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ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Appoints Prof. Vivek Padgaonkar as Non-Executive Independent Director

New Delhi, 6th August 2024: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals has appointed Prof. Vivek Padgaonkar, former Director of the OPPI (Project & Policy), as a non-executive independent director. Prof. Padgaonkar brings a wealth of experience from his extensive work with various lobbying and think-tank organisations on healthcare issues. His collaborations with several government ministries have significantly shaped current pharmaceutical policies. He also holds independent directorships at Martin & Harris Labs Ltd., Bervin Investment & Leasing Limited, and Juvenor Healthcare.

Founded in 1977, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven Indian pharmaceutical company with over three decades of expertise in ophthalmology, ENT, and dermatological medicine. The company operates in more than 67 countries and is pioneering the development of next-generation molecules using generative AI platforms in ophthalmic, ENT, and skincare segments. These innovations, some of which will be firsts globally, aim to elevate India’s position in the pharmaceutical industry. ENTOD’s dedicated team of over 1500 field-based sales staff work globally to promote their high-quality products.

Dr. Vivek Padgaonkar expressed his eagerness about joining the board: “I am honoured to join ENTOD Pharmaceuticals and contribute to its mission of driving innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. This is a remarkable opportunity to leverage my experience with a company at the forefront of technological advancements.”

Nikkhil K. Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, commented on the appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Prof. Padgaonkar to our board. His extensive experience and respected stature in the industry will be invaluable as we strive to position ENTOD and the Indian pharmaceutical sector as global leaders in innovation. His insights will be crucial in our ongoing efforts to develop novel solutions using advanced AI technologies, pushing our vision of a future-ready pharmaceutical industry.”

Earlier this year, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals inaugurated its state-of-the-art research & development centre. The DSIR-approved research laboratory is equipped with the latest molecular and formulation research tools, microbiology testing facilities, sterile batch production capacity, and high-end quality assurance/quality control analytical equipment.

SBI Foundation’s Youth for India Fellowship Starts 12th Batch, Teams Up with 13 NGOs to Enhance Rural Development in 250+ Villages

Jaipur, August 6th, 2024 – SBI Foundation proudly announces the induction of the 12th Batch of SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program. The inauguration held at Barefoot College-SWRC, Tilonia, Rajasthan, marks the beginning of a 13-month rural development journey for a diverse and passionate cohort of Fellows dedicated to creating positive change in underserved communities across the country. The orientation program was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO, SBI Foundation, Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College- SWRC, Ms. Norti Bai, Community Leader, Ms. Bhawana Luthra, Executive Director, LEAD India, Mr. Gyan Prakash, Program Head, SBI Youth for India Fellowship and many other prominent social sector experts, and grassroots leaders.

 Youth for India welcomes the upcoming Batch of Fellows for its August and October Cohorts. 51 Fellows have joined the August cohort. Women mark a significant 52% in this cohort intake over men at 48% men who hail from various parts of the country. East & NE Zone stands at 29%, South at 12%, North & Central India at 40%, and Western India at 19% making it a diverse pool of self-motivated people with a common objective to drive change at the grassroots. This year, 69% of the cohort comprises working professionals, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to tackle rural development challenges.

 Mr. Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, expressed, “We welcome the August cohort of the 12th Batch of Youth for India Fellows with open arms. Their diversity, passion, and commitment to rural development will be the driving force behind transformative changes in the lives of rural communities.” Sharing the program’s achievements over the past decade, Mr. Prakash stated, “Over the past decade, the Youth for India Fellowship has empowered more than 580+ change-makers, working in over 250 villages across 20 Indian states and Union Territories, touching the lives of almost
1.5 lakh community members. Many of our alumni have become successful entrepreneurs or pursued higher studies at prestigious institutions globally.”

