Author: Rabindra

Scania India announces Silvio Munhoz as its new Managing Director

New Delhi, September 17, 2024: Scania India has appointed Mr. Silvio Munhoz as the new Managing Director, effective September 1, 2024. Silvio succeeds Mr. Johan P. Schlyter, bringing decades of extensive experience in the automotive industry to his new role.

Silvio’s leadership journey includes key positions such as Managing Director of Codema, and interim President and CEO of Scania Brazil. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong strategic vision, a customer-centric approach, and a deep commitment to sustainable innovation, driving success across multiple markets. His appointment marks a new chapter in Scania India’s growth, as the company continues to focus on delivering state-of-the-art transport solutions and reinforcing its sustainability initiatives in the region.

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Silvio Munhoz said, “I am truly honoured to lead Scania India during a time of immense transition within the automotive industry. My focus will be on reassuring Scania’s commitment to the Indian market while expanding the adoption of sustainable and innovative power and transport solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Scania India and building upon the solid foundation established by my predecessor, Mr. Johan P. Schlyter.”

Under Silvio’s leadership, Scania India is poised to continue its commitment to providing complete solutions to the transport and energy industries in India comprising premium products and services.

Danube Properties is all set to lure Indian buyers with launch of two new projects in Dubai

New Delhi, 17th September 2024: Danube Properties, the UAE’s fastest-growing private real estate developer, has unveiled two new ambitious projects ‘BAYZ102’ and ‘Oasiz’. A towering 102-level skyscraper, Bayz102 will be the tallest in Danube’s portfolio and further solidify Dubai’s status as the City of Skyscrapers, alongside renowned landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Marina 101, and Princess Tower. The second project, Oasiz, aims to deliver affordable luxury, providing high-end living options at accessible prices. These projects are designed to meet the diverse needs of investors, offering a range from premium luxury properties to affordable luxury options.

Bayz102 by Danube is poised to become a new icon in Dubai’s skyline. Situated in the highly sought-after Business Bay area, this project embodies the essence of luxury and innovation. With panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline, this iconic development will feature around 1200 fully furnished units and rise to 102 levels, earning it the title of the tallest project in Danube’s portfolio. One of the most groundbreaking features of Bayz102 is the integration of a helipad for sky taxis, also known as eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) vehicles. This futuristic mode of transportation is expected to revolutionize travel within the emirate, offering a swift and convenient alternative for both residents and visitors.

In addition to its residential offerings, Bayz102 will feature retail outlets and more than 40 world-class amenities designed to enhance the lifestyle of its residents. These amenities include a state-of-the-art health club, a swimming pool, a jogging track, a sports arena, a business center, a sky bar, BBQ Area, Table Tennis Room, Basketball Court, Wall Climbing, Bayz Outdoor Cinema and even on-call medical services.

With a signature 1% payment plan and 0% interest, units in both the projects start at just AED 6,990 per month. Speaking on the launch of Bayz102, Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman, Danube Group shared, “Bayz102 by Danube represents a new era in luxury living. We are thrilled to introduce this project, which not only sets a new benchmark for high-rise living but also paves the way for the future of urban transportation in Dubai. As the city prepares to embrace sky taxis, we are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, offering residents the convenience of cutting-edge mobility right at their doorstep.”

Complementing the opulence of Bayz102, ‘Oasiz’ by Danube includes a range of living options, from studios to 1BHK, 2BHK, and 3BHK apartments, along with retail outlets for residents’ convenience. Located in the rapidly developing Dubai Silicon Oasis, Oasiz will span approximately 1 million square feet, comprising around 900 luxury units across two towers, Oasiz 1 and Oasiz 2.

Commenting on the choice of location for Oasiz, Mr. Sajan stated, “Dubai Silicon Oasis has seen a significant increase in demand due to its strategic location and the upcoming infrastructure developments, such as the Blue Line Metro extension. With the relocation of the airport to Dubai South and the growing popularity of communities along E311 and E611, we expect Oasiz to offer excellent returns for investors. The project aligns with our vision to provide affordable luxury that meets the evolving needs of Dubai’s residents.”

Oasiz is strategically positioned to appeal to affluent corporate executives and professionals working in the vicinity of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. The towers will rise 37 floors and offer over 30+ amenities, ensuring a lifestyle of comfort and convenience. Residents will enjoy easy access to the Dubai Metro’s upcoming Blue Line, which will connect Dubai Silicon Oasis with other key communities, making it a prime location for both investors and end-users. The Oasiz project is scheduled for completion within 36 months, with delivery expected by December 2027.

