December 2025 Patch Tuesday: Comment from Satnam Narang, Sr. Staff Research Engineer, Tenable

Satnam Narang_ Sr Staff Research Engineer_Tenable_1.png (2) (1) (1)

Microsoft closed out 2025 with one of its smallest releases for Patch Tuesday, patching 55 CVEs, matching the lowest total from February of this year. Despite the low volume the last few months, Microsoft patched a whopping 1,129 CVEs in 2025, an 11.9% increase from 2024 and the second largest Patch Tuesday release ever. This year marks the second consecutive year that Microsoft patched over one thousand CVEs, the third time it has done so since its inception.

“Two vulnerabilities caught my eye this month. The first is CVE-2025-62221, an elevation of privilege vulnerability in Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver (cldflt.sys) that was exploited in the wild as a zero day. Elevation of privilege bugs turn a foothold into a full breach as attackers often use them to conduct post-compromise activity after they have gained initial access through other means, such as social engineering or exploitation of another flaw. Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver is an attractive target because it is a file system driver that enables cloud applications to access file system functionalities.

“The second vulnerability exposes a critical and growing attack surface: AI Agents embedded into IDEs as part of an attack chain that leverages prompt injections against these tools to access the base IDE layer, which can result in information disclosure or command execution. CVE-2025-64671 is a remote code execution vulnerability in the GitHub Copilot Plugin for JetBrains IDEs. This flaw appears to be one of several associated with an underlying flaw across multiple IDEs, including GitHub Copilot, Cursor, JetBrains Junie, Roo Code and Claude Code. This is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a broader, systemic security crisis that security researcher Ari Marzuk has branded “IDEsaster.”Satnam Narang, Senior Staff Research Engineer at Tenable

BioAgri 2025 Kicks Off in Hyderabad: India’s Premier Sustainable Agriculture Conference

Hyderabad, Dec 10: India’s ₹50,000-crore basmati export story is running into a silent yet serious hurdle—pesticide residues—warned experts at BioAgri 2025, the country’s largest Bio-Agri Input Professionals Conference that opened today at Ramoji Film City.

bioagri

Delegates pointed out that key import destinations—including the European Union, Japan and Iran—are insisting on “clean rice” with near-zero pesticide residues. The EU has already reduced maximum residue limits (MRLs) for fungicides like tricyclazole to 0.01 ppm—literally 1 gram in 100 tonnes—making compliance a make-or-break for Indian exporters.

EU rejections of Indian rice have risen sharply—from 3 alerts in 2020 to 37 in 2024—even as India’s rice exports to the EU grew over 100% between 2019 and 2023, increasing both market opportunity and export risk.

Experts said the demand is not only international. India’s 300–400 million middle-class consumers are now asking for residue-free food that remains affordable—putting scientific biological inputs at the centre of the next agricultural transition.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director-General, National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), a premier body under the Ministry of Agriculture, underlined the need for a formal national soil-health framework, comparable to soil-health policies in Europe and the US.

“Chemical agriculture has done enormous damage to soil. Plant health and human health cannot be separated. We now need soil-health policy, guidelines and rejuvenation programmes at a national scale,” he said.

He added that pesticide overuse is making several crops—including Telangana’s chillies—unacceptable for export, and urged immediate action to ensure India’s produce remains residue-safe and export-ready.

“Biological agriculture is not an alternative—it is essential”, said Prof M S Reddy. Delivering the Keynote, Prof M S Reddy, a globally recognised expert in sustainable agriculture (USA) said, “Two decades ago, when biological agriculture lacked legitimacy, BIPA built the ecosystem. Today, biologicals are not optional tools—they are foundational pathways for soil regeneration, public health and farmer prosperity.”

He added that fatigued soils, water stress, climate volatility and rising residue intolerance now make a biological shift in Indian agriculture inevitable.

