: Friday, 2 February – MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriors – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 19: Saturday, 3 February – Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants – Dubai International Stadium
Match 20: Saturday, 3 February – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 21: Sunday, 4 February – MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 22: Sunday, 4 February – Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriors – Dubai International Stadium
Match 23: Monday, 5 February – Sharjah Warriors vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 24: Tuesday, 6 February – Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants – Dubai International Stadium
Match 25: Wednesday, 7 February – Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriors – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 26: Thursday, 8 February – Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates – Dubai International Stadium
Match 27: Friday, 9 February – Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals – Dubai International Stadium
Match 28: Saturday, 10 February – Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Dubai International Stadium
Match 29: Saturday, 10 February – MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 30: Sunday, 11 February – Sharjah Warriors vs Desert Vipers – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 31: Tuesday, 13 February – Qualifier 1 – Dubai International Stadium
Match 32: Wednesday, 14 February – Eliminator – Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Match 33: Thursday, 15 February – Qualifier 2 – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Match 34: Saturday, 17 February – Final – Dubai International Stadium
*All single-headers (night matches) begin at 8:00 PM India Time | 6:30 PM UAE time.
*Afternoon match on double-headers day begin at 4:00 PM India Time| 2:30 PM UAE time.
7, Nov 2023
Hipi Unveils The Ultimate Dance Extravaganza: HipiDanceBattle
Mumbai, Nov 7, 2023 – Hipi, the ultimate destination for creativity and self-expression, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest dance challenge, #HipiDanceBattle. Following the immense success of the previous Hipi G.O.A.T, this new endeavour promises to captivate users with its rhythm, energy, and unbeatable groove.
The dance challenge invites users from all corners of the country to showcase their unique dance moves and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or someone who just loves to move, this challenge is designed to bring people together through the universal language of dance.
What sets #HipiDanceBattle apart is its inclusivity and diversity. From professional dancers to first-time movers, everyone is encouraged to join the dance revolution. With a mission to unite people through the universal language of dance, Hipi invites users to participate in this epic celebration of rhythm and movement.
Participants will be provided the opportunity to present their dance prowess and secure a well-deserved place in the limelight. They will create and upload videos on Hipi, showcasing their talents while using specific theme-based monthly hashtags. A daily leaderboard will be in place, along with the recognition of two monthly winners and the ultimate grand winner. The mega showdown will unfold in the last 15 days of the challenge, culminating in a grand contest to crown the winner of the dance battle.
Meet the Judges:
Aanchal Munjal kickstarts the #HipiDanceBattle with the first challenge – #AnyOneCanDance. Aanchal is a renowned actor with a lifelong presence on the screens. Her journey with Hipi began at its inception, where she has consistently amassed millions of views with her captivating content.
Following her lead, there is an esteemed panel of judges who will bring their expertise and discerning eye to evaluate the incredible performances in this season’s competition. Ishita Dutta is an accomplished actor with over a decade of lead roles in successful films and TV series, known for her outstanding performances in Drishyam and its sequel. Shivangi Khedkar, much known for her role in Mehndi Hai
Rachne Wali has won hearts with her short yet impressive career as an accomplished actor and a successful model. Sara Gurpal, already popular on Hipi, is a celebrated Punjabi singer and actor who has claimed numerous awards for her melodious voice. Swati Kapoor, another well-known Indian actor and model, features in Hindi films and TV shows. She is a well-established influencer with a substantial following on Hipi as well as other social media platforms.
Each of these judges will bring a unique perspective and passion for dance, making this season’s competition extremely exciting. Their collective experience and discernment will undoubtedly enrich the #HipiDanceBattle and set the stage for some incredible performances. Stay tuned for an exciting season ahead!
After five thrilling challenges that will showcase exceptional talent, the top 12 finalists will face off for an additional two weeks, vying for the prestigious title of ‘Dance Warrior’. Celebrity judges, the connoisseurs of dance, will carefully select the winner based on his/her incredible talent and the quality of their dance videos. A cash reward of Rs. 1 Lakh awaits the crowned champion of the Hipi Dance Battle.
But the opportunities do not end here; participants can win cash prizes daily by simply garnering likes on their challenge videos. “The Hipi Dance Battle offers a unique opportunity for India to experience the rich diversity of exceptional dance talents nationwide. This new challenge expects to uplift the lives of the talented individuals this country is home to. We hope that Hipi Dance Battle turns out to be as outstanding as Hipi G.O.A.T. 2 and Hipi Lip-sync Battle. The success of Dance Battle will underscore our dedication to fostering creative talent”, said Mr. GBS Bindra – Chief Business Officer of Hipi.
7, Nov 2023
Evaluation Report finds 400 million people benefitted from NDB’s USD 10 billion COVID-19 Emergency Financing
The New Development Bank (NDB)’s financing facility of up to USD 10 billion for loans in response to the COVID-19 emergency in its founding member countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa benefitted 400 million people, including women, health workers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, farmers and more, according to an evaluation report by NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO).
The report estimates that through this financing, the member countries were able to provide much-needed support, including life cover of USD 67,400 to 2.2 million health workers, USD 4.17 billion in income support to 206.5 million women, ex-gratia payments of USD 13.5 each to 28.1 million senior citizens, widows, and individuals with disabilities, USD 26.9 each in advanced funds to 95 million farmers, and deliver 142 million gas cylinders to 75.6 million people.
Additionally, the India focused COVID-19 Response Programmes generated 5.4 billion person-days of employment, with 52% going to women, and ensured 100% of district hospital doctors and nurses were trained to meet WHO standards, with 61% of them being women.