  The SBI Youth for India Fellowship Program, a flagship initiative of SBI Foundation, aligns with the organization’s vision to improve the socio-economic well-being of underprivileged members of society. Through this program, India’s young minds connect with rural communities, understand their challenges and work together to co-create sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Founder of Barefoot College- SWRC, said, “Over the course of eleven successful Batches, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship has become one of the most esteemed programs for cultivating development professionals in our country. This Fellowship brings together talented and passionate young professionals from diverse sectors and embarks them on an immersive journey, partnering with some of the finest grassroots NGOs in India. Through this experience, our Fellows not only transform themselves but also become catalysts for change, driving transformation within the communities they serve.”

 Along with Mr. Sanjit (Bunker) Roy, Ms. Norti Bai, Community Leader from Harmara, Ajmer, Rajasthan & Mr. Ramnivas, Communication Head Barefoot College- SWRC will be welcoming the 12th Batch for their Orientation.

 Collaborating with 13 NGOs this year to work on development projects in rural areas, the Fellowship program provides educated human resources to catalyze rural development and secure an equitable and sustainable growth path for India Witnessing a pan-India talent pool, the Fellows represent a powerful blend of perspectives and insights. Over the course of the next 13 months, these Fellows will work with rural communities in thematic areas including Health, Rural Livelihood, Food Security, Environmental Protection, Education, Water, Technology, Women’s Empowerment, Self-Governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Traditional Craft, and Alternate Energy.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season Two Soundtrack Releases Worldwide on August 23, 2024

Mumbai, India— August 6, 2024 — Today, Amazon MGM Studios announced The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Season Two: Amazon Original Series Soundtrack) will be released worldwide on August 23rd, tied to the highly-anticipated return of the series later this month. Available across all music streaming services, the full episodic score for the second season of the Amazon Original series was composed by Emmy® Award-winner Bear McCreary (Da Vinci’s Demons). The soundtrack will also include two new songs featuring renowned vocalists Rufus Wainwright and Jens Kidman, respectively.

Digital and streaming of the Season Two soundtrack will be available on August 23rd, and on that same date, vinyl can be pre-ordered at Amazon Music and HERE. A special Collector’s Edition will also be available for pre-order exclusively on Amazon Music. Following each episode, Amazon Music will release a weekly soundtrack album containing the score for that episode, only available on Amazon Music.

For the epic first season of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, composer Bear McCreary wove a tapestry of symphonic orchestra, bombastic percussion, and folk instruments from across Europe and North Africa, combined with solo vocalists and choirs singing in the iconic languages of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. For the gripping second season, McCreary has built atop that foundation with dynamic new themes and colors, including Bulgarian women’s choir and gadulka for Rhûn, children’s choir for the pastoral city of Eregion, Hardanger fiddle for new character Estrid, and deathly whispers for the terrifying Barrow-wights.

After collaborating with the iconic Fiona Apple for the first season’s “Where the Shadows Lie,” McCreary continues the tradition by inviting two featured vocalists to join him on new songs for the Season Two score. Grammy-nominated artist Rufus Wainwright brings thoughtful introspection to his rendition of “Old Tom Bombadil.” “The Last Ballad of Damrod,” a song about a vicious Hill-troll, is brought to terrifying, screaming life by Jens Kidman, the unforgettable lead singer of Grammy-nominated Swedish extreme-metal band Meshuggah. Even while balancing these many diverse and eclectic musical influences, McCreary always refers to Tolkien’s writings for inspiration. “I am honored to continue forward on this journey, bringing the events of Tolkien’s Second Age to life on the screen,” says McCreary.

Series stars Sophia Nomvete, Benjamin Walker, Rory Kinnear, and Daniel Weyman also lend their vocal talents to several songs on the soundtrack. Nomvete’s dwarven character of Princess Disa is a lead resonator who sings to the mountain, while Walker, who plays an Elven king, sings a sorrowful tune in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish language. Kinnear, who joins the show this season as the first live-action version of fan-favorite character Tom Bombadil, and Weyman, who portrays the mysterious Stranger, also collaborate on a reprise of “Old Tom Bombadil.”

“This new soundtrack is a stunning companion to the series’ continued exploration of the Second Age” said Bob Bowen, worldwide head of music for Amazon MGM Studios. “With the debut of Season Two on the horizon, we’re excited to give fans a further glimpse into the epic series.”

