Author: Team

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Honoured with ‘Star Performer Award’ at EEPC India’s National Export Awards

Bangalore, 27th February 2025: Recognising its export excellence, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) was recently honoured with the ‘Star Performer Award’ at the 54th EEPC India National Export Awards held at New Delhi. The award was presented for the company’s exemplary export performance under the engineering products, specifically in the category of Engines & Parts under the Large Enterprise segment for the export year 2021-22.

The prestigious EEPC India National Export Awards honour exceptional achievements in India’s engineering exports sector, celebrating innovation, excellence, and significant contributions to foreign trade. The event, organized by the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shri. Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Electronics and Information & Technology – Government of India; Mr. Adhip Mitra, Executive Director & Secretary, EEPC India; Mr. Pankaj Chadha, Chairman, EEPC India and Mr. Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal, Regional Chairman (NR), EEPC India.

TKM secured this prestigious award based on the key performance metrics such as Free on Board (FoB) value of exports, net foreign exchange earned, and product range. In 2021-22, TKM recorded a 39% increase in exports of the Engines & Parts, reinforcing its strong position in the global supply chain. This reflects TKM making concentrated efforts in ensuring high-quality manufacturing, global competitiveness, and sustained export growth.

Expressing gratitude on receiving the award, Mr. G. Shankara, Executive Vice President & Director of Finance and Administration – Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated, “This award is a testament to Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s commitment to quality, innovation, and strong contributions to India’s growing role in global automotive exports. We are truly honoured to be recognized, at the national level, for our export accomplishments through the engineering excellence and relentless efforts in realising the global competitiveness in this direction.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to EEPC India for this recognition and reaffirm our dedication to further strengthening the export initiatives, thereby enhance strong presence in international markets.”

This accolade follows TKM’s previous recognition at the EEPC India Southern Region Export Award Ceremony, where the company was lauded for its remarkable export performance. Last year, TKM was conferred with two prestigious awards: the ‘Engines and Turbines & Parts, thereof – Large Enterprise’ award for 2019-20 and the ‘Gold Trophy’ for Top Exporters under the Merchant Exporter category for 2020-21

Explore, Experience, and Disrupt: GAFX 2025 Returns to Bengaluru to Redefine AVGC-XR

Mumbai / Bangalore, 27th Feb 2025 – Bengaluru GAFX, India’s premier AVGC-XR Conference (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) organized by the Ministry of ITBT, Karnataka, will take place from February 27th to March 1st, 2025 at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

With a focus on fostering innovation, facilitating knowledge-sharing, and encouraging strategic collaborations, the GAFX 2025 reinforces Bengaluru’s position as the world’s #1 hub for AVGC-XR and a driving force behind India’s global leadership in immersive media and entertainment. With an anticipated attendance of over 20,000, doubling past editions, this year’s event is poised to be the most influential gathering for creators, developers, investors, studios, and enthusiasts from across the AVGC-XR ecosystem.

The theme for GAFX 2025 is the “Future of Immersion: EXPERIENCE. EXPLORE. DISRUPT.” This underscores the event’s commitment to furthering the frontiers of creativity and technology. Attendees will experience the power of immersive technologies in storytelling, from real-time rendering breakthroughs to the transformative potential of virtual and augmented reality.

“The Government of Karnataka acts as an enabler for the digital media industry, fostering the full spectrum from skills & education to studios from startups to global leaders, that leverage the state’s innovation ecosystem. We see our role as an accelerator, fostering the fusion of human creativity with AI tools in ways that will transform this sector. At Bengaluru GAFX 2025, we proudly showcase India’s finest, talent and investment candidates that make this event AVGC-XR’s seminal platform in visual immersion, disruption, and storytelling.” said Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for the Departments of Electronics, IT, and Bt, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka.

Like all new technology industries, the AVGC-XR landscape is evolving beyond traditional formats, embracing experiential engagement that is redefining how stories are produced and consumed. GAFX 2025 will explore this shift, focusing on innovation and new business models that will shape the future of entertainment. This year’s edition promises several firsts – a public-access expo and creative zone, immersive conference sessions with world leaders, an innovation zone, investor connect, and the live finals of an esports national tournament.

“Karnataka provides the most fertile ground for innovation in AVGC-XR, fostering talent, businesses, and acceleration in storytelling and technology IP. Our 16-year-old AVGC policy has taken India global, delivering award-winning success. Bengaluru GAFX is our annual testament to this leadership. This year features funding opportunities for startups and IP creators, global showcase of AVGC XR cutting-edge work, and nationwide collaboration showcasing how arts and sciences converge to drive the future of immersive technology.” said Dr. Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics, IT, Bt, Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka.

