16, Nov 2024
From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Navigating the Epilepsy Journey
By – Dr. Ravi Kumar CP, Consultant – Pediatric Neurology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders affecting approximately 1 in 100 people in India. Characterized by recurrent seizures, which result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can vary in type and severity, and their unpredictability can significantly impact the daily life and well-being of those affected. Despite its prevalence, epilepsy remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood in many parts of the world. Through increased awareness, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle changes, individuals with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of epilepsy is seizures, but their nature can vary greatly.
• Focal Seizures: These originate in one area of the brain. They can be further divided into simple partial seizures (where consciousness is preserved) and complex partial seizures (where consciousness is impaired). Symptoms may include unusual sensations, changes in perception, or involuntary movements.
• Generalized Seizures: These involve both sides of the brain. The most common type of generalized seizure is the tonic-clonic seizure (formerly known as grand mal), which involves loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity, and rhythmic jerking movements. Other generalized seizures include absence seizures (brief lapses in consciousness), atonic seizures (sudden loss of muscle strength), and myoclonic seizures (sudden, brief jerks of the body).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of epilepsy typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialized tests. The most common diagnostic tool is an electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures the brain’s electrical activity. The EEG can detect abnormal patterns that indicate epilepsy, especially during or after a seizure. Additional tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans, may be conducted to rule out structural abnormalities in the brain or other underlying conditions that could contribute to seizure activity.
In some cases, blood tests may be performed to check for metabolic or genetic factors, infections, or other medical conditions that could trigger seizures. A detailed assessment by a neurologist is critical to differentiate epilepsy from other conditions that may mimic seizure-like symptoms.
Management & Prevention
In recent years, dietary strategies have emerged as a conventional treatment, particularly for individuals whose seizures are difficult to control with medication. The two most commonly studied dietary approaches are the ketogenic diet and the low glycemic index treatment.
Ketogenic Diet: The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to reduce seizures in some people with epilepsy. On a ketogenic diet, the majority of your calories come from fats (about 70-80%), with a moderate amount of protein (around 20-25%), and very few carbohydrates (only about 5-10%).
• Fats: This includes foods like meat, fish, butter, oils, avocados, and nuts.
• Proteins: Foods like eggs, cheese, and meats like chicken, beef, and fish are common.
• Carbohydrates: You avoid or eat very small amounts of high-carb foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, sugary snacks, and most fruits.
Low Glycemic Index Diet: The Low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet is an eating plan that focuses on choosing foods that cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels. The idea is to eat foods that are digested more slowly, helping to keep blood sugar levels steady rather than causing sharp spikes and crashes.
• High-GI foods (like white bread, sugary snacks, and sodas) cause a quick spike in blood sugar because they break down quickly into sugar.
• Low-GI foods (like whole grains, legumes, and most vegetables) break down more slowly and lead to a gradual rise in blood sugar.
Treatment
Epilepsy treatment focuses on controlling seizures and improving the quality of life for the patient. The approach typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
• Medications: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most common treatment for epilepsy. These medications help to regulate the brain’s electrical activity and prevent seizures. It may take time to find the right medication and dosage for each individual, and some patients may experience side effects that require adjustments to their treatment plan.
• Surgery: For patients who do not respond to medications, surgical options may be considered. Surgery involves removing the part of the brain responsible for seizure activity. In some cases, a procedure called vagus nerve stimulation or deep brain stimulation may be used to help control seizures.
Despite the significant advances in understanding and treating epilepsy, there remains a widespread lack of awareness about the condition. Raising awareness is crucial to improving the lives of people and by enhancing access to effective treatments.
A multi-faceted plan of action should also include better integration of dietary therapies, holistic approaches, and individualized care to address the diverse needs of individuals living with epilepsy. By fostering a deeper understanding of epilepsy and promoting timely intervention, we can ensure that those affected by this disorder lead healthier, more empowered lives.