Season Two of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will debut on Prime Video on August 29, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories around the world, and in multiple languages.

In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without an army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books, and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.

The first season of The Rings of Power has been an unprecedented success, viewed by more than 100 million people worldwide, with more than 32 billion minutes streamed. The highly anticipated series attracted more than 25 million global viewers on its first day, marking the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video, and also debuted as the No. 1 show on Nielsen’s overall streaming chart in its opening weekend. The show has driven more Prime sign-ups worldwide during its launch window than any other previous content to date. The season finale also created a global cultural moment, with multiple series-themed hashtags, including #TheRingsofPower and others, trending in 27 countries across Twitter for over 426 cumulative hours throughout the weekend.

The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, and Gennifer Hutchison, along with co-executive producer and director Charlotte Brändström, producers Kate Hazell and Helen Shang, and co-producers Clare Buxton, Andrew Lee, Glenise Mullins, and Matthew Penry-Davey. Additional Season Two directors include Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper.

To view and download The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power assets, please visit the Amazon Studios press site HERE.

TRACK LIST (DIGITAL):

• Old Tom Bombadil (feat. Rufus Wainwright)
• Rhûn (feat. The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices)
• Life in the Canyon
• Golden Leaves (feat. Benjamin Walker)
• Cirdan’s Perfection
• Stone Singers (feat. Sophia Nomvete)
• Sandstorm at the Well*
• Eregion
• Emissary at the Forge
• Shelob
• The Pyre (feat. Raya Yarbrough)
• Estrid
• The Great Eagle
• The River-daughter (feat. Raya Yarbrough)
• Barrow-wights
• Forgiveness Takes an Age*
• Candles on the Tide (feat. Clydene Jackson)*
• Army of Orcs
• The Last Ballad of Damrod (feat. Jens Kidman)
• Battle for Eregion
• Durin’s Bane*
• Last Temptation
• The Staff
• Old Tom Bombadil Reprise (feat. Rory Kinnear and Daniel Weyman)
• The Sun Yet Shines

Three-Year-Old Twins Set World Record for Sanskrit Shloka Chanting

Hyderabad, August 6, 2024: Nihashwi Uplanchiwar and Niharsh Uplanchiwar, fraternal twins from Ryan International School, Kondapur, Hyderabad, have achieved a significant milestone by entering the International Book of Records. At the tender age of just 3 years, 8 months, and 16 days, these prodigious siblings have set the world record for being the “Youngest Twins to Chant Maximum Sanskrit Shlokas (Duo),”

 This extraordinary accomplishment was achieved recently showcases the twins’ incredible dedication, talent, and hard work. The support from their family and the guidance of their mentors have been pivotal in their journey towards this achievement.

 Srumith U and Ravali CH, the proud parents of Nihashwi and Niharsh, expressed their joy: “We are thrilled to see our children’s accomplishment recognized on a global platform. Their dedication and passion are truly inspiring, and we couldn’t be more proud of their outstanding achievement. They learned these shlokas by listening to the morning prayers offered by their father at home.”

 Kiranmai, Principal of Ryan International School, Kondapur, commended the twins’ accomplishment: “Nihashwi and Niharsh’s achievement is a testament to the potential of young minds when nurtured in a supportive environment. At Ryan International, we strive to provide a holistic education that encourages such exceptional talents. This remarkable feat not only brings pride to our institution but also inspires other students to explore and excel in diverse areas of interest.”

 Ryan International School’s holistic approach is dedicated to fostering each student’s inquisitive spirit through activities that extend beyond classroom learning. This remarkable achievement underscores the effectiveness of the school’s comprehensive curriculum in nurturing and developing young talent.