NDB’s first COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Programme Loan was approved on March 19, 2020. This was the first such loan by any multilateral development bank in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to address the health and economic consequences of the outbreak. The report applauds NDB’s agility in responding to the pandemic and the needs of the member countries and recommends formulating a crisis response policy that can help shape the Bank’s response to a wide range of significant global crises.
The pandemic triggered substantial economic challenges, trade volume contractions, and a surge in global unemployment, posing a unique set of difficulties for nations worldwide.
NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office presented its findings from the comprehensive evaluation of the Bank’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic at a stakeholders’ seminar today in New Delhi, India. This was followed by an Evaluation Capacity Development seminar.
According to Mr. Anil Kishora, Vice-President & Chief Risk Officer, NDB, “The COVID-19 pandemic was one of those rare global crises which demanded a response from almost every institution having a stake in human well-being or global development. It was a reminder that multilateral organisations, in particular, need to stay ever prepared and equipped to respond to global crisis situations which might hit us in future.”
He further added, “The COVID-19 pandemic challenged both the member countries and NDB in terms of magnitude, dynamics, and complexity. However, the Bank demonstrated exceptional agility and speed in its response, prioritizing the immediate needs of its member countries. The COVID-19 Response Programme Evaluation was the logical next step to identify lessons that need to be thought through and internalized.”
The NDB’s response was characterized by the implementation of the Policy on Fast-Track Emergency Response to COVID-19 and the subsequent COVID-19 Emergency Programme loans aimed at alleviating the pandemic’s impact.
Speaking about the evaluation and its learning, Mr. Ashwani Muthoo, Director General of the IEO at the NDB, said “The evaluation accounted for the exceptional challenges posed by the pandemic and the absence of well-established benchmarks. When one comprehensively considers all aspects, it becomes evident that the NDB’s COVID-19 Response Programme played an instrumental role in the triumph of the individual country programs. It is heartening to witness the commitment of all stakeholders discuss the lessons and recommendations from this independent evaluation.”
Among other topics, the stakeholders discussed the need for strengthening coordination and cooperation among different actors including governments, international organisations, civil society, private sector and others for deeper efficiency and better results in crisis-response situations. Participants also discussed the setting up of institutional arrangements to support operational teams when implementing specific multi-country programmes: providing guidance and templates specifically tailored to the programme; as well as ensuring that key quality at entry requirements for funding are met.
Pursuing its commitment to strengthening evaluation capacities across all member countries, NDB also hosted an Evaluation Capacity Development seminar today in New Delhi. This seminar focused on measures to enhance evaluation practices and methodologies that need to be tailored to the local context for promoting improved accountability and learning.
The NDB seminars saw over 100 participants from relevant government offices, development partners, officials from all NDB member countries, NDB project staff, representatives of the NDB Board of Directors, relevant research and academic organizations, non-governmental organizations, foundations and private sector organizations and others.
7, Nov 2023
India’s Biggest Pet Festival is Back – Get Ready for Pet Fed 2023!
New Delhi, Nov 7th,2023: – India’s most anticipated pet extravaganza, Pet Fed, is all set to make a grand return, promising an extraordinary experience for pet lovers and their furry companions. As the proud holder of the Limca World Record for the “Biggest Dog Carnival,” Pet Fed is gearing up for its 8th edition, and this year’s celebration is going to be bigger and better than ever before.
Pet Fed will be taking the festivities to six major cities across the country, creating a platform for pets and their humans to come together for a memorable celebration of their unique bond. Here’s the lineup:
● Bengaluru on 25th & 26th November at Jayamahal Palace Grounds
● Delhi on 16th & 17th December at NSIC Grounds, Okhla
● Mumbai on 13th & 14th January at Nesco Grounds, Goregaon
● Pune Express on 10th & 11th February at Westend Mall, Aundh
● Chandigarh on 24th & 25th February at Elante Mall
● Hyderabad on 16th & 17th March at DSL Virtue Mall
Get ready for an enchanting experience as Pet Fed promises to take you and your pets on an unforgettable journey filled with exhilarating activities, fun stalls, and enlightening workshops. With over 100 stalls showcasing the latest in pet products and services, along with numerous activities and workshops, you and your pets are in for a treat.
The festival spread across a magnificent 3-acre space, offers ample room for pets to frolic, play, and interact freely. Pet Fed is known for its inclusivity, welcoming not only proud pet parents but also those who have yet to welcome a furry friend into their lives. It’s a world filled with thousands of pets, where you can experience the joy, love, and boundless compassion that animals bring to our lives.
The visionary behind this pet phenomenon is Akshay Gupta, whose passion for pets has driven the growth and success of Pet Fed. He envisions Pet Fed as a haven for pet lovers and their beloved companions, providing meticulously planned, unique experiences that leave a lasting impact. Speaking about the upcoming event, Akshay Gupta said, “In our journey of growth over the years, we’ve not only expanded in scale but also in the quality of experiences we offer at Pet Fed. Every pet owner, pet enthusiast, and cherished furry companion who joins us at this festival holds a special place in our hearts. Our mission is to ensure they leave with unforgettable memories. With this upcoming edition of Pet Fed, we are poised to raise the bar even higher. We are excited to provide the ever-growing community of pet lovers and their beloved pets with the perfect haven to come together and partake in a series of meticulously planned, unique experiences.”
Get ready to witness incredible activities at Pet Fed, including a Police Dog Show, Training Masterclasses, Hygiene Masterclasses, Pet Keeping Masterclasses, Pet’s Got Talent, a Fashion Show, an International Cat Show, an Agility Area, a Kids Carnival Area, Free Microchipping for Cats, and Free Entry for Indie Pets.