- 0
- By Rabindra
15, Nov 2024
Grand Opening of Tri-Dia Jewellery Store in Seshadripuram Inaugurated by Actress Aditi Prabhudev and Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao
Bengaluru, November 16: Trilokesh Gems and Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., a distinguished name in diamond jewellery manufacturing, proudly unveiled its flagship store *Tri-Dia at Nehru Circle, Seshadripuram, on Friday. The grand launch was marked by the presence of acclaimed actress Aditi Prabhudev and Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, who inaugurated the store and showcased its exquisite diamond collections.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Rao expressed confidence that *Tri-Dia would elevate Bengaluru’s jewellery industry to new heights, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious experiences.
Actress Aditi Prabhudev shared her excitement at the launch, said, “Diamonds are timeless treasures, and the collections at Tri-Dia are truly breathtaking. This store combines elegance and innovation with a commitment to sustainability, making it a perfect destination for anyone seeking luxury with a conscience.”
Renowned for its fusion of exceptional design, elegance, and environmental responsibility, Tri-Dia sets a benchmark in innovative jewellery. The store presents a curated collection ideal for auspicious occasions such as weddings, embodying a blend of luxury and conscious values.
Located in the heart of Bengaluru, Tri-Dia offers an exclusive range of diamond jewellery under its flagship banner “Be Royal.” The boutique showcases premium collections, including Eternal Vows, Majestic Moments, Luxury Solitaire, Noble Affairs, and Royal’s Essentials, catering to both bridal and everyday needs.
Prashant J. Mehta, Co-Founder of the Fortune 500 company, Director of the Jewellery Promotion Council of India, and Chairman of Trilokesh Gems and Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. (TGJPL), highlighted the uniqueness of *Tri-Dia. “We aim to redefine luxury jewellery shopping with designs that combine elegance, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Each piece reflects uncompromising quality and craftsmanship, celebrating life’s milestones while honoring sustainability and integrity.”
Tri-Dia processes ethically sourced diamonds to offer customers jewellery of the highest standard. Every piece is a tribute to cherished moments, loved ones, and personal achievements, crafted with social and environmental consciousness.
Avani Mehta, Director of Trilokesh Gems and Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., joined the inauguration alongside MLAs Uday Garudachar, Ravi Subrahmanya, and other dignitaries.
15, Nov 2024
VST Tillers Tractors Showcased 30 HP tractor with Stage V Emission Norms Engine at EIMA International Exhibition in Italy
VST Tillers Tractors, one of the leading manufacturers of farm equipment in India, showcased its technologically superior 30HP Tractor with Stage-V Emission Norms at the recently concluded EIMA International Exhibition in Bologna, Italy
Leveraging its R&D capabilities this tractor is engineered to meet the stringent emission standards set by the European Union, ensuring a significant reduction in harmful pollutants without compromising on performance. The key features of the Stage 5 Japanese engine includes the integration of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC). These components work in harmony to minimize particulate matter (PM), Nox, and CO emissions, effectively meeting the toughest pollution norms and making the tractor not only environmentally friendly but also more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.
VST Tillers Tractors reiterates its commitment to sustainable and frugal engineering and is set to enhance its R&D (research and development) capabilities by establishing a global tech center in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Expanding its presence in over 40 countries, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. VST has recently incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary, VST Americas Inc., in the US, to address the needs of the North American market in the tractor and farm machinery segment.
At EIMA, VST displayed its tractors ranging from 18HP to 30HP including the VST FIELDTRAC 927, 929, and the new 30 HP Stage V model in VST FIELDTRAC Brand.
EIMA International is the International Exhibition of Agricultural and Gardening Machinery, a biennial event promoted since 1969 by the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, and organized by the Federation’s service company, FederUnacoma Surl, in cooperation with BolognaFiere. The event, attended by manufacturing companies from every continent and showing cutting-edge technologies on a global level, is held at the fairground in Bologna covering an exhibition area of 375,000 m², 122,000 m² net. Each edition hosts some 1,700 companies from 42 countries exhibiting more than 60,000 models of machinery and equipment for all types of agricultural or green activities for every business model.