New drugs in rectal cancer; that can eliminate need for invasive surgery

Dr. Srigopal Mohanty, Consultant Medical Oncology, HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, Cuttack

 Imagine a future where rectal cancer patients no longer face the daunting prospect of invasive surgery. This future is becoming a reality thanks to groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment. These newer therapies, combining cutting-edge targeted therapies with powerful immunotherapy, are revolutionizing how we approach rectal cancer. By potentially shrinking or even eradicating tumours without the need for traditional surgery, these treatments offer a glimmer of hope for patients and signify a major leap forward in cancer care.

 Rectal cancer, a type of colorectal cancer, occurs in the rectum, the final segment of the large intestine. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can form tumours and may spread to other parts of the body. Common symptoms of rectal cancer include persistent rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort, changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms often prompt individuals to seek medical evaluation, leading to a diagnosis.

 The New Treatment Approaches
These newer treatments combine advanced targeted therapies with cutting-edge immunotherapy. Unlike traditional methods that often necessitate surgical intervention, these approaches aim to shrink or eliminate tumors through non-invasive means.

 1. Targeted Therapies: These therapies are designed to specifically attack cancer cells by targeting particular molecules involved in tumor growth and progression. By focusing on these key molecules, targeted therapies can disrupt the cancer’s ability to proliferate while sparing healthy tissues.
2. Immunotherapy: This approach harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have led to the development of treatments that specifically target rectal cancer cells, enhancing the immune response and improving treatment outcomes.

 Benefits of the New Treatments
1. Reduced Invasiveness: The most significant advantage of these newer approaches is their potential to minimize the need for invasive surgical procedures. This reduction in surgery can lead to shorter recovery periods, fewer complications, and a lower risk of long-term side effects.
2. Personalized Care: Targeted therapies and immunotherapy allow for a personalized treatment approach. By tailoring the therapy to the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer, healthcare providers can enhance treatment efficacy and improve outcomes.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life: Avoiding surgery can greatly enhance a patient’s quality of life. Patients may experience less pain, fewer hospital visits, and a quicker return to daily activities, contributing to a better overall treatment experience.

 Challenges and Future Directions
Despite their promise, these newer treatment approaches face several challenges. Ongoing research is essential to refine treatment protocols, assess long-term effectiveness, and identify any potential side effects. Additionally, access to these treatments may vary depending on healthcare systems and available resources.
Future studies will focus on validating these findings, exploring the treatments’ effectiveness across different patient populations, and integrating these therapies into standard care practices. The aim is to make these revolutionary approaches more widely available and accessible to all patients battling rectal cancer.
The emergence of these newer treatments for rectal cancer represents a significant advancement in cancer care. By potentially eliminating the need for surgery, these approaches offer less invasive, more personalized options with promising results. As research continues, they bring renewed hope to patients and mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against rectal cancer.

CBM India and Schiefflin Institute Launch 3-Year Disability-Inclusive Eye Health Project in Tamil Nadu

Vellore, Tamil Nadu, September 16, 2024: CBM India, a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, has partnered with the Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre to launch a three-year disability-inclusive eye health project in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to provide high-quality eye care services to people from marginalized communities, with a special focus on children and adults with disabilities. The project’s inauguration held at the Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre in Karigiri, was attended by prominent dignitaries including Mr. Sony Thomas (Executive Director, CBM India Trust), Mr. Ravi Ranganathan (Director-Programs, CBM India Trust), Dr. Jerry Joshua (Director, Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre), and Dr. Shirley Chacko (Dy. Director, Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre, and Director, Department of Ophthalmology, Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre).

The disability-inclusive eye health project aims to prevent avoidable visual impairments, including blindness, in marginalized communities. By offering primary eye examinations, building the capacity of key stakeholders, and developing strong referral networks among hospitals, vision centers, and schools, the project seeks to ensure timely access to essential eye care services for all, particularly those who often face barriers to accessing quality eye care. By using a child-to-child and patient-to-patient approach as a key strategy, the project aspires to create a ripple effect where people who have benefited from the program amplify awareness about the importance of eye care and the services available within their communities.

Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust, stated, “We are proud to collaborate on this transformative project, which aligns with CBM India’s mission to ensure quality eye care for all. By emphasizing accessibility and disability inclusion, we are addressing the needs of society’s most marginalized communities. Working together with neighborhood health facilities, schools, and rehabilitation facilities, we hope to bring about long-lasting change and reduce avoidable visual impairments in the Vellore district.”

