Good morning, and welcome to a brand-new week of insights!
As we step into Monday, let's take a quick dive into the latest happenings that are shaking things up. Plus, we’re bringing you a sneak peek at how technology is transforming the Maha Kumbh 2025
And on the entrepreneurial front, meet 19-year-old Dyumna Madan, who’s taking the startup world by storm.
So, grab your chai and dive into today’s top stories!
📌 Top Headlines of the Day
Sensex plunges 800 points
Chris Martin praises Ahmedabad venue as ‘the best stadium’ for Coldplay
Uttarakhand implements a uniform civil code (UCC), and becomes the first state to do so
What is UCC?
It is a proposed set of laws in India that would apply to all citizens equally, regardless of their religion, in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance.
🛕 Maha Kumbh 2025: A place where tech and tradition are colliding
The Maha Kumbh 2025 isn’t just about spirituality, it’s a tech lover’s paradise too. From AI-powered cameras to VR booths, here’s how the Kumbh is redefining the way we celebrate faith and culture:
1. Smart Eyes
Out of 2,750 cameras across the mela, 328 are AI-enabled.
These brainy cameras don’t just record - they analyze. Spotting crowd troubles or potential mishaps before they happen, they’re like the all-seeing guardians of the Kumbh.
2. Drones
While people are taking holy dips and offering prayers, drones are flying high (and low) to keep an eye on everything.
Some hover above the crowd, others dive underwater at the Triveni Sangam, and anti-drone systems keep out any unwelcome visitors. Talk about aerial and aquatic vigilance!
3. AI guide
Lost in the chaos or looking for the next aarti?
Say hello to Kumbh Sah’AI’yak, the chatbot that’s like your smartest local guide.
Fluent in 11 languages, it’s ready to direct you to the Ganga ghat or even answer life’s trickiest questions. Well, maybe not all of them.
4. QR code
Everything in Maha Kumbh runs on QR codes - whether it’s your entry ticket or a vehicle pass.
It’s like a spiritual express lane, letting you skip the line and focus on your journey.
5. Zero lost-and-found
Losing family members at the Kumbh might be a classic Bollywood trope, but not anymore.
AI-powered lost-and-found centers reunite loved ones and belongings faster than you can say “Triveni Sangam.”
6. Digital maps
Feeling lost? Thanks to geographic information systems (GIS) and Google Maps, the entire mela ground is mapped.
Whether you’re craving a laddoo or looking for the perfect spot for your holy dip, digital navigation has you covered.
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7. VRs
Can’t make it to the Kumbh? No problem.
Step into a VR booth and experience the rituals from the comfort of your home. It’s like teleporting there - minus the crowds and wet clothes.
8. NFTs
Yep, the Kumbh has gone blockchain!
Pilgrims can now grab NFTs - digital tokens to commemorate their spiritual journey.
9. Health-tech to the rescue
Even your health is a priority here.
AI-driven systems manage sanitation, monitor medical supplies, and provide quick health assessments. Because your well-being matters as much as your soul-searching.
😎 Startup Hero
19-year-old entrepreneur secures first funding
“Entrepreneurship runs in my veins,” says Dyumna Madan, the 19-year-old founder of Project Clay, who stunned the Sharks on Shark Tank India Season 4. Alongside her co-founder, Shivom Sood, Dyumna juggles 16-hour workdays on their startup and two hours for college.
Project Clay began in 2020 when 15-year-old Dyumna wanted to attend a summer school but found the fees exorbitant.
She took matters into her own hands, emailing 1,000 college students worldwide to teach high schoolers in India for free.
Only 20 responded, but that was enough. The first year saw 800 students join, and the next year, numbers skyrocketed to 4,000.
After receiving a ₹2.25 lakh grant from entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo, Project Clay shifted focus to study-abroad mentorship.
Their unique "elder sibling" approach connects students with mentors studying at their dream universities, providing personalized guidance on applications, essays, and resumes.
Appearing on Shark Tank, the duo secured ₹15 lakhs from Namita Thapar, sparking massive interest in their platform.
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