Author: Rabindra

BC Jindal Group Acquires Hyderabad Football Club

Mumbai, 2 September 2024: Jindal Football, under the ambit of the BC Jindal Group, one among India’s leading business houses, announces the acquisition of the sporting license of Indian Super League (ISL) team Hyderabad FC. This acquisition marks the BC Jindal Group’s first venture into the Indian sports ecosystem with the group’s overall focus on raising the aspirational value of sports in India, and providing a platform for young Indian talents to develop and compete at the global level.

Hyderabad FC, affectionately known as the Nawabs, is gearing up for the upcoming 2024-25 ISL season. Their campaign kicks off with an away match against Bengaluru FC on September 19, 2024. As ISL enters its 11th season, the league continues to stand as India’s premier football competition, dedicated to raising the standard of Indian football to international levels.

Founded on August 27, 2019, Hyderabad FC quickly made its mark by clinching the ISL title in the 2021-22 season, triumphing over Kerala Blasters in a thrilling final. The club plays its home games at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium, located in the vibrant Hyderabad suburb of Gachibowli.

“With a population of 1.4 billion, India is a sleeping giant in the world of football. Our venture into the sport with Hyderabad FC is driven by a desire to uncover and address the obstacles facing Indian football. Our goal is to nurture home-grown talent and foster the growth of this beautiful game in India. We envision a future where Indian players compete at the highest international levels, and we dream of the day when India participates in the FIFA World Cup finals. This is the vision guiding our efforts in Indian football,” said a Hyderabad FC spokesperson on behalf of the new ownership.

Children’s brain tumours could be diagnosed with 10 minute scan

Newcastle University’s research has shown that children with the most common form of brain cancer could benefit from reduced diagnostic wait times, thanks to a new trial that offers a faster and less invasive method for determining tumor type.

In a groundbreaking study, published in eBioMedicine, a team of researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Birmingham, have discovered a new trial that offers a faster and less invasive method for determining tumor type in children with brain cancer, therefore reducing the diagnostic wait time. The research was funded by the Children with Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK.

Transforming Treatment Approaches

The research involved analyzing cell samples from 86 tumors, using a laboratory test to accurately identify metabolic markers, including chemicals specific to various tumor groups. The study also confirmed earlier research showing that glutamate, a metabolite found across all tumor cells, is closely linked to tumor prognosis.

Importantly, this research could lead to the use of MRI scanning combined with machine learning to assess medulloblastomas based on their unique metabolic profiles, potentially eliminating the need for invasive biopsies and significantly reducing the current 3-4 week wait from initial presentation to full diagnosis.

Professor Steve Clifford, Director of the Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, who co-led the study, said: “Providing a rapid diagnosis using innovative scanning and Artificial Intelligence techniques has the potential to revolutionise patient management, allowing early non-invasive diagnosis, tailoring of treatment decisions and reducing the period of uncertainty for patients and parents while awaiting a full diagnosis.

“Further, our biological findings provide critical new insights into the metabolism underpinning these tumours, and the potential to exploit these therapeutically.”

Jack Bourne, Age Six

These findings could be life-changing for children like Jack Bourne, who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma at the age of six in March 2023.

Jack’s father, Tom, shared their story: “We’ve been through 13 months of treatment but six weeks of that was just waiting to find out what type of tumour he had. We were so scared.”

Jack began experiencing sickness and headaches shortly after starting school, which doctors initially attributed to possible separation anxiety or vertigo. However, when his parents, Tom and Suzanna, noticed he was struggling to walk, they sought a second opinion, leading to an immediate hospital referral.

“When they told me the results of the MRI scan, I didn’t know what to feel,” said Tom. “As we were trying to digest everything, they were asking us to sign consent forms because they wanted to operate first thing the next morning. You’re reading these forms and all you see is – he might not make it out alive. It’s heartbreaking, it really is.”

Jack survived a 10-hour surgery to remove the tumor, but it took over four weeks for doctors to determine the exact type of medulloblastoma so they could treat it effectively.

Tom emphasized the importance of research in improving diagnosis: “The research that’s going into diagnosing tumours is really important. In Jack’s case there was quite a delay while they sent his tumour to Great Ormond Street to be analysed. During that time Jack was given some chemo just to start things off because they just wanted to do something rather than just wait. But all you want is for your child to be given the best possible treatment right from the start.”