VST Tillers Tractors Limited is India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer. VST was established in the year 1967 by the VST Group of companies. With a legacy of more than 55 years, VST continues to drive farm mechanization and empowerment of Indian farmers. The organization is the largest Indian manufacturer of Tillers, and 4WD Compact Tractors, and amongst the leading producers of the other category of Tractors, Engines, Transmission, Power Reaper, and Precision Components. VST also exports products to European, Asian, and African markets.
15, Nov 2024
Nutrela announces Shilpa Shetty as its new Brand ambassador
National, Nov 15th, 2024: Nutrela, a household name in Soya Nuggets, today announced Bollywood actor and wellness advocate Shilpa Shetty as its new brand ambassador. The brand with nearly four decades of trust in the Indian market, offers a wide range of Soya Nuggets. Nutrela chunks, mini chunks, and granules that come in various pack sizes are made from premium-quality soya. Shilpa, an actor, entrepreneur, fitness icon and an advocate for balanced living embodies Nutrela’s core values of health and nutrition. The collaboration highlights Nutrela’s versatility, showcasing its range of dishes as the ideal choice for Nutritious Lifestyle.
Speaking about the association, Mr. Sanjeev Asthana, CEO of Patanjali Foods Ltd., said, “Shilpa Shetty is a leading figure in health and wellness in India. Our brand ethos are perfectly aligned with Shilpa’s, making her the ideal face for Nutrela. Her deep-rooted passion for wellness complements our commitment to promoting a balanced, protein-rich diet. Shilpa’s influence will further elevate Nutrela’s mission, inspiring millions to embrace Nutrela Soya Nuggets as a vital part of their wholesome diet.”
Commenting on her partnership with Nutrela, Shilpa stated, “I am thrilled to join Nutrela’s remarkable journey. I believe Nutrela Soya Nuggets is an exceptional, protein-rich food that is not only nutritious but delicious too. I resonate with brand’s commitment of promoting a nutritious lifestyle and making a positive impact on Indian households.”
TVC ft. Shilpa Shetty : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzTDNtzPrqs
Nutrela demonstrates that healthy eating can be both simple and tasty. With Shilpa on board, Nutrela is set to roll out an array of campaigns, recipes, and engaging content across platforms such as Digital, Print, TV, Online, and Outdoor Media.
14, Nov 2024
Vikas Chawla is The Outstanding Leader of the Year at the FICCI Young Leadership Awards 2024
Chennai, India – Thursday, 14th November 2024 — Social Beat announced today that Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder, has been recognized as The Outstanding Leader of the Year for 2024 by the FICCI Young Leadership Awards 2024 jury. This is in acknowledgment of Vikas’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and transformative impact in the digital marketing space.
Vikas Chawla simultaneously manages three successful agencies—Social Beat, Influencer.in, and D2Scale—with a collective team of over 300 members. Under his exemplary leadership, the agencies have thrived, despite challenges and hurdles, delivering consistent growth and success for a wide array of clients.
Reflecting on his experience over the last decade, Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder, of Social Beat said,“Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present. You don’t need to have all the answers, having confidence in your team makes a world of difference. Every step—from making tough decisions to navigating sleepless nights—demands resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment. My role is to support the team, inspire them, and foster a collaborative environment that enables collective success.”
This achievement celebrates Vikas’s leading by example and cultivating an environment where each team member can thrive. He has consistently driven results and positively impacted clients and colleagues by fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, creativity, and teamwork.
About Social Beat:
Founded in 2012, Social Beat is a digital growth partner, enabling brands to rise to the impossible. They drive business outcomes with a 300+ strong team of digital experts across Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, and Chennai. They are India’s fastest-growing independent digital marketing solutions company and manage 4% of digital media investment in India.
Social Beat is a Google Premier Partner, and Meta Business Partner and works closely with ecosystem partners like Amazon, Hotstar, Salesforce & LinkedIn. D2Scale is their center of excellence for commerce & omni channels brands to drive growth via D2C & Marketplaces. Influencer.in is their creator economy product driving discovery and real-time reporting of impactful influencer marketing campaigns.
