Kochi, 15th April 2025: Prayatna, a leading multidisciplinary center providing specialized services for children and adults conducts a free mobile de-addiction camp for children aged 3 to 18. The camp will run from April 21st to May 21st, addressing the critical issue of excessive screen time, particularly prevalent during vacation periods and post-festival seasons.

The camp will be led by experienced child care specialists who will equip children with strategies to manage their screen time effectively and engage in healthier activities.

“We understand that vacations and post-festival periods often lead to increased screen time for children. Our goal is to provide them with engaging activities and techniques that they can incorporate into their daily lives, even after the camp concludes,” said Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery, Founder of Prayatna, Kochi.

April 15^th, 2025, Hyderabad: Cinystore Technologies, a Hyderabad-based media technology startup, has officially launched KeepItShort, India’s first OTT platform dedicated exclusively to student filmmakers from film and animation institutes. Designed as a stepping stone for aspiring student filmmakers, the platform supports discovery, visibility, and community-building within the next generation of talent.

Catering to over 5,00,000 current and alumni students from more than 1,500 film and 1,200 animation institutes across India, ‘KeepItShort’ is expected to attract over 1,000–1,200 showreels or team entries, each with at least five members. This reflects not only a strong participation base but also the platform’s potential to engage over 6,000 budding filmmakers at launch. KeepItShort aims to transform the filmmaking ecosystem by democratizing access to advanced digital tools and enabling data-led decision-making.

Conceived as a launchpad for student filmmakers, KeepItShort provides an open stage for creative storytelling across directing, cinematography, editing, story writing, and screenwriting. The platform is already witnessing strong acceptance, with Film and Animation Institutes and Media governing bodies showing interest to collaborate, underscoring the scale and engagement of this new film and animation community. Notably, various production houses are also excited to see the emergence of fresh storytelling talent many of them are actively scouting for new ideas and students who can bring innovative narratives to the entertainment world.

Nagender Polamraju, CEO, Cinystore Technologies said, “We built KeepItShort to shift power back into the hands of student filmmakers. By combining tech with transparency, we are helping filmmakers navigate a noisy, gatekept industry with clarity and control. It’s about levelling the playing field—where stories rise because of merit, not connections.”

 “KeepItShort is about giving student filmmakers the same dignity and reach as professionals. We believe talent should not wait for a break and that students should not have to carry the fear of instability or being overlooked after graduation. By offering a space to explore roles like directing, script writing, editing, or sound engineering while still in school, this platform brings their work directly to audiences and industry insiders without needing to cross outdated gates of access”, Nagender added.

 He launched KeepItShort with a vision to develop a platform which empowers budding filmmakers while prioritizing meaningful audience engagement over traditional barriers. His journey inspired a platform where students can be fearless without prejudice and no longer depend on influence or access, but instead on data and direct audience connection.

KeepItShort is now live and available for filmmakers looking to take full control of their content lifecycle from idea to audience.

15 April 2025, National: Storyteller and podcast host Preeti Shah’s latest venture is her novel, 100 Stories of She. The book, a compilation of 100 micro-tales, is her attempt to capture the myriad emotions that accompany heartbreak. Right from the initial shock of a breakup to the intense, and often conflicting emotions that a person feels as its aftermath, beginning from despair to hope, self-renewal and self-love, the book encapsulates the flow of the protagonist’s emotional turmoil through each of these 100 micro-stories over 100 days.

Meant for readers who are keen on exploring the emotional journey of heartbreaks, this unapologetic narrative, with a non-preachy approach, is sure to make you face your emotions and inner peace.

Talking about the book, author and storyteller Preeti Shah says, “In a world that rarely slows down, 100 Stories of She offers a quiet moment to pause and reflect on the beauty and complexity of everyday emotions. The book was born from observing the small yet powerful moments we often overlook — especially in times of heartbreak. These stories speak to those navigating the aftermath of a breakup, offering comfort, clarity, and at times, a sense of closure. It’s a gentle reminder that even in endings, there are stories worth telling.” Preeti’s background in journalism helps her to distill the essence of human experiences into poignant narratives that resonate with readers on a deep level. This is her first book.

New Delhi, 15th April 2025 – FranGlobal, the international arm of Franchise India Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Direct English, a globally renowned UK-based English training provider. This collaboration aims to revolutionize English language education across India, addressing the ever-growing demand for fluency and proficiency in global communication.