Enhancing Outcomes

Medulloblastoma is the second most common brain tumor in children and the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Each year, around 52 children in the UK are diagnosed with this cancer, though it is rare in adults.

Christiana Ogunbote, Head of Research at Children with Cancer UK, stated: “We are incredibly proud to help fund this innovative medulloblastoma research and are excited to see how it could change the experiences of children diagnosed with this disease and their families. Discovering new ways to improve outcomes for children with cancer is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve. Through continued ahannah.churchill@alzheimers.org.uknd sustained investments in research we look forward to a day where every child can survive their cancer diagnosis.”

Dr. Laura Danielson, Children’s and Young People’s Research Lead at Cancer Research UK, added: “Developing quicker, less invasive ways to accurately diagnose the different types of medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumour in children, is a crucial step in improving outcomes for young patients. This important study has identified a new way to distinguish between the four subgroups of medulloblastoma. This discovery paved the way for the development of simple imaging tests that could quickly and accurately diagnose the different types of medulloblastoma. This kind of discovery research is important to drive new and improved ways to detect better and treat cancers affecting children and young people.”

Turkish Airlines Completes Financing of Two Airbus A350 Aircraft in Swiss Franc with KfW IPEX-Bank

Bengaluru, 2 September 2024: Turkish Airlines, flying to more international destinations than any other airline, continues to expand its fleet with new aircraft acquisitions. Reaffirming its leading position time and again in this regard, the national flag carrier has completed another unique financing transaction.

Two new-generation Airbus A350 aircraft that joined the flag carrier’s fleet in August 2024 are financed in Swiss Franc by KfW IPEX-Bank under the guarantee of European Export Credit Agencies. This unique transaction showcases Turkish Airlines’ ability to diversify and extend its financier base geographically as well as demonstrates a strong financial management approach to take advantage of cost efficiency while minimizing currency risks.

Commenting on the closing of this transaction, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Financial Officer and Member of the Board and the Executive Committee, Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker stated; “This landmark deal between Turkish Airlines and KfW IPEX-Bank reaffirms our commitment to long-term sustainability goals by modernizing our fleet with new-generation aircraft. We are pleased to strengthen our cooperation with KfW IPEX-Bank through this CHF currency transaction, which aligns with our diversification strategies in aircraft financing. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with KfW IPEX-Bank.”

Sebastian Blum, Global Head of Mobility at KfW IPEX-Bank expressed that “We are happy to continue and strengthen the long-lasting relationship with our customer Turkish Airlines. Supporting our client’s fleet modernization fits very well with our ambition to contribute to the transformation in mobility in Europe and worldwide.”

Equipped with the most fuel-efficient engines, the modern Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft form an important part of Turkish Airlines’ core long-haul fleet.

Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier of Türkiye, flies to more countries than any other airline and ranks among the ten largest airlines globally. The global brand has recently signed a significant purchase agreement with Airbus for 355 aircraft, positioning Turkish Airlines for one of the largest fleet expansions in the coming years.

Mall of Faridabad’s Science Fest Shines with Hands-On Robotics and Space Science for Kids

The Science Fest at the Mall of Faridabad was a great success. This event featured engaging workshops and experiments centred around Robotics and Space Science.

The mall organized activities like Breadboard Circuits, Sensational Sensors, Block Electronics, Mechatronics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In the Space Science section, children had an amazing opportunity to explore cosmic Scales, Rocket Launches, Stellar Cartography, Sensors in Space, and Space Mechanics.

Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director, Pacific Group, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are proud of the turnout and the excitement generated by our first Science Fest. It was incredible to see so many children actively engaging with robotics and space science. Our goal was to make learning fun and accessible, and this event has truly showcased the joy of scientific discovery.”

The event was free for all, allowing all children aged 7 and above, from grades 3 to 8, to participate and explore fascinating facts about space and technology.

The event offered an engaging and enjoyable learning experience in an outdoor environment. The hands-on experiments are designed to spark an interest in complex subjects while ensuring the weekend is filled with fun for children. It serves as an excellent activity for kids to combine education with enjoyment.