They work as extended growth teams with leading brands like Bharat Matrimony, Adani Wilmar, Jaquar, Indian Terrain, Samsonite, Mankind Pharma, Kalpataru Group, Go Colors, Mahindra Finance, JK Cement, Sundaram Mutual, Khazana Jewellery and with hyperscaling startups including boAt, Niyo, Gamezy, A23 Games, EaseMyTrip, Kapiva, Drools and Sukoon Health on driving business outcomes through a combination of creativity and performance.
12, Nov 2024
Udai Omni Hospital turns 50
Hyderabad, November 12th, 2024…..UDAI OMNI Hospital Turns 50. It celebrates the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. A small Clinic started in the by-lanes of King Koti by Dr Ved Prakash in 1974 now becomes a 150 bedded hospital.
Addressing a press conference on this milestone achievement the 91-year-old Dr Ved Prakash, founder of the hospital said the erstwhile Udai Clinic, an orthopaedic hospital is now a multi-speciality hospital. It played an instrumental role in the development of specialist healthcare in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
Among its most notable accomplishments, the hospital performs over 250 (two hundred and fifty) surgeries per month, while treating over 1 (one) lakh outpatients per year.
Dr Ved Prakash who is now 91 years old still practices, at least two hours a day. He is probably the oldest practicing doctor in India.
Dr Ved Prakash has a medical practice spanning over 60 years. A specialist in Orthopaedic and General Surgery. He was the President AP State Chapter of the Indian Orthopaedic Association. He is now supervising or performing over 500 surgeries a year at UDAI OMNI Clinic.
The real god for us is the patient in our hospital and not doctors, Dr Ved Prakash said. We try to avoid surgeries as much as possible, he added. Life’s aim shouldn’t be just to make money. A hospital is not a means to make money. Serve with care, he added.
We are the most ethical hospital. No one can be more ethical than us said Dr Raghava Dutt Mulukutla, Chief of Spine Surgery. Doctors are not gods. They are human beings. Please do take a second opinion. It is your fundamental right, he said.
Speaking about spine surgery in India, Dr Raghava Dutt Mulukutla, Director and Chief of Spine Surgery at Udai Omni Hospital and Apollo Health City who in last served as the President of the Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) and the Orthopaedic Association of South Indian States (OASIS) said Indian Spine Surgery reached great heights. We have 400 spine surgeons in India which is very good, he said.
Replying to a question if they had any expansion plans, Dr Udai Prakash – Joint Replacement Surgeon and Sports Injury Specialist, the son of Dr Ved Prakash said that they don’t have any such expansion plans.
Dr Raghava Dutt said the best of the best hospitals in the world remain as single units and we don’t believe in expansion and dilution of services. It is better to have a world-class than expand and dilute he said
Good surgeon not who operates well but the one who knows how not to operate but treats and offers relief, they added. Surgery has to be the last option. We do partial knee replacement so there is no need to replace the knee fully. Certain conditions can be treated with a partial replacement, Dr Udai Prakash said.
Udai Clinic joined hands with Incor’s Omni Group of Hospitals in the recent past he shared.
Dr Dutt’s work is now featured in an IIT medical study. Contributing its fair share to the development of medical tourism in the city, the hospital treated patients from all over the country as, well as international patients hailing from Somalia, Yemen, Sudan, Kenya, Iraq, UAE, USA, Australia, and many other territories.
5, Nov 2024
Empowering Lives through Innovation: OPAI Advocates for Policy Recognition of Prosthetics and Orthotics in India
New Delhi, November 5th, 2024: On International Prosthetics and Orthotics Day, the Delhi Chapter of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Association of India (OPAI) hosted a 1-Day Conclave at Hindi Bhawan to emphasize the transformative role of prosthetics and orthotics in empowering people with disabilities. The event advocated for stronger policy-level recognition of prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) expertise in government decision-making, including in the Paralympic selection process.