Direct English, part of the Linguaphone Group, boasts a heritage of over 120 years in language education. Its globally proven curriculum—developed by Louis Alexander, the architect of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)—has trained millions of learners across more than 20 countries through a hybrid model of in-person and online learning.

With India emerging as the second-largest English-speaking nation, the timing of this collaboration is strategic. The English Language Training (ELT) market in India is estimated at INR 40,000 crore (USD 5 billion) and continues to grow rapidly. Direct English’s CEFR-aligned curriculum and high-impact Direct English Live online platform are perfectly poised to meet the evolving educational needs of India’s diverse learners—from students and job seekers to working professionals.

FranGlobal plans to roll out over 150 Direct English centers across India through a robust franchise model. The plan includes two formats: a Unit Franchise model with a 5-year FOFO (Franchise Owned Franchise Operated) structure, and an Area Developer model offering exclusive regional rights, sub-franchise network benefits, and high ROI. With unit licenses already signed in Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) and Kolkata (West Bengal), the expansion is well underway. The rollout will cover strategic regions including Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and more.

Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India and FranGlobal, said, “Our mission is to democratize access to world-class English education across Bharat. Direct English brings unmatched global credibility, a science-backed curriculum, and flexible delivery modes that make it ideal for every Indian learner—from metro cities to Tier 3 towns. Together, we are building a bridge between local aspirations and global opportunities.”

This partnership is not just a business collaboration—it is a transformative step towards equipping millions of Indians with the language skills they need to succeed in a globalized world. With comprehensive training, marketing support, and a business-friendly model, FranGlobal invites passionate entrepreneurs, educators, and investors to be part of this meaningful journey.

Mumbai, India – In an unprecedented milestone for the sporting and wellness worlds alike, Huafrid Billimoria is now India’s first para-athlete to hold national titles in triathlon and cycling. This revolutionary milestone is a culmination of not just Huafrid’s sheer will power but also the all-encompassing mentorship of Global Holistic Health Guru- Dr. Mickey Mehta. With a history of over 45 years of path-paving work in the holistic well-being arena, Dr. Mehta has guided Huafrid for over two years—walking him through intense mental, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual metamorphosis

At the center of this landmark is Dr. Mehta’s ageless wisdom:
This profoundly human message is now resonating across a worldwide wellness movement— “Extraordinary are those who know that there is something within them which is superior to any circumstance.”

For over 45 years, Dr. Mickey Mehta has guided thousands in achieving their full potential by balancing mind, body, and spirit. His holistic approach combines ancient wisdom with contemporary wellness practices, helping people with conditions like ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Dystonia, and more.

By integrating Panchakarma, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and directed consciousness techniques, Dr. Mehta inspires individuals to view themselves beyond limitations—to awaken the superhuman within.

Dr. Mehta profoundly states that: “Champions are born out of challenges
This movement towards inclusive health has made a significant leap forward by Ms. Karishma Mickey Mehta daughter of Dr. Mickey Mehta, the founder of the Antar- The Health Portal. Antar has been conceptualized as a wellness platform for everyone, encouraging active participation by differently-abled citizens and nurturing their dreams to perform on platforms such as the Paralympics.

Ms. Karishma Mickey Mehta and Dr. Mickey Mehta has one thing in common: a desire to redefine wellness— not as physical fitness but as a balanced state of being for body, mind, heart, and spirit. The Antar Portal, through its accessibility-oriented design and holistic tools, is transforming the way individuals define and live wellbeing,  It’s a wellness platform offering affordable care, focused on empowering the differently-abled and special children to achieve their best.

Karishma Mickey Mehta’s online wellness platform, Antar, facilitates holistic development and remains committed to empowering children with special needs or those who are seeking excellence.

Mumbai, 15th April 2025: Pet care products are becoming increasingly popular among Indian consumers, driven by the growing trend of pet parenting across the country. As India celebrated this year’s National Pets Day on April 11^th, Unicommerce has revealed the shopping trends for pet care products during FY 2025.

According to transactions processed on Unicommerce’s platform, online order volumes for pet care products grew by 95% in FY 2025 as compared to FY 2024, highlighting the fast-emerging segment.