“Healthier soils mean healthier cities”, — Dr Bakul Joshi said, and reminded that soil health is ultimately public health. “Parks are empty, and hospitals are full. We need to shift from chemical-dependent agriculture to integrated, biological crop management.”

V. Praveen Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Kaveri University and former VC, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), a state-run University, stressed that collaboration between public institutions and the biological industry must now become central to agricultural transition.

Dr John Peter, President, BIPA, said biological agriculture is not new to India. We practised biological agriculture eight decades ago. Then came the chemical phase. We now need to reverse the trend and reclaim our biological heritage.”

Bio Agri 2025 is being organised by BIPA, the world’s oldest trade body for Agricultural Biology—older than BPIA – Biological Products Industry Alliance of the USA and IBMA – International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association – Europe. “We are exploring overseas expansion beginning with Sri Lanka and have signed an MoU with Kaveri Agri University for skill development,” informed Dr Venkatesh Devanur, Secretary-General, BIPA.

BIPA represents over 100 industry members, supporting innovation, regulation, quality frameworks and policy advocacy in biological agriculture. Its vision is to position India as a global leader in biological inputs, powered by science and sustainability.

BioAgri 2025, now in its 5th edition, is organised by BIPA—the world’s oldest trade body for agricultural biology. The conference, themed “Nurturing Nature, Nourishing the Future,” brings together more than 200 delegates and features over 40 exhibition stalls showcasing cutting-edge biological technologies. The two-day event includes sessions and discussions on biologicals, biotechnology innovations, climate resilience, regulatory developments and emerging market trends in sustainable agriculture.

Dr Linga Srinivasa Rao, CMD, Srikar Biotech (Eldorado Agritech), informed that the company is preparing for a ₹1,000-crore IPO, and said preliminary filings have already been submitted to SEBI.

MoS Defence Shri Sanjay Seth Attends ICSI Eastern Region Convocation in Ranchi

Ranchi,  Dec 10:- The Institute of Company Secretaries of India  organised its Convocation for Eastern Region on 7 December 2025, at Gangotri Convention Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Ranchi, 7 December 2025: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) organised its Convocation for Eastern Region on 7 December 2025, at Gangotri Convention Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, where around 102 young members from the Eastern Region were awarded the Certificate of Membership of the ICSI.

Congratulating the newly inducted members of the ICSI, Shri Sanjay Seth said, “With Start-Ups accelerating India’s economic growth, Company Secretaries’ role in ensuring governance and compliance becomes all the more crucial. Your contribution will be integral to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

Addressing the gathering, CS Dhananjay Shukla, President, The ICSI, said, “ICSI continues to strengthen the governance landscape through its progressive initiatives and I am confident that as you step into the corporate world, these will empower you to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth trajectory”.

He highlighted some of the key initiatives of the ICSI including the Fee Waiver scheme for Indian armed forces, Paramilitary forces, Agni veers, Families of Martyrs and Wards of Indian armed forces & paramilitary forces, and for students registering from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh. He also outlined some of the recent initiatives for ICSI stakeholders:

·         2-year Full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management, in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University, that encompasses CS curriculum and maritime laws and regulatory practices to enhance employability of CS students.  

·         Joint Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) - Executive & Professional Programme, with National Institute of Securities Markets NISM, for ICSI students.

·         ICSI Certificate Course on UAE Business Manager aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills for roles in the United Arab Emirates. 

·         ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS) outlines best practices for responsible investment, encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors, to empower Institutional Investors and Service Providers.

·         ICSI Principles on Climate Change Governance (IPCG) is a set of Principles that provide guidance on establishing metrics and targets to evaluate sustainability performance and progress toward climate goals.

·         ICSI Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit on ESG is aimed to assist and equip Company Secretaries and Boards in devising a comprehensive ESG policy for companies.

CS Pawan G Chandak, Vice President, the ICSI, urged the new members to embrace opportunities and understand their responsibility towards the profession and the ICSI, which is today being looked upon as the leading body in promoting good governance across the globe.