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, highlighted the importance of reliable data for understanding disabilities in India, noting that over 95% of registered cases involve 40% or more disability, as per UDID data. “The government is making district-wise data on 21 types of disabilities available for public use, helping drive informed solutions,” he shared. Mr. Aggarwal also outlined efforts to streamline assistive technology distribution, aiming to reduce prosthetic fitment time from 45 days to just 7 days, and to ensure that services are accessible within 100 km for all individuals. He further added, “With India expressing formal interest to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2036, there is an even greater need to enhance our support systems for para-athletes and bring advanced prosthetic and orthotic care to the forefront.”
Shri Agendra Kumar, Secretary of OPAI Delhi Chapter and Organizing Secretary for IPOD 2024, underscored the need for policy inclusion, stating, “Our professionals play a crucial role in the lives of those they serve. Policy support is essential to our mission of making rehabilitation and mobility accessible to all. There is an urgent need for the insurance sector to include prosthetic and orthotic services, and P&O professionals must be involved at all levels of para-sports.”
Shri Rajesh Das, President of OPAI Delhi, added, “Our work in prosthetics and orthotics restores dignity and independence. With strong government policies and affordable ‘Make in India’ solutions, we can ensure everyone has access to essential care. Together, we are transforming lives.”
Shambhu Kumar Yadav, Vice President of OPAI Delhi, echoed the sentiment: “Prosthetic and orthotic professionals are essential to India’s healthcare framework. Their work empowers individuals and brings dignity through mobility.”
Treasurer Shri Tapas Behera noted, “IPOD 2024 shines a light on the critical role P&O professionals play. By integrating these services into government schemes, we can expand our reach and impact.”
Dr. M C Das National President of OPAI, remarked, “IPOD 2024 is a milestone event in our journey to integrate prosthetic and orthotic care into government schemes, ensuring no one is left behind. This platform amplifies our commitment to accessible, high-quality care and reinforces the vital role P&O professionals play in both healthcare and para-sports.”
The event underscored OPAI’s commitment to advancing inclusion, collaboration, and innovation in rehabilitation services, ensuring every individual can live a life of dignity and independence.
5, Nov 2024
GCCA India joins hands with Xynteo’s Build Ahead coalition to decarbonise India’s construction sector
Mumbai, November 05th, 2024: The Global Cement & Concrete Association (GCCA) India and Xynteo announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking GCCA India’s partnership with Xynteo’s Build Ahead coalition. This landmark agreement aims to accelerate the decarbonization of India’s construction sector through increased use of low-carbon cement and concrete.
The two-year partnership will leverage GCCA India’s expertise in the cement and concrete industry alongside the collective efforts of the Build Ahead coalition. The partnership will kick off with a critical green taxonomy and emission thresholds development exercise for cement and concrete. This foundational work will help shape policy for the production and use of low-carbon cement in India, addressing the urgent need for nation-specific definitions and standards. It will also provide several key benefits, enabling both short- and long-term innovations in the cement and concrete industry while determining how definitions and thresholds for ‘green’ cement and concrete will evolve over time, as well as creating inclusive definitions that encourage manufacturers across the emission spectrum to take action and consider the impact of future technologies.
Mr. Deepak Khetrapal – Managing Director – Orient Cement and Co-Chair of GCCA India, said
“The reduction of clinker factor and the increasing use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement manufacturing is an important decarbonisation lever for the industry. Developing an India-specific definition for ‘low-carbon’ or ‘Green’ cement and concrete is the need of the hour, and it is crucial for the development of a net zero CO2 roadmap for the Indian cement and concrete industry. It is essential to develop India-specific low-carbon cement and concrete taxonomy and emission intensity thresholds that align with the Indian cement & concrete Industry.
We are glad that collaborating with Xynteo and the Build Ahead coalition, which includes prominent companies in the building and construction space, will help develop green public procurement guidelines for the transition towards low or near-zero emission products, leverage transition financing for activities that will drive emission reduction and the commitment to reach net zero CO2 by 2070 in India”.