BML Munjal University students develop innovative, affordable walking stick ‘PathPal’ for the Blind

National, 06 August 2024: Visually impaired people in India face significant challenges in moving around, impacting their independence and quality of life. This untapped potential affects the nation’s GDP by an estimated 1,427 billion per annum. To address this critical issue, students from the School of Engineering & Technology at BML Munjal University have developed an innovative solution. Kanika Sharma and Abhimanyu Gulati have created ‘PathPal’ – a smart walking stick designed to enhance mobility and safety for the visually impaired. This ground-breaking assistive device, developed under their start-up Smart Eye, aims to empower users and foster greater inclusivity in society.

A detachable unit, PathPal can be easily mounted onto standard walking sticks. By utilizing advanced ultrasonic sensors to detect various obstacles, including potholes and hanging objects, it provides real-time feedback via vibrations and audio alerts. A connected wristband serves as an intuitive controller, featuring stick-finding and SOS functionalities.

“With PathPal, we intend to transform how visually impaired people interact with their environment,” said Kanika Sharma, Co-founder of Smart Eye. “By combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, our product fosters independence and confidence among users.”

Abhimanyu Gulati, Co-founder of Smart Eye, highlighted the product’s accessibility: “We have worked hard to balance innovation with affordability. Our goal is to make PathPal available to as many users as possible without compromising on quality or functionality.”

PathPal’s major advantage is affordability. The team has managed to create a high-quality, feature-rich device without undermining affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of users. This balance of innovation and cost-effectiveness positions PathPal as a game-changer in assistive technology for the visually impaired.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Maneek Kumar, Dean, School of Engineering & Technology, BML Munjal University said: “Kanika and Abhimanyu’s work on PathPal highlights the kind of innovative, socially responsible thinking we wish to cultivate at our institution. Their success demonstrates the potential our students have to create affordable solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives. This project showcases their technical prowess and also embodies our commitment to nurturing engineers who are attuned to societal needs. PathPal is a testament to how engineering innovation can be harnessed to meet critical challenges and improve people’s quality of life. We are extremely proud of what Kanika and Abhimanyu have achieved and believe this is just the beginning of their journey in creating impactful technologies.”

The innovation has already gained recognition, winning the on-campus Hult Prize 2024 at BML Munjal University. This accolade underscores the potential impact of PathPal in addressing a critical societal need while showcasing the innovative spirit nurtured at BML Munjal University.

Smart Eye’s mission is to offer innovative, low-cost assistive technologies that enhance independence, safety and quality of life for visually impaired individuals. Committed to ongoing research and development, the company plans to expand its range of assistive devices and services in the future.

MissAseatic India, the New Benchmark in International Beauty Pageants

6th Aug 2024, New Delhi, India –MissAseatic India is setting a new standard as India’s first international beauty pageant, offering women from diverse backgrounds a global platform to showcase their talents, intelligence, and grace.

Organized by Euphorism Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (EVPL), MissAseatic aims to unite continents culturally and commercially, celebrating diversity and fostering international connections.

MissAseatic promotes inclusivity by offering free registration and a 10-day grooming session for all finalists, ensuring support and skill development without financial strain.

Participants will vie for cash awards, a professional one-year contract, and the chance to represent India at the Miss Global International competition.

MissAseatic’s “Beauty Beyond Borders” vision seeks to redefine pageantry through inclusivity and empowerment, revealing hidden talents and opening business opportunities while promoting cultural unity.

The pageant’s founder, Aashoke Gulabani, brings over 30 years of leadership experience to this groundbreaking initiative. His goal is to expand MissAseatic’s reach from 11 to 51 countries over the next decade.

MissAseatic India’s partnership with Miss Global International highlights its commitment to international recognition for Indian women and promoting tourism and intelligence across 30 countries.

MissAseatic India invites you to join their journey, celebrating beauty beyond borders and empowering women. Stay tuned for updates on the September 2024 launch.

ONGC declares results for Q1 FY’25: Posts Net Profit of Rs 8,938 Crore

Mumbai, 6th August 2024

In its 384^th meeting held on 5^th August, 2024, ONGC Board approved the results for First Quarter (Q1) of FY 2024-25.