Beyond providing eye care, the initiative seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to comprehensive support services and opportunities for empowerment. This will be achieved by collaborating with the health, education, and rehabilitation sectors. The project will be implemented over three years starting in September 2024 and concluding in July 2027.

DPS Indirapuram Celebrates Hindi Diwas with Enthusiastic Participation and Engaging Activities

DPS Indirapuram marked Hindi Diwas with a series of enriching activities across all grades, showcasing students’ creativity and enthusiasm for the language. The celebration began with an engaging assembly by Class IV students, who presented a solemn prayer, followed by the ‘Thought of the Day’ and a soulful Hindi Diwas song performed by the school choir. The highlight of the assembly was a presentation by students who dressed up as famous Hindi authors and poets and showcased their contributions to Hindi literature. The assembly concluded with speeches from two students emphasizing the importance of preserving the Hindi language and singing the National Anthem, fostering a sense of unity among the students.

Further, the students from classes VI to X actively participated in a variety of events, including bookmark making, quote writing, collage making of Hindi literature, ad writing, and poster creation. The focus of these activities was to spread awareness of crucial social issues, such as the increasing crimes against women and the need for environmental conservation, helping students connect language with real-world concerns.

Mrs. Priya John, Principal of DPS Indirapuram, expressed pride in the students’ participation, stating, “Our celebration of Hindi Diwas is a testament to the student’s dedication to their cultural heritage. Through these activities, they not only learn to appreciate the beauty of the Hindi language but also understand its relevance in addressing contemporary social and environmental issues. I am truly proud of the way our students embraced the spirit of Hindi Diwas and contributed to making it a meaningful celebration.”

Simplilearn Learning Hub Offers Free Access to Universities to Equip Students With Top Digital Skills

BENGALURU, India, September 17, 2024- Simplilearn, the world’s leading online bootcamp for digital skills, is thrilled to announce that Simplilearn’s Learning Hub is now accessible to all Universities for free. This new initiative highlights Simplilearn’s dedication to enhancing educational accessibility and providing high-quality resources to academic institutions aiming to equip their students with new skills and advance their careers in new-age domains such as cyber security, cloud computing, and GenAI.

The Simplilearn Learning Hub offers extensive features, including over 500 on-demand courses and learning pathways. Once Universities sign up for the learning hub, they can access integrated labs, hands-on projects, and comprehensive assessments and quizzes designed to drive superior learning outcomes, which will, in turn, benefit the future workforce. This array of resources ensures that learners gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of critical digital skills.

This development aligns closely with recent government initiatives to bridge the talent-academia gap and boost employment. The Government of India’s strategic investments are set to empower 4.1 crore youths, fueling their aspirations. Simplilearn’s free Learning Hub complements these efforts by removing financial barriers to education, facilitating higher course completion rates, and enhancing skill retention.

By offering free access to its Learning Hub, Simplilearn reinforces its mission to provide innovative and accessible educational solutions. This initiative empowers Universities to aid students with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their fields and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Simplilearn, said, “Our pedagogy strongly believes in empowering learners with the necessary skills needed to thrive in today’s digital market. We are thrilled to introduce free access to the Learning Hub, a platform crafted to address the dynamic needs of today’s workforce. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s vision of enhancing youth employment and skill development. By extending our essential resources to universities, we can enable learning at scale and address the growing need for continuous upskilling in a rapidly advancing tech era. The platform empowers learners with the tools to win in the competitive market, bringing a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability to the future workforce.”

Experience holistic education at Shrewsbury India, where academics and extracurricular activities go hand-in-hand

On September 16 in Jaipur, Shrewsbury International School India introduced dignitaries and attendees to a 472-year-old legacy of deep learning and holistic education encompassing a seamless blend of world-class academic programs and extracurricular activities. Founded in 1552 by Edward VI by Royal Charter, Shrewsbury School is focused on the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of students.

The institution that boasts illustrious alumni including Sir Charles Darwin will soon offer its distinctive model of whole-person education -Floreat, to Indian students. In 2025, Shrewsbury International School India will open the doors to its vast, 150-acre Bhopal campus encompassing a co-educational boarding school, a 160,000-square-foot academic block, a 40,000-square-foot performing arts school, over 20 sports facilities and a Language Centre offering a selection of European and Indian languages.