“At Bengaluru GAFX, ABAI has curated a cross-platform presentation that depicts the New Canvas of Imagination in AVGC. GAFX 2025 unfolds trends in AI-driven visual arts and cognitive sciences which are transforming ideas into immersive experiences. From generative art to interactive narratives, creators now craft stories dynamically, engaging audiences in ways never before possible. At GAFX, ABAI shall present multiple venues, pathbreaking presentations, 50 amazing pitch sessions, and an India expo with national participation across technology and representatives from over 12 states. This will be the biggest single show across every facet of future intelligence redefining storytelling.” said Mr. Biren Ghose, Chairman of Bengaluru GAFX and President ABAI.

Paras Health Appoints Vineet Aggarwal as New Group COO

Delhi, 27 Feb 2025: Paras Health is pleased to announce the elevation of Mr. Vineet Aggarwal to Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), effective immediately. Previously serving as Chief Information Officer (CIO), he brings extensive experience and strong leadership to his new role.

Since joining Paras Health in September 2021, Mr. Vineet Aggarwal has demonstrated exceptional leadership and played a crucial role in driving key operational and strategic initiatives across various departments. His innovative approach to digital transformation, patient engagement, and business process optimization has significantly contributed to the company’s growth.

Mr. Aggarwal has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership in spearheading key initiatives that have driven both operational excellence and enhanced organizational outcomes. His strategic and visionary approach to leadership has been instrumental in advancing the company’s broader goals and fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, positioning the organization for long-term success.

With over 22 years of experience in industries such as Healthcare, Pharma, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Telecom, and IT/ITES, Mr. Aggarwal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Group COO role. His ability to align business strategy with operational needs, combined with his collaborative approach, will be instrumental as Paras Health continues to evolve and expand.

Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director at Paras Health, commented, “We are thrilled to elevate Vineet to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer. His leadership and strategic insights have been invaluable to Paras Health, and we are confident that his expertise will help us continue to drive innovation and operational excellence in the years to come.”

Mr. Vineet said, “I am super delighted to take on this new role and to continue contributing to Paras Health’s growth and success. It has been an incredible journey working alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I look forward to furthering our strategic vision, driving innovation, and ensuring that we continue to create lasting value as we move forward together.”

Vineet Aggarwal Takes Charge as Group Chief Operating Officer at Paras Health

Delhi, 27 Feb 2025: Paras Health is pleased to announce the elevation of Mr. Vineet Aggarwal to Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), effective immediately. Previously serving as Chief Information Officer (CIO), he brings extensive experience and strong leadership to his new role.

Since joining Paras Health in September 2021, Mr. Vineet Aggarwal has demonstrated exceptional leadership and played a crucial role in driving key operational and strategic initiatives across various departments. His innovative approach to digital transformation, patient engagement, and business process optimization has significantly contributed to the company’s growth.

Mr. Aggarwal has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership in spearheading key initiatives that have driven both operational excellence and enhanced organizational outcomes. His strategic and visionary approach to leadership has been instrumental in advancing the company’s broader goals and fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, positioning the organization for long-term success.

With over 22 years of experience in industries such as Healthcare, Pharma, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Telecom, and IT/ITES, Mr. Aggarwal brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Group COO role. His ability to align business strategy with operational needs, combined with his collaborative approach, will be instrumental as Paras Health continues to evolve and expand.

Dr. Dharminder Nagar, Managing Director at Paras Health, commented, “We are thrilled to elevate Vineet to the role of Group Chief Operating Officer. His leadership and strategic insights have been invaluable to Paras Health, and we are confident that his expertise will help us continue to drive innovation and operational excellence in the years to come.”

Mr. Vineet said, “I am super delighted to take on this new role and to continue contributing to Paras Health’s growth and success. It has been an incredible journey working alongside such a talented and dedicated team. I look forward to furthering our strategic vision, driving innovation, and ensuring that we continue to create lasting value as we move forward together.”

Medical Innovation in Mumbai: Apex Group of Hospitals Leads with First-Ever Combined PTBD, Biliary Stenting, and Cryoablation Procedure

Mumbai – A 62-year-old male patient (Shrikant Parjanjpe) name changed admitted in Apex Multispeciality Hospitals in Borivali (East) with abdominal pain and jaundice. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound (USG) and a CT scan, revealed gallbladder cancer with metastatic spread to the liver. When gallbladder cancer is “revealed” to have spread to the liver, it means that the cancer is already at an advanced stage (typically stage IV) and has metastasized beyond its organ of origin. This situation is unfortunately common with gallbladder cancer because the disease is often silent in its early stages and tends to be discovered incidentally or once symptoms develop. Many gallbladder cancers are found only after they have invaded adjacent liver tissue, given the close anatomical relationship between the gallbladder and the liver.