Kate Spade NY Unveils Fall 2024 Campaign with Taraji P. Henson, Nicola Coughlan & Marsai Martin Ahead of NYFW

Mumbai, India (September 2, 2024) — On September 3, 2024, kate spade new york will debut its Fall 2024 brand campaign featuring actresses Taraji P. Henson (“The Color Purple,” “Fight Night”), Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), and Marsai Martin (“Black-ish,” “G20”), who join the brand in unveiling its Fall 2024 collection, including the relaunch of the signature Spade Flower Jacquard assortment. Shortly following the campaign launch, on September 5, the brand will premiere a short film featuring Henson, Coughlan and Martin to introduce a new Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health, a social impact initiative focused on cultivating greater access to joy by advocating for and investing in mental health solutions for women around the globe.

“For over 30 years, kate spade new york has been known for a fresh, modern sensibility, a spirited approach and playful wit – inviting everyone to seek the extraordinary in the everyday,” says Jennifer Lyu, SVP and Head of Design at kate spade new york. “We have always had a passion for sharing a colorful world, and this approach still shapes all that we are today. We are a brand with a universal language of joy, optimism and enduring style, and a customer who has historically felt deeply connected to this.”

Lyu continued, “At kate spade, we believe in expressing joy through style that goes beyond what you’re wearing, one that continues to spark conversation and inspire you, and those around you, every day. And while joy is something universal, it is also so personal. We are thrilled to partner with Taraji, Nicola and Marsai—three bold, powerful, dynamic women—as we unveil our Fall 2024 campaign. We’re also honored to feature them in a short film as we kick off our brand’s new Global Fund for Women’s Mental Health. The film explores the intersection between joy and mental health through the perspectives of each woman, and we’re excited to premiere the film during New York Fashion Week at our third annual Global Summit on Women’s Mental Health.”

Taraji P. Henson shared, “I’ve long admired the unique spirit of kate spade new york. The soul of the brand is rooted in creativity, style and optimism. There is a feeling of joy you have when you wear the brand. I’m proud of the incredible journey I’ve been on with kate spade new york over the years to shine a light on the importance of pursuing your personal joy. As women, we take care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves. And my wish for all women is to please carve out that intentional space – pour that same energy into yourself.”

“I’m so proud and honoured to team up with kate spade new york on this beautiful campaign, which has such an important message at its core. When I wrapped Season One of ‘Bridgerton,’ my gift to myself was a bag from kate spade new york – which I still treasure – so to be part of this campaign feels like such a special moment,” said Nicola Coughlan. “Life is precious and passes so quickly. So, I make sure to take in the moments of joy as deeply as I can, as I know they’re the memories that make life worth living.”

“I’ve always been drawn to the optimistic nature of kate spade new york. There’s a purity to their design approach – it is playful yet sophisticated, and has this authentic, clever wit.” said Marsai Martin. “In working with the brand alongside Taraji and Nicola, I’ve been reminded about the importance of tending to yourself, seeking your own joy, and finding the resources that ground you each day. The brand has built a beautiful community around the idea that there is a deeper meaning to joy, and that it looks different for everyone.”

The kate spade new york Fall 2024 collection embraces the spirit of the season and the endless possibilities it holds. Classic prints and proportions, heritage details and tried-and-true brand codes are reimagined in completely new ways – with the brand’s signature charm turned all the way up. The brand’s Spade Flower Jacquard handbag group is inspired by its most iconic brand identifier, the spade. The pattern has become a staple of kate spade new york’s handbag assortment. In a continuation of its long-term partnership with world-renowned Italian luxury textile mill Limonta, kate spade new york has created a new luxe jacquard fabrication – now interpreted with more depth and dimension than ever before.

Kärcher India Teams with Mumbai Municipalities to Boost Road Cleanliness with ISAL Machines

India, 02nd September 2024- Kärcher India, a leader in German-engineered cleaning technology, is proud to announce a successful collaboration with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for deploying its cutting-edge ISAL machines. Launched on July 17th, this initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing urban cleanliness across key routes like Palm Beach Road and Vashi Road.

Founded in 1935, Kärcher has a rich history of innovation in cleaning solutions. The ISAL machines, renowned for their efficiency and advanced features, represent the pinnacle of this legacy. These state-of-the-art machines have been meticulously deployed to maintain the cleanliness of Mumbai’s busiest roads, offering a ground-breaking solution to the city’s cleaning challenges.

