Author: Rabindra

Top reasons why the study abroad trend will skyrocket in the coming years-Insight by Prodigy Finance

Studying abroad has become a trend among the new generation. More and more Gen Z students are opting to study overseas. According to data from Yocket, a record-breaking number of Indian students, approximately 750,000, left the country to pursue higher education overseas in 2022. The top destinations for these students during this period were Australia, Canada, and the United States of America.

Studying abroad offers numerous benefits, from receiving a top-notch education to gaining a deeper understanding of various cultures. It provides opportunities for students from different countries to come together, and develop the skills they need to cope with living far from home – like becoming fully independent and managing daily tasks like preparing meals, whether through takeout or by learning to cook with roommates.

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “With the rise in students studying abroad, education loans are becoming a survival kit for these students. Not only does it help them to fund their dreams, but it also builds a sense of confidence in students when they get the loan, especially on their own, with no collateral or cosigner.

These students see the benefits later in their lives. They are more independent and manage to land their ideal job successfully or start their own start-up. One notable example from Prodigy is our student, Sagar Vasnani, who completed an MS in Engineering at Indiana University. He stated, “I come from a culture that emphasises collectivism. Pursuing my master’s degree in an individualistic country allowed me to discover my identity. I was able to change my career trajectory and grow my startup to be the #1 meditation app on Google Play Store”

There are many young entrepreneurs today. It’s not like in the past when many people were content with finishing their degrees, finding work, and settling down. This generation wants more. They want more out of life, whether it’s a high-quality education, landing their dream job, or starting their own business ventures. This new generation wants nothing but the best for themselves. They don’t just dream about it; they work hard to obtain international degrees, secure ideal jobs, or launch their businesses.

The ambition of the new generation is a testament to the changing landscape of success. We see many young, bright minds leading successful careers, and the big lesson we learn from them is that nothing is impossible. Anyone can transform their life and achieve anything they want; they just need to have a little courage to do it.

MAHE Manipal Hosts Inaugural International cGMP Conference and 2nd National cGMP Day on October 9-10, 2024

Manipal, 08th October 2024 — The Centre for cGMP at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), is excited to announce the first-ever ‘International Conference on cGMP – ICONcGMP 2024” and celebration of 2nd “National cGMP Day”, which is scheduled to be held on 9th and 10th, October 2024 respectively.

On the momentous occasion of the “NATIONAL cGMP DAY” 10th October 2024, the Centre for cGMP, MAHE, Manipal, in association with IDMA, Pharmexcil and FOPE, proudly announces the launch of the “First International Conference on cGMP” on 9 October and celebration of “NATIONAL cGMP DAY” on 10 October 2024. ICONcGMP 2024 is the first ever International Conference on cGMP being hosted by MCOPS, which will witness the presence of dignitaries & luminaries from Industry, Academia and Regulatory bodies.

According to Dr Girish Pai Kulyadi, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Co-ordinator, Centre for cGMP, MCOPS, the failure of firms to comply with GMP regulations can result in serious consequences including recall, seizing of medicines and fines for violation. To enhance awareness and accountability, MCOPS, MAHE took the initiative to establish the Centre for cGMP, a Centre of Excellence that no other pharmaceutical institute in India has undertaken so far. There is a huge industry-academia gap with respect to GMP concepts in the academia curriculum and actual industry practice. Therefore, academia has a major role in inculcating a strong GMP foundation in young minds. ICONcGMP 2024 with the theme “THINK cGMP – cGMP IS QUALITY”, is the right platform to deliberate on the significance of cGMP and quality systems, said Dr Girish Pai.

The president of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Dr Montukumar M Patel, Chairman, Finances committee (PCI), Dr Vibhu Sahani, National president of FOPE, Mr Harish K Jain, Secretary General of IDMA, Mr Daara B Patel, General Secretary of IDMA & promoter and managing director of Encube ethical Pvt ltd, Mr Mehul shah, several other industry leaders and luminaries will attend both the events to be held in Manipal. There will be plenary sessions, poster presentations, and interactive industry-academic sessions featuring industry experts. Topics to be covered during the plenary sessions include manufacturing assurance, cGMP & analytical assurance, global regulatory landscape – challenges & strategies for pharma, strategies for handling deviations, quality risk management in excipients manufacturing, and cGMP in management of expired pharmaceutical products.