CS Rupanjana De, Council Member, the ICSI, and CS Anuj Saraswat, Chairman, EIRC of the ICSI, were also present on the occasion.

Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest, where around 102 young members from the Eastern Region were awarded the Certificate of Membership of the ICSI.

Congratulating the newly inducted members of the ICSI, Shri Sanjay Seth said,

“With Start-Ups accelerating India’s economic growth, Company Secretaries’ role in ensuring governance and compliance becomes all the more crucial. Your contribution will be integral to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

Addressing the gathering, CS Dhananjay Shukla, President, The ICSI, said,

“ICSI continues to strengthen the governance landscape through its progressive initiatives and I am confident that as you step into the corporate world, these will empower you to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth trajectory”.

He highlighted some of the key initiatives of the ICSI including the Fee Waiver scheme for Indian armed forces, Paramilitary forces, Agni veers, Families of Martyrs and Wards of Indian armed forces & paramilitary forces, and for students registering from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh. He also outlined some of the recent initiatives for ICSI stakeholders:

  • 2-year Full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management, in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University, that encompasses CS curriculum and maritime laws and regulatory practices to enhance employability of CS students.
  • Joint Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) – Executive & Professional Programme, with National Institute of Securities Markets NISM, for ICSI students.
  • ICSI Certificate Course on UAE Business Manager aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills for roles in the United Arab Emirates.
  • ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS) outlines best practices for responsible investment, encompassing environmental, social, and governance factors, to empower Institutional Investors and Service Providers.
  • ICSI Principles on Climate Change Governance (IPCG) is a set of Principles that provide guidance on establishing metrics and targets to evaluate sustainability performance and progress toward climate goals.
  • ICSI Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit on ESG is aimed to assist and equip Company Secretaries and Boards in devising a comprehensive ESG policy for companies.

CS Pawan G ChandakVice President, the ICSI, urged the new members to embrace opportunities and understand their responsibility towards the profession and the ICSI, which is today being looked upon as the leading body in promoting good governance across the globe.

CS Rupanjana De, Council Member, the ICSI, and CS Anuj Saraswat, Chairman, EIRC of the ICSI, were also present on the occasion.

The Community That Breathes Together, Speaks Together: Inside Habuild’s ‘Month of Unity’

Habuild, India’s first habit-building platform, has completed the inaugural edition of its ‘Month of Unity’ – a 22-day movement that combined yoga, language learning and national integration between Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (31st October) and Constitution Day (26th November). The initiative asked a uniquely Indian question: What if fitness could help people experience the idea of India more closely?

Habuild - Month of Unity

22 Languages. 22 Days. One India.

Each day during the Month of Unity was dedicated to one of India’s 22 constitutionally recognised languages. Members joined their regular live morning yoga sessions, where they were introduced to simple, everyday phrases in the “language of the day” – greetings, appreciation, encouragement and gratitude. Across six live batches per day, the initiative recorded over 50.6 lakh session tune-ins, with an average of 2.5 lakh participants starting their mornings together. For Habuild’s 1.3 crore+ strong community, this turned a daily wellness habit into a living celebration of “unity in diversity” – a value enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

By hearing and speaking phrases like “Namaste”, “Vanakkam”, “Nomoshkar”, “Sat Sri Akal” and “Adaab” in a shared virtual space, members were able to feel the spirit of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and Constitution Day in a personal, practical way.

A Digital Tribute to the Idea of India

At the heart of the Month of Unity lies Habuild’s language-learning experience – a digital feature within the platform where native speakers teach essential phrases in all 22 scheduled languages.

During the initiative:

  • Approximately 12 lakh visits were recorded to the language-learning experience
  • Over 3.5 lakh users learnt at least one language

The feature focuses on real vocabulary, authentic pronunciation and cultural nuance. For many participants, this was their first time hearing another Indian language in a fitness setting. Families reported grandparents being delighted to hear their mother tongue in an online class, while younger members used newly learnt phrases to connect with colleagues and friends from other states.