A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and Dr. Maunil Ajay Bhuta, Chief Interventional Radiologist at Apex Group of Hospitals, devised a comprehensive treatment plan. Giving more information in this rare medical case Dr. Maunil Ajay Bhuta, Chief Interventional Radiologist says,” In Apex Multispeciality Hospitals (Part of Apex Group of Hospitals) we performed a pioneering, “first‐of‐its‐kind” combined procedure where a patient with obstructive jaundice received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) with biliary stenting to relieve the blockage and, in the same session or closely timed intervention, cryoablation was applied to a liver tumor. This dual approach simultaneously addressed the high bilirubin levels (by decompressing the obstructed bile ducts and restoring bile flow) and directly targeted the tumor with cryoablation. The fact that the patient recovered well and was discharged is an encouraging sign that this innovative combination may offer a safe and effective palliative or even potentially curative option for select patients with complex hepatobiliary disease. After a smooth recovery, he has been discharged in stable condition. This ground-breaking procedure underscores the advancements in interventional radiology, providing minimally invasive yet highly effective solutions for complex cancer cases.”

Apex Group of Hospitals is a trusted chain of healthcare facilities, managed and operated by expert medical professionals with over 25 years of experience. With a capacity of 350+ beds, Apex Hospitals is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Our hospitals are strategically located in Borivali, Kandivali, and Mulund, ensuring accessible and comprehensive medical care.

How AI is Transforming Education in India: Personalized Learning, Teacher Support, and the Road Ahead

By-Mr. Neeraj Kansal, Founder and CEO, Crack Academy

The integration of Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is already reshaping industries worldwide. From healthcare and finance to manufacturing and retail, AI is streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving innovation. The education sector is no exception. AI-powered tools are redefining learning experiences, making education more personalized, accessible, and efficient. From adaptive learning platforms to automated assessments, AI is helping students and educators navigate a rapidly changing academic landscape.

 Besides, AI-powered personalized learning is transforming education by tailoring study experiences to individual needs. Adaptive learning platforms leverage AI to assess students’ potential, creating customized study plans that enhance learning outcomes. This is especially beneficial in countries where students come from varied socio-economic and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring that each learner receives targeted support and resources to excel.

 Further, the Union Budget 2025 reinforced this transformation by laying a strong foundation for AI-driven education. The government’s announcement of the establishment of three Centres of Excellence in AI for Education, with an outlay of ₹500 crore, is a visionary step that will accelerate AI’s integration into the learning ecosystem. This initiative will particularly benefit rural schools and students in Tier 3 and 4 cities, providing access to e-learning resources, virtual classrooms, and AI-based education tools.

 Moreover, several ed-tech companies leverage AI to bridge the learning gaps in Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. By bringing extensive education experience to smaller towns, AI-driven platforms provide students with data-backed insights, real-time progress tracking, and targeted resources—an approach that was once limited to metro cities.

 AI serves as a valuable assistant to teachers rather than a replacement, streamlining tasks like automated grading, AI-generated lesson plans, and virtual teaching support. By reducing administrative workload, AI enables educators to focus more on student engagement and interactive learning. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots and virtual tutors provide students with 24/7 academic assistance, making quality education more accessible and responsive to individual learning needs.

 However, the challenge lies in teacher adoption. Many educators in India, especially in tier 3 and 4 cities, are yet to receive adequate AI training. Without structured AI literacy programs for teachers, the full potential of AI-driven education remains untapped.

 Another major hurdle in AI integration is the lack of digital infrastructure, especially in rural and underfunded schools. Many institutions struggle with unreliable internet connectivity, outdated hardware, and insufficient funding, making AI-driven education inaccessible to a large segment of students.

 Ethical concerns and data privacy also pose significant challenges. The use of AI in education raises questions about student data security, algorithmic bias, and over-reliance on technology. Establishing stringent regulatory frameworks is essential to ensure AI is implemented responsibly, balancing its benefits with ethical considerations.