Speaking at the occasion, Suman Jagdev, Partner at Xynteo & Programme Director of Build Ahead, said, “We are excited to welcome GCCA India as a key partner of the Build Ahead coalition. Starting with the development of a green taxonomy for cement and concrete, this collaboration will mark a significant step towards realising our vision of a sustainable built environment in India. By combining Xynteo’s expertise in driving systemic change with GCCA India’s deep industry knowledge, we are poised to make substantial progress in reducing the carbon footprint of India’s construction sector.”
Thomas Guillot, the Chief Executive of the Global Cement and Concrete Association, which works closely with GCCA India, applauded the signing of the MoU.
“India plays a significant role in our global industry’s decarbonisation journey. Delivering on the net zero aspirations of India’s cement industry needs supportive policies from its government, as well as the inclusion of the cement value chain. Primary amongst these is low carbon procurement. To this end, GCCA has published, and will formally launch at COP29, global definitions for low carbon and near zero cement and concrete to align with the Clean Energy Ministerial’s Industrial Deep Decarbonisation initiative (IDDI), which is co-chaired by the Indian government. These definitions are designed to be adopted by member countries, adapted to suit local practice and for targets at the state level to be overlaid on them. We look forward to working with our GCCA members and Build Ahead to develop this work.”
Beyond taxonomy development, the partnership will also focus on:
1. Joint engagement with government and multilateral organizations on partnerships for energy transition and industrial decarbonization.
2. Sharing of research findings and technical inputs to develop industry narratives for low-carbon building materials.
3. Exploration of demonstration projects for sustainable construction practices.
This partnership comes at a crucial time as India continues to urbanize rapidly, making sustainable construction practices more important than ever. The collaboration between GCCA India and Build Ahead is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and practices that will drive the adoption of low-carbon building materials across the Indian construction value chain.
4, Nov 2024
VST Tillers Tractors Ltd reported Net profit of Rs 44.93 Cr, up by 23 Percent YoY, for the quarter ended Sept 30th, 2024
Bengaluru, 4th Nov 2024: VST Tillers Tractors Limited (VST), India’s leading farm equipment manufacturer, today announced their financial results for the quarter and half year ended Sept 30, 2024.
For the Quarter, VST achieved the turnover of Rs 283.43 Cr, up from Rs 278.51 Cr in the second quarter of last year. The profit before taxes is Rs 57.53 Cr, up 16% from Rs 49.66 Cr in the same period previous year. Net profit rose by 23% to Rs 44.93 Cr YoY.
On year-to-date basis, the turnover is at Rs 474.02 Cr, compared to Rs 524.65 Cr in the first half of last year. The unfavorable circumstances in the first quarter of this year, which is now recovering from Q2, are the cause of the turnover’s degrowth. Maintaining the same margin on sales, the profit before taxes is Rs 85.47 Cr as opposed to Rs 92.25 Cr of last year. Net profit stood at Rs 67.78 Cr as against Rs 69.44 Cr last year.
4, Nov 2024
Unaudited standalone & consolidated financial results for the half year ended September 30th, 2024
The Board of Directors of Sundaram Finance Ltd. (SFL) approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results for the half year ended Sep 30, 2024, at its meeting held on Nov 04, 2024, in Chennai.
“Team Sundaram has delivered a balanced H1FY25 despite lower-than-expected economic activity in the half year. Assets under management grew by 20% to Rs. 48,058 crores compared to the prior year period. Net stage 3 assets closed at 0.89% and profit after tax for H1FY25 was at Rs. 648 crores. Our Group companies in asset management, general insurance and home finance have continued their trajectory from FY24 and recorded strong results. We continue to rely on our time-tested approach of steady and sustainable growth with best-in-class asset quality and consistent profitability,” said Harsha Viji, Executive Vice Chairman.
Disbursements for H1FY25 recorded a growth of 3% over H1FY24. Gross stage 3 assets improved over the previous year. Gross stage 3 assets as on September 30, 2024, stood at 1.62% with provision cover of 45% as against 1.86% as on September 30, 2023, with provision cover of 42%. Core operations performed strongly with profit from operations up by 23% in H1FY25. Profits after tax was flat at Rs. 648 crores during H1FY25 and H1FY24 primarily due to a shift in the timing of dividend income last year. Dividend income was at Rs. 43 crores during H1FY25 as against Rs. 181 crores in H1FY24. Return on assets closed at 2.50% in H1FY25 as against 2.95% for H1FY24 and capital adequacy at 20.0% remains quite comfortable.