By bringing together breathwork, movement and language, the Month of Unity demonstrated how everyday habits can reinforce constitutional values of fraternity, dignity and unity. Speaking about the initiative, Saurabh Bothra, Co-Founder & Yoga Teacher, Habuild, said

: “At Habuild, we believe India’s true strength lies in its unity in diversity. The Month of Unity is our quiet tribute to that spirit – a celebration of connection that goes beyond state lines, scripts and backgrounds. Every morning, lakhs of people across Bharat breathe and move together with Habuild. This initiative reflects that togetherness as one community, one rhythm, one India. We hope to keep celebrating this idea of India every year through the Month of Unity.”

More Than an Initiative: A Yearly Ritual in the Making

With its unique integration of culture, yoga and language learning, the Month of Unity strengthens Habuild’s position as a pioneer in India’s community wellness landscape. The movement highlights how digital platforms can be used to bring citizens closer to the

spirit of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and Constitution Day – not only through symbolic messages, but through consistent daily actions.

As Habuild continues its mission to help India build stronger habits around health, sleep and movement, the Month of Unity is set to become an annual celebration – uniting Indians in India and across the world through one simple practice: morning yoga.

JW Marriott Goa December Festive Celebrations for 2025

Goa, Dec 09:  Step into the festive spirit at JW Marriott Goa, where the magic of December unfolds through curated dining experiences, vibrant celebrations, and warm holiday indulgences. This year, the hotel invites guests to embrace the joy of the season with thoughtfully crafted Christmas feasts, a spectacular New Year’s Eve Carnival, and a leisurely New Year’s Day brunch each designed to create cherished festive memories.

Begin the celebrations with a sumptuous Christmas Eve Feast at JW Kitchen, featuring a specially curated dinner that blends festive flavours with JW Marriott Goa’s signature culinary warmth. On Christmas Day, continue the cheer with a relaxed and indulgent brunch at JW Kitchen, paired with a selection of beverages in partnership with Chandon, making it the perfect gathering for families and friends.

Ring in 2026 with grandeur at the hotel’s Carnival-Themed New Year’s Eve, under the stars at Salão Terrace with a dedicated Kids Zone at NEON ensuring a night of celebration for every age group. Extend the festivities into the new year with The Lazy Brunch at JW Kitchen, a laid-back afternoon experience featuring abundant buffets and refreshing beverages to welcome the first day of 2026 in style.

Alive Launches India’s First Experience Festival, Redefining How Urban India Experiences Life

Bengaluru, Dec 09: Alive, India’s first experience tech startup built around real-world experiences, has announced the launch of the ‘Alive Experience Festival’ a month-long celebration designed to inspire urban Indians to explore more, feel more, and live beyond the monotony of daily life.

At a time when urban Indians are increasingly seeking meaning, connection, and balance outside of work, the festival brings together curated adventures, workshops, cultural outings, and wellness activities across Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Delhi & Mumbai.

Rather than focusing on concerts or nightlife, the Alive Experience Festival spotlights the everyday joy of trying something new from art to food, from outdoor experiences to mindful escapes.

“People aren’t just looking for entertainment anymore; they’re looking for ways to feel, explore, and reconnect,” said Alive’s founder Vivek Kumar. “The idea behind the festival is to create a cultural moment that encourages people to step out, discover their own cities, and build small rituals of joy into their lives.”

Over the past year, Alive has built a network of 135+ curated experiences and has grown 90x signalling the rapid rise of India’s experience economy. The festival acts as a catalyst to expand this movement by making experiences more accessible and by rewarding consumers for experimenting.

The month-long festival introduces three consumer-friendly propositions designed to nudge people to plan more consciously:

  • Happy Days: Special weekday pricing on all experiences, encouraging people to reclaim their weekdays with after-work or mid-day micro-adventures.