 For AI to be fully integrated into India’s school curricula, a collaborative effort is essential. Government initiatives, public-private partnerships, and industry-led training programs can accelerate AI adoption, ensuring that both students and teachers are equipped with the necessary skills. The National Education Policy 2020 already recognizes AI’s role in skill development, signalling a positive shift toward its widespread implementation.

 Therefore, the road ahead is both challenging and promising. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem between policymakers, educators, and technology providers, India can unlock the transformative power of AI in education. With the right investments and structured implementation, AI can democratize learning, empower teachers, and prepare students for a future driven by intelligence and innovation. The goal is not just to integrate AI into classrooms but to build a more inclusive, future-ready education system that leaves no learner behind.

Venus Remedies Acquires Exclusive In-Licensing Rights to MET-X, Boosting India’s Pharma Portfolio

Mumbai, February 25, 2025: Venus Remedies Ltd. a leading Indian pharmaceutical company renowned for its longstanding expertise in combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), today announced that it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Infex Therapeutics, a UK-based anti-infectives specialist for the clinical development of MET-X. This agreement authorizes Venus Remedies to spearhead the clinical development, registration, and commercialization of MET-X, an innovative metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) inhibitor. The initial development phase will focus on integrating MET-X with meropenem to tackle drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, with Venus Remedies holding exclusive marketing rights within India.

In India, meropenem resistance is reported to be as high as 62-87% in WHO critical priority pathogens like K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii as per the ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network-Annual report 2023, with as high as 50% being directly attributable to MBL prevalence.

Under the terms of the agreement, Venus Remedies will commence with a Phase I trial involving healthy volunteers in India, evaluating MET-X in combination with meropenem. Following successful Phase I outcomes, the focus will shift to Phase II/III trials targeting drug-resistant Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTIs), prevalent in hospital settings.

 This strategic move is aligned with Venus Remedies’ extensive experience in antibiotic R&D and critical care, enhancing its leadership in the Indian critical care landscape. The company’s formidable position in meropenem marketing and manufacturing will facilitate the integration of MET-X into existing and prospective antibiotic strategies.

 All trials conducted in India will adhere to international standards, compliant with regulations from the FDA, EMA, and MHRA, which will also support further development and global commercialization efforts for MET-X. The agreement grants both Infex Therapeutics and Venus Remedies the option to expand their collaboration to include other MET-X/beta-lactam combinations under mutually agreed terms.

MET-X is Infex Therapeutics’ broad spectrum MBL-inhibitor, targeting Gram-negative bacteria. These pathogens produce MBL enzymes to deactivate beta-lactam antibiotics, such as meropenem, and evade antibiotic clearance of disease. MET-X blocks MBL resistance, restoring antibiotic activity. The drug is being developed to be one of the first broad-spectrum MBL inhibitors to address a wide range of bacterial species and MBL-resistant strains, such as E.coli and K.pneumoniae. The treatment has shown best-in-class performance in animal studies to date. The development of new agents to overcome MBL antibiotic resistance in such Gram-negative bacteria is a World Health Organisation (“WHO”) critical priority.

Mr. Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies Ltd and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre, said: “This early-stage introduction of MET-X into the Indian market leverages our decades-long dedication to AMR-focused R&D and our prominent role in critical care and antibiotic therapies. This partnership is perfectly poised to enhance our antibiotic arsenal with meropenem and explore further beta-lactam combinations, ensuring high-quality research and a significant market presence.”

Mr. Pawan Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Venus Remedies Ltd, added, “The in-licensing of MET-X is a major step forward in providing breakthrough solutions for drug-resistant infections, a serious threat to India’s healthcare ecosystem. Our aim is to develop an effective solution against MBL-producing pathogens, fulfilling a critical healthcare need and continuing our commitment to transformative therapies and sustained innovation in critical care.”

India faces a significant burden of MBL-producing pathogens in hospital settings, and no approved MBL inhibitors currently exist in the country. The development and exclusive in-licensing of MET-X underscores Venus Remedies’ commitment to providing a cutting-edge solution where it is needed most and creating long-term value for stakeholders.

Dr. Peter Jackson, CEO of Infex Therapeutics, said: “I am delighted about this agreement with Venus Remedies, which will facilitate the comprehensive clinical development of our MET-X program in India. By leveraging Venus Remedies’ robust expertise in critical care antibiotics, we can accelerate MET-X as our second clinical-stage drug program. Crucially, the international standards of these trials will also support future regulatory filings in the UK, U.S., Europe, and other global markets. MET-X has shown best-in-class performance in preclinical studies and could be game-changing for patients suffering from Gram-negative, MBL-resistant infections.”