Major Highlights:

• Gross Revenue ₹ 35,266 crore in Q1
• Net profit ₹ 8,938 crore in Q1
• 5 Discoveries in FY’ 25 so far

Details are as under:

1. Financial Performance (Standalone)

2. Financial Performance (Consolidated)

3. Production Performance

4. Exploratory Success:
5. a)ONGChas declared total 5 Discoveries in FY’ 25 so far. Since last press release on 20^th May 2024, ONGC has declared 3 more discoveries (01 in onland and 02 in offshore) in its operated acreages. Out of these, 02 are prospect (1 in onland, 1 in offshore) and 1 is new pool (onland) discovery.

The details of the latest discoveries notified since last press release in this regard on 20^th May 2024 are as under.

PURN-1: The exploratory well PURN-1 (CB-ONO-PU-A) was drilled in OALP block CB-ONHP-2019/1 to explore HC potential of Olpad & Kadi. During testing, well flowed viscous oil after heat treatment thru hot water. The success in the well PURN-1 in Olpad Formation has established hydrocarbon presence in the prospect and opened up new area for exploration in and around OALP block CB-ONHP-2019/1.

87. West Matar-2: The exploratory well West Matar-2 (MRAX) was drilled in Matar Addl. (7 year PML) area to explore HC potential of Middle Eocene Play (Hazad Member). Two objects were tested in Sand-6 and sand-8 of Gandhar.  While Gandhar Sand 6 flowed oil @83m3/day and gas @ 10500m3/day, Gandhar-8 gave Oil  @87.89 m3/day and gas @ 10,644m3/d. This success has established commercial oil & gas for the first time in GS-6 and GS-8 sands in West Matar field and declared as new pool discovery. This discovery has opened up areas for further exploration.

III. Chandramani (B-56-B): The well B-56-2 (B-56-B) was drilled in C-Series PML in Tapti-Daman area of Mumbai Offshore with the objective to explore hydrocarbon potential of Panna and Bassein Formation. One object, tested in Diu Formation flowed Gas @ 2,09,746 m3/day. The encouraging testing results has established presence of commercial hydrocarbons in the Diu Formation for the first time in Mumbai Offshore. This Hydrocarbon success has opened up a new play for further exploration.

1. b)For the first time, a Field Development Programme has been submitted to DGH for monetization of Hatta Discovery Vindhyan Basin, Madhya Pradesh.

5. Awards/Recognitions/Other highlights:

1.  ONGC inks MOU with Ever Enviro Resource Management Private Ltd for Compressed Biogas Plants: The proposed joint venture shall have 50 % equity shareholding each by ONGC’s newly formed subsidiary ONGC Green Ltd. (OGL) and Ever Enviro.
2.    ONGC and IOC ink MoU to establish a small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant by IOCL near Hatta Gas Field of Vindhyan Basin: This collaboration aims at harnessing the power of LNG to drive sustainable growth and energy security.

 iii.   Jorhat Asset achieves 700 TPD oil production: All-time high oil production of 700 TPD was achieved at Jorhat Asset.

Awards

2024. a)ONGC has been honored with the Best PSU Award 2023 in the Maharatna of the Year – Non-Manufacturing category by Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ) on 5th June, 2024.
2025. b)ONGC Videsh conferred with the award for Master of Risk- Risk Technology, Large Cap Category in the 10th edition of the India Risk Management Awards constituted by ICICI Lombard & CNBC-TV18 on 27 June, 2024.
2026. c)ONGC’s Corporate HSE was conferred with Golden Peacock Environment Management Award 2024  on 27 June, 2024.
2027. d)ONGC was recognized as an Institutional Sustainability Champion in the Editor’s Choice category at the Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024 on 27 May, 2024.
2028. e)ONGC’s Institute of Drilling Technology (IDT) was bestowed with the Golden Peacock ECO Innovation Award 2024 on 27 June, 2024 by the Institute of Directors (IOD) for developing an innovative lightweight, thermally resilient, and flexible cement slurry design for CSS (Cyclic Steam Stimulation) wells.