  • Chance to Win 10 Free Experiences: Each booking during the festival enters users into a draw to win a year’s worth of experiences across categories like adventure, sports, arts, food and wellness.

  • Trip to Goa: Festival participants also stand a chance to win a free trip for two, an invitation to choose memories over material things.

While these offers serve as added incentives, the larger intent is behavioural: to shift how people think about leisure. The experience festival aims to normalise planning experiences with the same ease as browsing screens or dining out and to create a community of people who prioritise real-world living over passive consumption.

Alive believes this shift is already underway, especially among young professionals, and hopes the Festival becomes an annual cultural marker, signalling the start of a December where discovery, spontaneity and shared moments take centre stage.

Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan Hosts 9th Annual Golf for Charity Tournament on December 7, 2025

Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan (RI District 3150) conducts the 9th edition of the Annual Golf for Charity,  Fundraising Tournament on 7th December 2025

Hyderabad: Dec 09:  Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

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Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.

The Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan (RCHD) is part of the global network of Rotary International, was chartered in 1988, and has more than 75 members from various vocations. RCHD has a proud tradition of fellowship and friendship, service and contribution to the Rotary Foundation. The Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan conducts charity events to raise funds to complete many community service projects. This fundraiser Golf for charity tournament, is being conducted to raise funds to strengthen Eye Care Services and Advanced Surgical Equipment at the Eye Centre at Ramdevrao Hospital, Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion, the President of Rotary Deccan, Anu Khendry said,

“This year is our 9th edition of the ‘Rotary Golf for Charity Tournament’. We have received wonderful support from over 120 charitably inclined golfers as well as sponsors. This generosity of our sponsors through donations and substantial commitments from their CSR funds will be directed to Rotary Deccan’s service activities, principally to strengthening eye care services and providing advanced surgical equipment at the eye care centre at the charitable Ramdevrao Hospital, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. We thank the sponsors and look forward to their continued support in the efforts of the Rotary Club of Hyderabad Deccan in making sustainable changes to the lives of those in need.”

She added a special word of thanks to the sponsors, VST Industries Ltd, Solitaire Global Schools, Shodhana Group, Synthochem Labs, PE Tarang, Cache Properties, Cache Peripherals, Surana Group, Relaxwell Mattresses, Shree TMT, Hrudaya Foundation and Swordfish Integrated Advertising.

The Leela Unveils Mirrors of Hope: Lippan Art Christmas Trees Crafted by Women Artisans

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts unveils ‘Mirrors of Hope’, a signature festive initiative that brings the traditional artistry of Lippan work into a contemporary expression of Indian luxury across select Palace hotels. Installed as handcrafted Lippan Art Christmas Trees, the initiative marks a meaningful convergence of festive celebration, cultural storytelling and purpose-driven design.

1. Mirrors of Hope Lippan Art Christmas Tree_The Leela Palace New Delhi

‘Mirrors of Hope’ reflects The Leela’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, mindful luxury, women and community empowerment, and the preservation of India’s art and cultural heritage. Rooted in the brand’s philosophy of elevating guest experiences through immersive, culturally anchored narratives, this initiative transforms festive décor into a purposeful expression of heritage, impact and beauty.

Handcrafted in collaboration with women artisans supported by the Karigar Foundation, the Lippan Art Christmas Trees are now installed at The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Jaipur, The Leela Palace Bengaluru and The Leela Palace Udaipur.

Lippan art, the symbolic mud and mirror craft historically practised by women in the Kutch region, is known for motifs that embody joy, prosperity and reflection. For The Leela, artisans have created striking modular tree structures using sustainable materials, adorned with hand moulded clay patterns, mirror inlays and traditional geometric forms that reimagine the visual language of Lippan art for the festive season. Designed for circularity, each installation has been crafted for reuse and will be upcycled after the season into gifting pieces, ornaments, coasters and other keepsakes. Together, these elements create a cohesive expression of heritage, craft and conscious design.