While Science and Mathematics will serve as core programs of study, there will be a special emphasis on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In keeping with the Shrewsbury tenets of holistic education, multiple courses in sporting disciplines and the performing arts will be offered. Shrewsbury’s collaboration with Trinity College London will also enable students to pursue international diplomas in dramatics and music. The school will follow the English National Curriculum, leading pupils to undertake Cambridge International IGCSE Examinations in Years 10 and 11. These examinations will qualify the pupils for entry into A Level courses, with final examinations scheduled at the end of Years 12 and 13.

Commenting on what makes Shrewsbury, a pioneering force in global education, Mr. Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Founder and President, Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India, said, “Our pedagogy champions the individual in a thriving and inclusive boarding and day school community. We offer a comprehensive, world-class curriculum and consider the co-curricular life as the ‘second classroom’ where students can explore their passions, be it for design & technology, science or astronomy. Personalised tutoring equips them to enhance their strengths, while a sensitive and responsive ‘house system’ creates a home from home environment for them to blossom in.”

Mr. Dominic Tomalin, the newly appointed Founding Headmaster of Shrewsbury says the Shrewsbury credo is to nurture and motivate each pupil to reach their highest potential, irrespective of ability or aspiration. He adds, “As educators, our goal is to nourish pre-existing passions, ignite new interests, and inculcate ‘soft skills’ of leadership, collaboration, resilience, and perseverance via a rich co-curricular life. Our goal is to not just equip young people with the confidence to face academic challenges but to cultivate their passions, inner virtues, life skills, and character strengths so that they can pursue meaningful, successful and well-rounded lives.”

Nium Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer Appointments

New Delhi– September 16, 2024 – Nium, the global leader in real-time cross-border payments, announced two executive appointments that strengthen its leadership team and underscore the company’s focus on driving efficient and responsible growth.

Andre Mancl joins as Chief Financial Officer. He will oversee all financial strategies for the company and will lead Nium’s global finance organization, including planning, treasury, tax, reporting, corporate development, and investor relations. He will be integral in helping Nium deliver profitable growth and efficiency at scale, while creating value for all Nium shareholders.

Philip Doyle joins as Chief Compliance Officer. He will lead Nium’s global risk and compliance programs, ensuring both evolve and grow as regulatory expectations heighten. Both executives will report to Prajit Nanu, Founder and CEO of Nium, and will join the company’s Executive Committee.

“These two leaders add deep subject matter expertise in their respective fields and complement what is already one of the best leadership teams in global payments,” said Nanu. “We’re in a great position to continue executing on a sustainable growth strategy, elevating our operational performance across all areas of our business, while delivering customer-centric technology innovation. These leaders, together with our colleagues around the world, take us steps closer to achieving a mission of connecting the world’s banks and businesses to the future of real-time, cross-border payments.”

Prior to Nium, Mancl was the Chief Financial Officer at ChowNow, a leading software platform that connects independent restaurants with their diners through a suite of digital products. Before joining ChowNow in 2021, he was a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse. As an Investment Banker, he worked in the Technology Sector for over 15 years and has been involved in tens of billions of dollars of debt, equity, and M&A transactions. During his banking career he advised and executed transactions for companies, such as Lyft, Snap, Ancestry.com, Facebook (Meta), AppLovin, and GoDaddy. Prior to his investment banking career, he served as a distinguished SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter Pilot in the United States Navy, flying missions in various regions and received the Order of the Daedalian for landing a helicopter in distress. He holds an MBA from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC).

“Throughout my career in the technology sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of technology innovation on the global economy,” commented Mancl. “Joining Nium at this pivotal moment is one of the most exciting moments of my career and I’m humbled to be part of such an exceptional team. I look forward to playing a meaningful role in Nium’s next phase of growth.”

Doyle joins Nium with decades of risk and compliance experience, most recently Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for Zepz, one of the world’s leading remittance companies. There he created and led the company’s global compliance program, including standards and best practices for adhering to applicable local and international regulations. Prior to this, Doyle held senior financial crime positions at banks, such as Revolut, Clearbank, and Tandem Bank. A career-long “fraud fighter,” Doyle has also held fraud prevention roles at FICO, SAV Credit Limited, Visa, and Morgan Stanley. He holds an MSc. from the University of Nottingham and a BSc. from the University of Sussex.

“Payments is built on the trust we earn from the banks and businesses we serve,” said Doyle. “There could not be a better time to start my journey with Nium with so much investment going into expanding our compliance programs to be best-in-class.”