Lt. Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, Dr Sharath Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, will grace the occasion with Dr Giridhar P Kini, Registrar of MAHE. More than 300 academicians, industry representatives, regulators, consultants, and students from various institutions across the country will be participating in this historic event and will be witnesses to the celebration of the first-ever ICONcGMP 2024 and 2nd National cGMP Day.

The highlights of the event include NATIONAL cGMP DAY 2024 award and release of Centre for cGMP’s newsletter ‘cGMP CONNECT’. This year’s prestigious NATIONAL cGMP DAY AWARD is presented to honourable Mr S M Mudda in recognition of his immense contribution and services to the Pharmaceutical Industry, said Dr Girish Pai. The Centre for cGMP invites pharmaceutical professionals from industry and academia to actively participate in this important initiative to promote and uphold the highest quality standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Medanta Doctors Recognised in Stanford University’s Global Rankings of Top 2% Scientists

Gurugram, October 8, 2024: Four distinguished doctors from Medanta – The Medicity, Gurugram, have been recognised in the prestigious Stanford University rankings of the top 2% of scientists in the world. The rankings, compiled by Stanford University in collaboration with leading scientific publisher Elsevier BV, evaluate researchers based on standardised citation metrics, identifying the most impactful contributors across various scientific fields. The doctors who have been included in the 2024 Stanford-Elsevier ranking are:

• Dr. Yatin Mehta, Chairman, Institute of Critical Care and Anaesthesiology

• Dr. Arvinder Soin, Chairman and Chief Surgeon, Institute of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Sciences

• Dr. Manish Bansal, Senior Director, Clinical and Preventive Cardiology, Institute of Cardiac Care

• Dr. Prashant Vilas Bhangui, Director, Institute of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Sciences

Research has always been a focal point at Medanta, positioning it at the forefront of medical innovations and enabling its doctors to offer the most advanced treatments. This recognition highlights Medanta’s ongoing commitment to medical innovation and underscores its leadership in medical scientific inquiry.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, said, “We are proud of all the doctors for their recognition on this esteemed list. Their dedication to advancing medical science and delivering high-quality patient care embodies Medanta’s mission. Their achievement reinforces our status as not just a top-tier hospital but also a centre where cutting-edge medicine is practiced. Our focus remains on integrating cutting-edge technology and pioneering therapies to improve patient outcomes and healthcare experiences.”

Jointly expressing their gratitude, Dr. Yatin Mehta, Dr. Arvinder S. Soin, Dr. Manish Bansal and Dr. Prashant Bhangui said, “We are honoured to be recognised in the Stanford University’s prestigious ranking of global scientists. This acknowledgment reflects not just our individual efforts, but also the collective commitment of Medanta to foster a culture of research, innovation, and excellence in healthcare. As doctors, our primary focus remains delivering the best possible care to patients. It is immensely gratifying to see our work in advancing medical science recognised on a global stage. We share this achievement with the entire Medanta community, who continually inspire and support us in pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge.”

Safex Chemicals Group ropes in Praveen Dubey as Senior Vice President – Strategic Alliances & Commercial

New Delhi, 8th October 2024: Safex Chemicals Group, a leading player in the global chemical industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Praveen Dubey as Senior Vice President – Strategic Alliances & Commercial. With an extensive career in institutional business and strategic sourcing, Praveen brings a wealth of industry experience that aligns with Safex’ mission to strengthen its global presence.

Mr. Dubey has joined Safex Chemicals Group following his most recent position as Sr. GM & Head of Institutional Business & Strategic Sourcing at NACL Industries Limited. His career spans over two decades with significant roles at ADAMA Ltd., Coromandel International Limited, where he developed an in-depth understanding of the agrochemical and chemical industries.