Pet care products comprise pet foods, including routine food and specialized dietary items, preventive care products and medicines, pet clothes and accessories, toys and groomers.

Led by new-age digital-first brands, the online pet care market has boomed with the entry of new products offering premium and customised products for pets, including for dogs, cats, fish, and birds. Unicommerce’s analysis highlights some of the popular products that have recently debuted across online platforms including a variety of natural and organic pet foods, therapeutic foods which contain supplements like probiotics, omega fatty acids and antioxidants. This reflects that pet owners are increasingly prioritising their pets’ health and wellbeing, leading to rise in demand for high-quality, specialised pet products.

Unicommerce powers some of India’s leading pet care brands, including Zigly, Just Dogs, Petwale, Pet Snugs, Pawpourii, Petedge, and Pawpular Pets.

Backed by technology, pet brands are leveraging their brand websites to offer a wider assortment of products along with personalised shopping experiences for their customers. These include products like custom-made pet clothes, leashes and collars, name tags, custom bedding, and mats, among other items. Many brands also offer subscription-based services, providing customized dietary meals on a regular basis, delivering medical supplies, and offering other veterinary services for pets. The analysis reveals that pet parents are increasingly shopping on brand websites as compared to online marketplaces.

Another insight shows that during FY25, brand websites observed over 300% YoY rise in prepaid order volumes, whereas online marketplaces saw over 200% growth in cash-on-delivery (COD) during the same period.

This trend of pet parenting is no longer limited to the affluent and high-income professional class that is fond of owning multiple pets. It is also being driven by pet lovers across mid-income groups, millennials, and Gen-Z groups.

The pet parenting culture is growing beyond metropolitan and tier I cities, which witnessed an order volume growth of over 120% YoY during FY25. Tier II and tier III cities also observed significant growth of over 75% and 60% YoY, respectively, showcasing the growing interest of customers in premium pet products across these regions.

Major demand pockets across metropolitan and Tier-I cities during FY25 include Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon, followed by Tier-II cities including Indore, Nagpur, Surat, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Lucknow. Tier III cities that saw rising demand for pet care products include Thane, Panjim, Ernakulum, Gandhi Nagar, Udupi, and Rupnagar.

 “Zigly is proud to be India’s first truly omnichannel pet care ecosystem,” said Ankur Gupta, IT Head, Zigly. “As pet parenting reaches new heights, we see technology as a key enabler in delivering seamless, end-to-end experiences for today’s pet families. Our partnership with Unicommerce strengthens this commitment by enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a smoother post-purchase journey for every customer,” he added.

 Ashish Anthony, Founder of Just Dogs said, “We are building a community for pet parents to help them learn and understand the needs of their pets. With technology ingrained in our business, we are expanding our omnichannel operations to seamlessly cater to the rising needs of our customers. Unicommerce plays a crucial role in enabling our online operations, ensuring automated fulfilment of our products across the country.”

 Talking about the evolving trends in the pet care industry, Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO of Unicommerce said, “We are thrilled to see the rising consumer interest in pet care products across online platforms. Our technology serves as a support system for brands operating in different sectors, ensuring growth and greater consumer trust in this evolving market dynamics.”

Mumbai, April 15, 2025: RRP S4E Innovations Limited, a leading technology solutions provider in electro-optics, has reported ₹61.75 crore turnover for FY25 and PAT of ₹19 crore. The company aims to achieve ₹100 crore revenue in FY26 and PAT of ₹25 crore on the back of orders from The Ministry of Defence and cutting-edge electro-optic solutions tailored to industry needs.

Rajendra-K-Chodankar-Chairman-RRP-S4E-Innovations-Ltd

This milestone further establishes RRP S4E Innovations as a key player in the defence technology sector, reflecting its dedication to supporting India’s defence infrastructure through innovation and excellence.

The current order book stands at ₹120 crore and yet to be executable order book is at ₹100 crore.

Rajendra K Chodankar, Chairman, RRP S4E Innovations Ltd. said, “We are delighted to report good set of numbers in FY25. The consistent expansion of our order book reflects our growing reputation and trust within the industry. As we continue to innovate and expand, we remain committed to contribute to India’s defence capabilities.”

Through an ambitious roadmap, the company aims to achieve an impressive 95% local production by 2026, positioning itself as a market leader in cost-effective, advanced electro-optic solutions.