This partnership marks a significant breakthrough for Mumbai Municipalities, as the ISAL machines offer unparalleled efficiency, time-saving benefits, and easy disposal of collected waste. The machines’ ability to perform high-speed cleaning, handle large debris with ease, and operate in an eco-friendly manner has been instrumental in transforming road maintenance practices. Additionally, 8 operators have been specially trained to ensure the effective and smooth operation of these machines, further enhancing the success of the initiative.

“We are delighted to see the positive impact of our ISAL machines in Mumbai,” says Mr. Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director of Kärcher India. “This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to providing innovative and efficient solutions that contribute to the cleanliness and well-being of urban environments. The collaboration with Mumbai Municipalities has been instrumental in the success of this project, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance the quality of life in cities across India.”

“The ISAL machines have proven to be a game-changer in our efforts to maintain clean and hygienic roads in Mumbai. Their efficiency, coupled with Kärcher’s expertise, has significantly improved our city’s overall cleanliness. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to providing a better quality of life for our citizens.” says Mr. Shirish Aradwad, City Engineer, Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport.

The seamless collaboration with local authorities has been a cornerstone of this initiative’s success. The integration of the ISAL machines into Mumbai’s infrastructure is a testament to the strong partnership between Kärcher India and the city’s municipalities, highlighting their shared commitment to maintaining cleaner, healthier urban environments.

IILM University, Gurugram Celebrates Convocation Ceremony for MBA Class of 2024

Gurugram, September 2, 2024: IILM University, Gurugram, one of the prestigious educational institutions in the country, commemorated the achievements and milestones of its graduates in the convocation ceremony for the MBA class of 2024.

The event was marked by inspiring speeches, the conferral of degrees, and the honouring of exceptional accomplishments.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome by Dr. Latha Krishnan, Dean, PG Programs, IILM University, Gurugram, who underlined the significance of contributing to society and defined success as a journey, not a destination.

The occasion witnessed the presence of numerous eminent dignitaries including Mr. Prashant Tripathy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Max Life Insurance, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

In his keynote address, Mr. Tripathy shared his personal journey and the importance of continuous learning. Congratulating the MBA class of 2024, he advised the young graduates to focus on their unique paths, develop leadership qualities, and emphasise soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

”Grasp the fundamentals of your business, including revenue streams, and strive for commercial leadership regardless of your role. Integrate various business aspects to become well-rounded professionals, excelling in your core work while continually learning. Remember, continuous learning, trust, and constructive feedback are key to your success,” said Mr. Prashant Tripathy.

Besides the conferring of degrees, the ceremony also witnessed the graduates taking a solemn pledge to uphold the standards and values of IILM University.

”Our graduates have showcased unparalleled dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence. Iam confident that they will continue to uphold the values of IILM University and evolve into future leaders, driving positive change in society. Congratulations to each one of you on this remarkable milestone,” said Dr. S Y Quraishi Chancellor, IILM University, Gurugram.

Echoing his views, Prof. (Dr) Padmakali Banerjee Vice Chancellor, IILM University, Gurugram said, ‘’As you embark on your distinctive career journeys, the knowledge and skills acquired at IILM University will serve as a strong foundation for your future endeavours. We are proud of your achievements and encourage you to strive for brilliance in all your pursuits.’’

Recognising the triumphs of students for exceptional excellence, Ms. Gayatri Ram received the Academic Excellence Award while Ms. Palak Mangatani was presented with the Overall Excellence Award.

“I am extremely grateful for the relentless support of my parents, professors, and peers throughout my academic journey at IILM. This transformative experience has shaped me into the person I am today and will carry forward the values and knowledge I have gained into my future endeavours,” said Ms. Gayatri Ram.

Speaking in a similar tone, Ms. Palak Mangatani shared her delight, stating,” This award reflects the unique blend of academic rigour and co-curricular activities at IILM University. I owe my success to the holistic support offered by the faculty and committed to making a positive impact in society.”

The event also honoured the recipients of the Best Industry Internship Project Award, Palak Mangatani and Shraban Sarkar, and honoured distinguished alumni, Mr. Vishal Kapoor and Mr. Satyaveer Paul, for their substantial contributions and achievements.