“We are excited to welcome Praveen Dubey to the Safex’ leadership team,” said S. K. Chaudhary, Founder Director, Safex Chemicals Group. “Praveen’s extensive experience in the industry and his proven track record in forging strong institutional partnerships will be instrumental in driving our commercial strategies forward. His leadership will contribute to Safex’s vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our alliances.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Dubey said, “The company has demonstrated tremendous success in recent years, and I look forward to working with the talented team to build strategic alliances and enhance commercial value for our stakeholders globally.”

The group has recently announced the appointment of Chandrashekhar Shukla as President – Sales & Marketing and Kamal Gupta as Global CFO. Safex Chemicals Group operates seven manufacturing units across India and the UK, reflecting the company’s strong production capabilities. The appointment of Praveen Dubey reinforces the company’s commitment to strengthening its leadership and positioning itself as a global player in the chemical industry.

NESCAFE Sunrise unveils new campaign honouring coffee farmers

Bengaluru, 8 October 2024: NESCAFÉ Sunrise has launched a campaign to celebrate coffee farmers and honour their dedication and relentless efforts in growing coffee. The campaign pays a tribute to the love and commitment with which these farmers work in their fields, to grow high quality coffee. It also highlights their association with Nestlé agronomists, who work closely with these farmers, as a part of the NESCAFÉ Plan.

The NESCAFÉ Plan, introduced in India in 2012 goes beyond coffee. It aims at developing good agricultural practices, sustainable management of landscapes, and enhancing biodiversity in coffee farms. It blends the valuable traditional knowledge of coffee cultivation with modern scientific practices to aid sustainable growth of coffee in the region. Nestlé India works closely with around 5,000 coffee farmers in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala through the NESCAFÉ Plan.

Talking about the campaign, Mr. Sunayan Mitra, Director, Coffee and Beverages business, Nestlé India, said “Behind every delightful cup of Nescafé, there are coffee farmers whose hard work and dedication contribute to the exceptional taste of our coffee. On this International Coffee Day, we pay tribute to these remarkable farmers by sharing their stories on our jars and through this beautiful campaign crafted with love by our teams at Nestlé and Dentsu Creative Webchutney. The coffee farmers are the backbone for our NESCAFÉ Plan. They have helped us gain immense consumer love and trust for our brands by upholding the safety and quality of our products. This campaign is a homage to their perseverance and dedication, and I hope that it will be appreciated by our consumers.”

Mr. Vidya Sankar, Senior Vice President, Dentsu Creative said “This campaign is centred on the hard work of coffee farmers and the collaborative work between Nestlé India and the coffee farmers. It also shines the spotlight on the contributions made by coffee farmers to our society and how they impact the consumer’s experience while they enjoy a delicious cup of Nescafé Sunrise. Set amidst verdant green coffee plantations in Coorg, the film is an ode to every coffee farmer, the backbone of the coffee industry.”

Covestro Press Release: Covestro at the FAKUMA 2024

At this year’s Fakuma from October 15 to 19, Covestro will showcase materials and solutions for automotive, electrics & electronics, consumer goods and textile applications that make the world brighter and ever more circular. The catch: Covestro will show exhibits that contain materials with mechanically and chemically recycled contents, as well as contents from biomass – either as components or attributed through the mass balance methodology. In Hall 4, Booth B4-4208, visitors are therefore invited to get in touch with Covestro’s experts and discuss how to jointly materialize a circular economy.

“Our products touch everyday life in thousands of applications, from cars to electronics to footwear. To accelerate circularity and sustainability we need to work closely with our customers and partners along the value chain on adopting alternative raw materials, renewable energy sources and recycling technologies”, says Dr. Guido Naberfeld, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales and Market Development Mobility at Covestro. “We are excited to show some of our latest developments and projects and are eager to engage in discussions about them at this year’s Fakuma.”

The Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, is a leading annual international trade fair for plastics processing. Visitors of the Covestro booth will discover a set of exhibits ranging from Polycarbonates to Specialty Films to Thermoplastic Polyurethanes, demonstrating how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand across industries.