Anjali Mehra, Executive Vice President – Brand and Communications, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, “Mirrors of Hope brings together everything we stand for as a brand. Lippan art has a quiet power that transforms simple materials into something luminous, and that spirit of transformation sits at the heart of this activation. It is not only about celebrating a beautiful craft but also about creating a moment of connection to heritage, to the women who shape this art and to the idea that joy can create impact. Through this initiative, we hope guests experience a festive season that is both meaningful and unmistakably The Leela.” 

Priyanka Rajgadkar, Associate Vice President -ESG, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, added: “This initiative is far more than festive decor. It is a purposeful expression of our commitment to mindful luxury where craft and impact coexist. By placing women artisans and circular craftsmanship at the centre of our celebrations, we are transforming a seasonal moment into one of meaning. True luxury is not only experienced. It uplifts, empowers and leaves a positive imprint.”

Guests are invited to participate by sharing photographs of the installations using #MirrorsOfHope and #LeelaEmpowersHer. These posts will translate into support for women artisans through Threads of Tradition, the brand’s CSR programme focused on craft-based upskilling, design innovation and livelihood enhancement, creating a direct link between celebration and impact.

In addition to Mirrors of Hope, several hotels across the portfolio are also showcasing sustainability led festive trees and décor that reinforce the brand’s commitment to conscious luxury.

The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi has created an 11- foot tree crafted from repurposed wooden flooring and a dramatic façade installation built using reclaimed conduit pipes.

The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel has unveiled a 15- foot tree made from repurposed coconut husk, celebrating coastal craft and sustainability.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences has introduced ‘A Tree That Tells a Story’, a celebration shaped by sustainable materials, handcrafted ornaments by local artisans and a community centred tree lighting ceremony.

These installations broaden the festive canvas, highlighting how sustainability, craftsmanship and cultural expression continue to shape celebrations across The Leela.

The Lippan Art Christmas Trees are on display across select Palaces of The Leela, inviting guests to experience a festive season shaped by heritage, craft and purpose driven luxury.

Me’gong Festival 2025 Draws Over 55,000 Visitors, Concludes with a Spectacular Finale in Garo Hills

Tura, Dec 8: Me’gong Festival 2025 concluded with a spectacular finale in the Garo Hills, drawing thousands of visitors over two days and reinforcing Meghalaya’s emergence as one of India’s most vibrant cultural destinations. With international headliners, national performers and powerful homegrown talent sharing the stage, the festival delivered one of the region’s most memorable showcases of music, culture and community spirit. The festival was attended by over 55,000 people from the region and beyond.

kanika

Day 2 brought an electric close to the festival as British pop sensation Blue, global electronic duo Yellow Claw, singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, and Bollywood favourite Kanika Kapoor performed back-to-back on the Aski Stage to roaring crowds.

Antony Costa, from the band Blue stated, “Garo Hills’ Megong Festival is amazing! The crowd was on fire. “

Vocalist Simon Webbe, along with Antony Costa, Lee Ryan and Duncan James thanked the festival-goers stating, “Great-Great turnout; thank you everybody; one love to you all! Garo Hills is amazing: a paradise; so good; thank you”

Each act added a distinct energy, beginning with Kanika Kapoor’s high-tempo hits like Chittiyaan Kalaiyan, Baby Doll, Jawaani Le Doobi, to her rendition of Desi Girl, It’s the time to Disco, London Thumakda, Matlabi and many other Bollywood superhits. She added her delight in performing in Meghalaya for the second time and praised the visitors for being one of the best audiences she has ever received.

An electric and ever-energetic beginning to the evening followed Prateek Kuhad’s soulful melodies. Visitors were drawn to Kuhad’s renditions like Saansein, Cold Mess, and many soulful songs that defined the beautiful evening.

