Tag: allycaral

EduConnect

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Students Mark World Paper Bag Day with Eco Message

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Morpirla, Goa | July 12, 2025: In a heartfelt celebration of World Paper Bag Day, the students of PM SHRI GHS Morpirla came together to promote a crucial environmental message — “Say No to Plastic, Yes to Paper Bags.” With rising concerns over climate change, global warming, and the devastating impact of plastic pollution, their initiative stood as a beacon of hope and action.

In a vibrant school-wide activity, students handcrafted paper bags and chanted eco-conscious slogans, calling attention to the growing need for sustainable alternatives to plastic. The activity was more than a creative workshop — it was a powerful tool of awareness and education.

Plastic waste, one of the leading contributors to environmental degradation, harms wildlife, pollutes our oceans and landscapes, and takes centuries to decompose. Recognising this, the young changemakers of PM SHRI GHS Morpirla took it upon themselves to advocate for sustainable living and environmentally responsible behavior.

The initiative was supported by teachers and staff, who joined the students in promoting the use of biodegradable alternatives. By engaging in such hands-on and purposeful activities, the school is fostering environmental consciousness from a young age.

“This is not just about making paper bags,” said one of the participating teachers. “It’s about shaping mindsets, instilling values, and making sure our students understand the real impact of everyday choices.”

The event underscored the school’s commitment to environmental education and grassroots action, showing that even small efforts at the local level can inspire meaningful change.

As the day ended, what remained wasn’t just the collection of neatly folded paper bags — but a deep and lasting impression of responsibility, awareness, and the spirit of positive action for a cleaner, greener planet.

TechPulse

Meta Brings Ads to WhatsApp: Here’s What to Expect

allycaralgoa

July 11, 2025 | By Allycaral

In a move that has long been speculated and cautiously anticipated, Meta has officially confirmed that it will begin displaying ads on WhatsApp — the world’s most-used messaging platform with over 2 billion users globally.

The ads will not appear in private chats or groups, but will instead be introduced in WhatsApp’s Status feature (akin to Instagram Stories) and Channels, which were recently launched to help users follow updates from creators, influencers, and businesses.

This marks a key shift in Meta’s long-term monetization strategy for WhatsApp, which had previously promoted a no-ads experience under its “no ads, no games, no gimmicks” motto.

Meta executives clarified that chats will remain private and encrypted, and that ad targeting will follow privacy-first protocols. However, marketers will now have an opportunity to reach audiences on WhatsApp through interactive visual content — something previously exclusive to Facebook and Instagram.

The rollout is expected to be gradual, beginning in selected markets before expanding globally. WhatsApp for Business users may also see additional advertising tools and sponsored messaging features in the future.

While the move offers new opportunities for brands and creators, it also raises important questions about user experience, platform trust, and the future of ad-free communication.

What’s Changing:

  • Ads will show up in Status and Channels.
  • Personal and group chats remain ad-free.
  • WhatsApp Business may gain enhanced tools for ad placements.
  • Rollout to begin in select countries over the next few months.

As the digital advertising landscape continues to evolve, WhatsApp’s entry into the ad space could reshape how businesses engage with users on messaging platforms — all while testing the balance between monetization and user trust.

International

Prada to Collaborate with Indian Artisans After Kolhapuri Sandal Controversy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Milan / Mumbai | July 2025 — Global luxury fashion brand Prada has taken a major step towards cultural collaboration after facing backlash for a sandal design that closely resembled the iconic Kolhapuri chappals — a traditional Indian footwear style rooted in centuries of regional craft.

The sandals, showcased at a recent Milan fashion event, quickly drew criticism from Indian designers and cultural commentators for not crediting their indigenous origins. The controversy sparked a broader conversation about cultural appropriation and recognition in the fashion industry.

In a swift and thoughtful response, Prada held remote talks with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans. According to a statement given to Reuters, Prada expressed interest in future collaboration with these artisans. The next step, the brand shared, involves their supply chain team visiting India to meet artisanal footwear manufacturers firsthand.

Lorenzo Bertelli, head of corporate social responsibility and son of Prada’s founders, joined the dialogue, signaling the seriousness of the initiative. One of the outcomes discussed was a limited-edition “Made in India” collection — combining the artisanal beauty of Kolhapuri designs with Prada’s global luxury appeal.