Key exhibits include an innovative automotive frontend design that combines looks and functionality while also incorporating electronics. The materials used in the concept are Makrolon® and Makrofol®. The same materials can be used to create nearly monomaterial electronic displays, ideal for integration into smart surfaces in kitchens, vehicles and consumer electronics. One demonstrator, featuring in-mold printed elecontric circuits, will be exhibited.

Covestro’s recently announced partnership with Neste and Borealis will also have a spot at the booth. It showcases the closed-loop recycling of old tires into highly transparent polycarbonates that can be used in automotive components, such as car headlamps. This innovation exemplifies circularity in the automotive industry through the Makrolon® RP product range, which uses chemically recycled raw materials, attributed via the mass balance approach.

Covestro in general aims to become increasingly circular and climate-neutral, with the goal of operational climate neutrality (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2035, and full climate neutrality by 2050. To make products that are advancing toward these goals easily identifiable, Covestro, besides RE or RP, also uses the “CQ” label. CQ stands for “Circular Intelligence”. CQ ecompasses, for example, products that contain at least 25% alternative, non-fossil raw materials, either as components or through the mass balance methodology. This helps to reduce their carbon footprint while contributing to circularity. Some of the abovementioned and more products can be seen at Fakuma.

Get Your Home Festive Ready with Life n Colors’ New Launch of Stunning Embroidered Furnishings and Artistic Wallpapers

8th October 2024, Mumbai: As the festive season approaches, Life n Colors offers the perfect way to transform your home with its new collection of embroidered furnishings and hand-crafted wallpapers. Known for reviving ancient Indian or International art through stunning home textiles and decor, Life n Colors has curated a range that seamlessly blends heritage and modern aesthetics, creating a luxurious and elegant ambiance for any home.

The collection features beautifully crafted furnishings from the brand’s home line, Prasanaakshi, including curtains, wall art, and art prints. With intricate designs that include hand-embroidered depictions of Ram-Sita and delicate threadwork on chinoiserie patterns, these pieces add a refined touch to any living space. Each item is crafted to enhance the festive spirit while serving as a timeless addition to your home decor.

Alongside these exquisite furnishings, Life n Colors presents a breathtaking array of wallpapers that are nothing short of artistic masterpieces. Designs such as the “Sangeet Bhawan,” inspired by Raja Ravi Verma’s painting style, and the “Lotus of Kailasaa,” reflecting Kerala art murals, allow homeowners to infuse their spaces with a sense of tradition and history. The brand’s attention to detail and craftsmanship shines through in each wallpaper, turning walls into canvases of storytelling.

The combination of artistic wallpapers and richly embroidered textiles offers a unique way to prepare your home for the upcoming festive celebrations. Whether you’re hosting Diwali gatherings or simply looking to refresh your space, Life n Colors provides decor that exudes warmth, heritage, and sophistication.

WranglerR And Hot Wheelstm Join Forces To Launch New Global Streetwear-Inspired Apparel Collection In India

October 08, 2024, Bengaluru –– Global denim brand Wrangler®, announced today a collaboration with the company behind the number one selling toy in the world: Mattel Inc.’s Hot WheelsTM. A nostalgia-driven collection, Wrangler® x Hot WheelsTM includes bold denim, jackets, coveralls, and graphic tees in coordinating youth and adult styles – along with a limited-edition Wrangler branded miniature die-cast ’85 Ford Bronco.

Following the resounding success of Wrangler and Mattel’s Wrangler x Barbie collaboration in 2023, the two have teamed up once again, this time for a streetwear collection inspiring new generations to climb into the driver’s seat and take life by the reins. The rich history of Wrangler and Hot Wheels is displayed through motorsport-inspired designs on classic denim pieces and colorful tees.

“Partnering with Hot Wheels has been a collision of heritage and horsepower,” said Holly Wheeler, vice president of global marketing, Kontoor. “Tapping into the resurgence of motorsport and inspired by the classic American iconography and nostalgia of both brands, Wrangler® x Hot WheelsTM hits the market at full speed and ignites a beloved pastime shared from generation to generation.”

Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils announces ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’

Hyderabad: 08th October 2024: Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils has launched a new promotional scheme ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’ to engage the customers during the festive season like Dasara & Diwali. The offer starts from October 1st to November 14th, 2024 for 45 days and covers the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. In these regions 100 consumers have the opportunity to win 1-gram gold daily and also get a chance to participate in the bumper draw.

The customers who want to participate in ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’ have to purchase two 1-litre pouches of Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil. They can enter the contest by:

• Scratching the card provided with the purchase.
• Scanning the QR code on the scratch card.
• Submitting their mobile number, name, city, and state on the program microsite.
• Verifying their details through an OTP sent to their mobile number

 During the promotional scheme period, daily 100 lucky customers will get 1 gram of gold coin, which will be informed through WhatsApp messages, SMS, or phone calls.

The end of the promotional scheme, the 5 lucky winners will get a 50-gram gold coin, while 10 winners will receive a 10-gram gold coin. The Winners of the Bumper Lucky Draw will be announced after the scheme ends, and the Winners names will be posted on the website.

Mr. P. Chandrashekara Reddy, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd, said, “At Freedom Healthy Cooking Oils, we are committed to promoting healthier choices for our customers. Our mission is to inspire healthier cooking habits by providing oils that are not only rich in nutrients but also support heart health. To add excitement to this festive season and reward our patrons, we have introduced ‘Go for Freedom Gold Offer 2024’. This limited-time promotion gives customers the opportunity to win gold coin every day while enjoying the health benefits of Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil as they savour the delicacies by eating guilt free, this festive season.”

JICA-Funded Mumbai Metro Line 3 Launch Event

Mumbai, 8th October 2024: Mumbai’s ambitious first underground Metro Line 3, (Phase 1: Aarey to BKC), funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Government of Japan, was inaugurated on 5th October 2024 by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. This momentous event was also attended by the honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, and the Consul General of Japan in Mumbai, Shri YAGI Koji. The project represents a major milestone in the development of Mumbai’s transportation infrastructure.

During his address in Thane prior to his visit to Mumbai, the honourable Prime Minister stated, “The people of Mumbai have been eagerly awaiting this metro line. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Japanese government. The Japan International Cooperation Agency has been a great support to this project, making the Metro a symbol of India-Japan friendship.”

Commenting on the launch, Shri TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “The Mumbai Metro Line 3 represents the future of urban transportation in India. This Significant progress has been achieved through the enduring cooperation between the Governments of India and Japan. The project not only enhances transportation within the economic hub of Mumbai but also contributes to building a more sustainable and resilient future. By addressing crucial matters like traffic congestion and urban mobility, we aspire to enhance the quality of life for millions of Mumbai’s residents, in alignment with JICA’s commitment to creating smarter and sustainable cities.”

As the city’s first fully underground metro system, Line 3 is designed to accommodate approximately 1.5 million passengers daily. Trains will operate every three to four minutes, with each trip capable of carrying around 2,500 passengers. Once fully operational, the line will significantly boost connectivity across Mumbai, reducing travel time from the airport to South Mumbai to approximately 45 minutes. Passengers will be able to travel this section in less than half the time compared to traveling by car. The line is expected to commence full operations (both Phase 1 and Phase2) by March 2025.

The project will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by easing traffic congestion caused by the use of automobiles. The climate change mitigation benefit of the project is expected to be approximately 261,968 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.

JICA has played a pivotal role in the development of Mumbai Metro Line 3, providing essential financial assistance and technical expertise. This project aligns with India’s development policies and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including promoting sustainable economic growth, building resilient infrastructure, making cities inclusive and sustainable, and combating climate change.

For the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project, JICA has provided financial support through multiple tranches: JPY 71,000 million Tranche 1 (2013), JPY 100,000 million Tranche II (2018), JPY 39,928 million Tranche III (2019), and JPY 58,943 million Tranche IV (2024). Additionally, the project received JPY 84,261 million as the 5th and final tranche in July 2024.