This followed Blue’s nostalgic pop anthems. The audience, in thousands, sang together vibing with One Love, All Rise, Guilty, One Last Time, and many more.

This followed Yellow Claw’s explosive EDM finale, turning the festival grounds into a sea of lights and cheering fans, all across the Bolbokgre-Watregre Festival Ground.

Earlier, the evening also brought crowd favourites such as Hoi Hoi Makbil, G-Hills Finest, Crack Gang, Rough Road and Nokpante to the Kingfisher Stage, which attracted thousands of people alike.

While Day 2 captured an unforgettable finale, the festival’s momentum was set on the Opening Day with a star-studded line-up featuring Richard Marx, Neeti Mohan, Julian Marley and Nucleya. Marx performed classics and unreleased tracks from his upcoming album Afterhours, marking a rare appearance in India.

Neeti Mohan’s Bollywood hits drew enormous crowds, and her moving rendition of Mayabini, a tribute to Zubeen Garg in his birthplace of Tura, became one of the most shared and talked-about moments of the festival.

Julian Marley’s reggae set and Nucleya’s high-octane closing performance sealed Day 1 as a musical spectacle not seen before in the region.

The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (CM-MGMP) continued to be a significant platform at the festival, with seven emerging CM-MGMP bands performing on the opening day, a rare opportunity to share the same event as global performers. Many young artists said the experience was transformational, calling it the biggest platform of their careers so far.

Beyond music, Me’gong Festival offered an immersive cultural experience that drew families, tourists and festival enthusiasts throughout the weekend. The Great Garo Hills Cook Off saw participants reinterpret traditional food using indigenous ingredients, with Nambie Jessica Marak, runner-up of MasterChef India Season 8, present as a special guest to help judge the competition. Traditional sports, a vibrant Brew Village, a colourful Cosplay Contest, Miss & Mr Me’gong Contest, a bustling craft and food market, VR experiences, and stalls by entrepreneurs under PRIME Meghalaya added to the expansive range of attractions.

The opening day of the festival was graced by Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, whose vision is gradually cementing Meghalaya’s position as a key destination for India’s Concert Economy. Global Artists now chose the state, as a natural choice for their India Tours.

Over the last few years, Meghalaya has hosted global performers across festivals like Me’gong, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival and Winter Tales, positioning the State as a cultural hub of the Northeast and creating new opportunities in tourism, music and creative enterprise.

The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Programme (CM-MGMP) continued to be a significant platform at the festival, with seven emerging CM-MGMP bands performing on the opening day, a rare opportunity to share the same event as global performers. Many young artists said the experience was transformational, calling it the biggest platform of their careers so far.

As the lights dim over the Bolbokgre-Watregre grounds, the festival leaves behind a trail of powerful performances, new memories, and a renewed sense of pride in the artistic and cultural identity of the Garo Hills.

Two-Day Conference Dedicated to Sustainable Biological Agriculture

Hyderabad, Dec 8: The BioAgri Inputs Producers Association (BIPA) announces the 5th edition of BioAgri 2025, a premier conference and expo dedicated to promoting sustainable biological agriculture.

bipa

The event is scheduled for 10–11 December 2025 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

BIPA, the oldest registered body for agricultural biology under the Societies Act, represents over 100 active members committed to advancing safe, sustainable, and biologically derived solutions that reduce dependence on conventional agrochemicals. The association supports its members through expert guidance in regulations, product technologies, and policy advocacy.

This year’s BioAgri 2025 will host over 200 delegates from the agri-input industry and feature 40 exhibition stalls showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovative biological solutions.

Renowned experts will deliver sessions on sustainable farming practices, biotechnology innovations, climate resilience, and emerging market trends. The conference offers abundant networking opportunities for global stakeholders, industry leaders, and innovators. The expo will highlight the latest technologies, products, and services transforming the agricultural sector.

BIPA’s BioAgri 2025 stands as a testament to the growing momentum behind sustainable agriculture—providing a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.