This potential partnership could represent a landmark moment for Indian craftsmanship, offering traditional artisans global visibility and financial upliftment. It also comes at a time when Indian luxury consumption is rising, although Prada currently has no retail outlets in India.

Fashion critics and supporters alike are watching closely, seeing this move as an opportunity to convert controversy into meaningful collaboration. If successful, it may inspire other global brands to build more respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with traditional craftsmen around the world.

As luxury brands increasingly pivot toward sustainability, transparency, and cultural authenticity, this collaboration may set a precedent in how design houses engage with and honour global heritage.

Human Interest

Maharashtra Declares Ganeshotsav as State Festival, Govt to Fund Grand Celebrations

allycaralgoa

Mumbai, July 2025 – In a significant cultural announcement, the Maharashtra NDA Government has officially declared Ganeshotsav as the State Festival of Maharashtra. The decision was made to underscore the socio-cultural importance of the festival and its deep-rooted connection with Maharashtrian identity and community spirit.

The announcement was led by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar, who confirmed that the Mahayuti alliance government will bear the expenses for the grand-scale celebrations of Ganeshotsav across the state. This move is seen as a tribute to Maharashtra’s centuries-old devotion to Lord Ganesha and the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak, who popularised the public celebration of the festival as a symbol of unity and nationalism.

Speaking at a press conference, Minister Shelar also made a special appeal to Ganpati Mandals to adopt the theme of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a tribute to India’s counter-terrorism efforts, as part of this year’s festivities. He said, “Ganeshotsav has always been a platform for social awareness. By incorporating themes like Operation Sindoor, we not only celebrate divinity but also patriotism and bravery.”

The government’s support will include logistical aid, financial backing, and coordination with local authorities to ensure safe and grand-scale celebrations. Ganesh Mandals, particularly in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Konkan, are already preparing larger-than-life installations and processions.

Operation Sindoor, a recent national security initiative that resonated with citizens across the country, is expected to be brought alive in artistic floats, tableaux, and awareness campaigns during the ten-day festival.

This move is also expected to boost tourism, cultural arts, and small-scale businesses such as idol makers, artisans, and vendors—making Ganeshotsav not just a festival, but an economic and cultural revival platform.

As the festival approaches in September 2025, Maharashtra is gearing up to host one of the grandest Ganeshotsav celebrations in history, blending faith, festivity, and national pride.

TechPulse

Vi 5G Arrives in Mysuru, Bringing the Future of Connectivity to Karnataka’s Cultural Capital

allycaralgoa

Mysuru | July 2025 : Vodafone Idea (Vi) continues its 5G rollout momentum by launching services in Mysuru, making it the second city in Karnataka—after Bengaluru—to access the telecom giant’s high-speed, next-generation network.

Vi users in Mysuru with 5G-enabled devices can now experience ultra-fast downloads, seamless HD video streaming, immersive gaming, low-latency video calls, and real-time access to cloud-based services.

Advanced Technology Meets Royal Heritage

To support this rollout, Vi has partnered with Samsung to deploy advanced and energy-efficient infrastructure across Mysuru. In addition, Vi has implemented AI-powered Self-Organizing Networks (SON) to automatically enhance and optimize network performance in real time.

This means users can expect more stable connections, faster speeds, and smarter coverage, all tailored to how people move and use data across the city.

Vi’s Growing 5G Footprint

With this launch, Vi’s 5G presence in India spans 17 priority telecom circles, with Mysuru joining the elite list of digitally upgraded cities.

“Our aim is to empower Mysuru’s citizens, businesses, and institutions with transformative 5G technology,” said a Vi spokesperson. “This launch is not just about speed — it’s about enabling a smarter, more connected life.”

What You Can Expect with Vi 5G in Mysuru:

  • Blazing download speeds for large files
  • Seamless ultra-HD streaming and OTT experiences
  • Low-lag gaming and video conferencing
  • Instant access to real-time cloud storage
  • Support for emerging tech like AR, VR, and IoT

Whether you’re a student, creator, business owner, or gamer, Vi 5G in Mysuru is tailored to elevate your digital experience.

📍To check 5G compatibility and coverage in your area, visit the Vi app or website.