“Economic activity in Q2 was well below expectations with the monsoons disrupting consumption and government spending being slower post the general elections. The tepid economic activity was exacerbated by growing concerns on asset quality in the microfinance and unsecured lending sectors. With no exposure in these segments, we delivered a well-balanced performance in a tough operating environment, recording operating profit growth of 23%. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic of a recovery in economic activity in H2 as domestic consumption and private sector capital expenditure resume and the central government’s infrastructure spend and policy agenda gather pace. Team Sundaram will continue to remain sharply focused on delivering the Sundaram experience to our customers, our people and all stakeholders,” said Rajiv Lochan, Managing Director.
STANDALONE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR H1FY25
- Disbursements for H1FY25 grew by 3% to Rs. 13,768 crores as compared to Rs. 13,430 crores registered in H1FY24.
- The assets under management grew by 20% to Rs. 48,058 crores as on 30th September 2024 as against Rs. 40,106 crores as on 30th September 2023.
- Net interest income grew 19.4% to Rs. 1,304 crores in H1FY25 from Rs. 1,092 crores in H1FY24.
- Gross stage 3 as on 30th September 2024 stood at 1.62% with 45% provision cover as against 1.86% with provision cover of 42% as on 30th September 2023. Net stage 3 as on 30th September 2024 closed at 0.89% as against 1.08% as on 30th September 2023.
- The Gross and Net NPA, as per RBI’s asset classification norms for NBFCs, are 2.39% and 1.55% respectively as against 2.89% and 2.06% as of 30th September 2023.
- Profit from operations increased by 23% in H1FY25 as compared to H1FY24.
- Cost to income ratio closed at 32.27% in H1FY25 as against 35.18% in H1FY24.
- The dividend income was lower during H1FY25 at Rs. 43 crores as against Rs. 181 crores in H1FY24.
- Profit after tax was flat at Rs. 648 crores during H1FY25 and H1FY24.
- Return on assets (ROA) for H1FY25 closed at 2.50% as against 2.95% for H1FY24. Return on equity (ROE) was at 14.2% for H1FY25 as against 16.2% for H1FY24.
- Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 20.0% (Tier I –16.4%) as of 30th September 2024 compared to 19.9% (Tier I – 15.9%) as of 30th September 2023.
CONSOLIDATED PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR H1FY25
The consolidated results of SFL include the results of its standalone subsidiaries Sundaram Home Finance, Sundaram Asset Management and joint venture company Royal Sundaram General Insurance.
- The assets under management (AUM) in our lending and general insurance businesses stood at Rs. 72,541 crores as on 30th September 2024 as against Rs. 60,578 crores as on 30th September 2023, a growth of 20%. The assets under management of our asset management business stood at Rs. 76,845 crores as on 30th September 2024 as against Rs. 61,884 crores as on 30th September 2023, a growth of 24%.
- Profit after tax for H1FY25 grew by 18% to Rs. 871 crores as compared to Rs. 741 crores in H1FY24.
GROUP COMPANY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Our group companies continued to perform well.
- The asset management business closed the half year ended 30th September 2024 with assets under management of Rs. 76,845 crores (around 85% in equity) and consolidated profits from the asset management businesses were at Rs. 68 crores as against Rs. 49 crores in H1FY24.
- Royal Sundaram reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of Rs. 2,053 crores as compared to Rs. 1,818 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, representing a growth of 13%. The Company reported a profit after tax of Rs. 126 crores for H1FY25 as against a profit of Rs. 145 crores in H1FY24.
- Sundaram Home Finance continued to grow strongly with disbursements up by 26% to Rs. 2,896 crores in H1FY25. The profit for H1FY25 was Rs. 111 crores, as against Rs. 117 crores in H1FY24.