The MBA program at IILM University aligns with the directives of National Education Policy 2020, highlighting interdisciplinarity and skill development. The program encompasses industrial visits, certifications, leadership series, and various co-curricular activities, ensuring the 360-degree development of students.

In addition, the university’s incubator offers co-working space, mentorship, and funding to support the innovative ideas of students. The extensive Alumni network of the institution contributes to the university ecosystem via guest lectures, training sessions, mentoring, and active participation in festivals and alumni meets.

Digi eRelease Celebrates One Year of Empowering Diverse Sectors with Innovative Communication Solutions

New Delhi, 2nd September 2024– Digi eRelease, a dynamic PR and Digital Communication agency, proudly celebrates its first anniversary, marking a year of delivering cutting-edge communication solutions across a variety of industries. From its tech-centric beginnings, Digi eRelease has evolved to serve key sectors including Electric Vehicles (EV), Education, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI), and Lifestyle.
In its inaugural year, Digi eRelease has successfully expanded its service offerings, providing tailored PR and marketing strategies that meet clients’ unique needs across these diverse verticals. The agency’s commitment to innovation and excellence has positioned it as a versatile partner for businesses seeking to enhance their brand visibility, engage target audiences, and achieve strategic growth.

 Digi eRelease’s ability to adapt and thrive in various sectors reflects its dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and leveraging cutting-edge technologies. By offering specialized services in EV, Education, CSR, BFSI, and Lifestyle, the agency has demonstrated its capability to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful results.

 “We are thrilled to celebrate our first anniversary and look back on a year of tremendous growth and diversification,” said Sukanti Krishnapriya Nair, Founder of Digi eRelease. “”We are thrilled to celebrate our first anniversary and reflect on the growth and achievements of Digi eRelease. Our success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our team. Together, we have been able to deliver exceptional results for our clients. We look forward to continuing this journey and exploring new opportunities to empower businesses.”

 As Digi eRelease looks to the future, the agency remains focused on advancing its capabilities and exploring new growth opportunities. Plans for the coming year include further expanding its sector-specific expertise, enhancing digital solutions, and forging new partnerships to continue delivering exceptional value to its clients.

Pernod Ricard becomes official partner of Paris Saint-Germain

India, 02 September 2024: Pernod Ricard is announcing its official partnership with Paris Saint-Germain. This new global partnership, the first of its kind for Pernod Ricard, will feature the entire portfolio of the Group’s premium brands. The four-year agreement is set to begin this 24/25 season and will span across PSG’s professional teams; men’s and women’s football as official partner and handball, as an official provider.

For over a decade, Pernod Ricard has been an official provider of wine and spirits of PSG’s hospitality program. Counting more than 218 million followers worldwide, PSG is a global club and iconic brand, ranked at the 3rd position in Deloitte’s Money League. Pernod Ricard now becomes a worldwide official partner and will now be the sole champagne and spirits provider of the club, with dedicated visibility and communications rights* as well as bespoke experiences*.

With this partnership, two globally recognized, iconic brands come together, united in their mission to celebrate victories, sportsmanship and human connections. Together, they will create sophisticated, on-the-ground experiences that embody the elegance and shared successes cherished by all PSG enthusiasts. By combining their values and their strengths, these two leading brands will amplify the essence of French savoir-faire and culture at global scale.

For Philippe GUETTAT, EVP Global Brands at Pernod Ricard, “In recent weeks the whole world has observed how sport is about audacity, passion, and coming together; values that fully resonate with Pernod Ricard’s purpose of being Créateurs de Convivialité. Through this partnership with Paris Saint-Germain, we want to celebrate the beauty of togetherness and achievement, through the magic of sport. We will be cheering on PSG and their great ambitions for the upcoming seasons.

Nicola IBBETSON, Director of Partnerships and Sponsorships at Paris Saint-Germain, said: “We are delighted to collaborate with Pernod Ricard, a prestigious partner that embodies the same passion for excellence, conviviality, and elegance as Paris Saint-Germain. This partnership is a perfect synergy, where each brand enhances the other, and together, we will elevate the PSG and Pernod Ricard experience to new heights on the international stage.”