Mumbai, April 15, 2025: Dr. Lal PathLabs Limited (“DLPL” / “Dr. Lal PathLabs”), a leader in diagnostic healthcare, has introduced Amyloid Typing by Laser Capture Microdissection & Mass Spectrometry – a breakthrough test for accurately identifying different types of Amyloid proteins. With this launch, DLPL becomes the first diagnostic chain in South Asia to offer this highly specialized test.

 Amyloidosis is a disease where the abnormal or misfolded amyloid protein accumulates in various vital organs leading to loss of function or even death in some cases. More than 40 types of Amyloid proteins are discovered till date, and precise knowledge about the type of Amyloid helps doctors in choosing the correct treatment or management plan for the patient. Kidney, Heart, Lungs, Skin are the most common involved, however any organ in the body can be affected.

 Key Highlights:

• •  First-of-its-kind in South Asia – DLPL pioneers this advanced diagnostic solution.
  •  Nationwide Availability – Samples can be collected from anywhere in India and sent to National Reference Lab, Rohini, New Delhi for testing.
  •  Accurate Diagnosis – Helps doctors determine the specific type of Amyloid, enabling targeted treatment and better outcomes.
  • Access for Hospitals – All hospitals can facilitate sample collection for patients and send to Dr Lal PathLabs for testing.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shankha Banerjee, CEO of Dr. Lal PathLabs, said, “Our mission is to bring world-class diagnostics to India. By introducing this advanced Amyloidosis test, we aim to provide doctors with critical insights for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. We are proud to be the first diagnostic chain in South Asia to offer this cutting-edge solution.”

Adding further, Dr. Alok Sharma, R&D Head & Director Renal Pathology & Electron Microscopy, stated, “Accurate typing of Amyloid proteins is essential for guiding treatment decisions. This gold standard advanced test, powered by Laser Microdissection & Mass Spectrometry allows us to precisely identify amyloid subtypes, helping clinicians provide targeted care. With this launch, we are bringing global standards of Proteomics based diagnostics to patients across India.”

India, April 15, 2025 –– St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies announced that more than 1,035 of its students and graduates have secured residencies around the United States in the 2025 match cycle.

This marks the 11th consecutive year in which SGU has been the largest provider of new doctors to first-year US residencies.*

“The entire St. George’s University community congratulates this remarkable class of medical students on their success,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, Dean of the St. George’s University School of Medicine. “This milestone represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and resilience.”

SGU students and graduates matched into residences in 20 specialties across 41 states and the District of Columbia. More students will find out where they will be doing residency training in the days and weeks to come. SGU has been a preferred destination for aspiring medical professionals from India, with 405 graduates contributing to the global healthcare workforce. Currently, 169 Indian students are pursuing their medical education at SGU, further strengthening the university’s diverse and dynamic student community.

St. George’s University graduates will begin residency programs in several highly competitive specialties, ranging from neurology and surgery to emergency medicine and pediatrics. Many will be returning to their home states or cities to begin their careers in medicine.

“As someone born and raised in Chennai and the first doctor in my family, matching into my top-choice Internal Medicine residency in the U.S. felt like a dream realised. It was a powerful mix of joy, pride and deep gratitude for the years of hard work, for the sacrifices made and for the unwavering support of my family and mentors,” said Leonard Leo Visvaas, an Indian SGU graduate from the Class of 2025. He further added, “SGU played a pivotal role in shaping this journey, from a strong academic foundation in Grenada to hands-on clinical rotations in New York. More than just helping me become a doctor, SGU helped me grow into the kind of physician I always aspired to be. For me, this journey proves that with discipline, support and belief in yourself, even the most uncertain paths can lead to incredible destinations.”

“Each one of these matches marks the next step in a dream coming true, and we celebrate these students’ achievements, and their determination to make a real difference in the world as the next generation of new doctors,” said Dr. Loukas.

This new group of doctors will play a crucial role in addressing global physician shortages. SGU graduates have secured residencies in highly competitive specialties such as neurology, vascular surgery, diagnostic radiology, and more.

“We can’t wait to see all the great things that this newest class of SGU graduates will accomplish,” Dr. Loukas said.

For more information on the programs and tracks available through SGU School of Medicine, visit SGU’s website.

*As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of April 2025.