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Ms Doli Biswas from Fortis Hospital Anandapur Conferred with National Florence Nightingale Award 2025 by Hon’ble President of India

National, June 3rd , 2025: Ms Doli Biswas, Chief Nursing Officer, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur has been conferred with the National Florence Nightingale Award 2025, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. This prestigious recognition is presented to nursing professionals across the country for their outstanding dedication, service, and contributions to healthcare.

 Ms Biswas received the award from the Hon’ble President of India- Smt. Droupadi Murmu at a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, recognising her decades-long commitment to compassionate patient care, and nursing excellence. At Fortis Hospital Anandapur, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing quality standards, mentoring nursing teams, and fostering a culture of empathy and accountability in healthcare delivery.

 Speaking on the honour, Ms Doli Biswas, Chief Nursing Officer, Fortis Anandapur, Kolkata said, “Nursing is a noble service. Being recognised with the National Florence Nightingale Award 2025 is a great honour. It energizes me to continue serving with empathy, integrity, and dedication. I am grateful to Fortis Hospital for supporting my journey, and to the Ministry for this national honour.”

This moment stands as a proud milestone not just for Ms Biswas, but for the entire Fortis family. Her recognition serves as a reflection of the hospital’s deep-rooted values in clinical excellence and its commitment to nurturing healthcare professionals who go above and beyond in service to the community.

Fortis Healthcare congratulates Ms Doli Biswas on this exceptional achievement and remains committed to empowering and celebrating the nursing community-at the heart of patient care.

PMI Elevates Sustainability Through Project Management, Embedding Resource Efficiency and Responsible Practices on World Environment Day

By- Amit Goyal, Managing Director, South Asia, PMI

“Project management plays a crucial role in championing sustainability by embedding resource efficiency and waste reduction into every stage of execution. On this World Environment Day, we recognize the power of project leaders in shaping eco-conscious strategies that drive lasting impact. Lean methodologies help streamline processes, minimizing excess and ensuring materials serve a meaningful purpose. Sustainable procurement prioritizes responsible sourcing, reinforcing resilient and ethical supply chains. Smarter energy use reduces environmental strain while enhancing operational effectiveness.

At PMI, we recognize the importance of structured approaches to sustainability, and we have committed to strengthening our project management methodologies to embed these principles further. Sustainability is no longer an isolated initiative—it is a business imperative, woven into the way we plan, execute, and deliver results. As industries evolve, we are committed to balancing innovation with responsibility, leading the shift toward a more sustainable future for businesses, communities, and the planet.”

HCG Suchirayu Hospital & HCG NMR Cancer Centre Hubli, collaborates with KLE Institute of Technology to Raise Tobacco Awareness among Students

Hubli, 3rd June 2025 — In observance of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, HCG Suchirayu Hospital along with HCG NMR Cancer Centre, Hubli, organized a special awareness talk session in collaboration with the KLE Institute of Technology. HCG had also organized a unique awareness campaign titled, “Tobacco turns You into the Walking Dead”, by setting up photo booths and a thematic backdrop of Zombies that visually represented the message. The HCG event aimed at educating young minds on the severe health consequences of tobacco use and encourage generation to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Held at the KLE Institute of Technology campus in Hubli, the awareness session witnessed the participation of over 80 students and faculty members. The event featured engaging talks by medical experts including Dr. Govind Desai, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, and Dr. Adarsh Hegde, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG NMR Cancer Centre. The session was graced by Dr. S.C. Sajjan, Head of the Department, Mechanical Engineering at KLE Institute of Technology, Mr. Shivaprakash M.V, Associate Professor, Mechanical Department, KLE Institute of Technology and Ms. Rekha Harvi, Office Superintendent at KLE Institute of Technology, who emphasized the importance of preventive health education among youth.

Dr. Govind Desai, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, commented: “It’s alarming how often young people start smoking due to peer pressure or as a coping mechanism for stress, never fully understanding the long-term price they may pay. What begins as a casual habit can rapidly develop into a lifelong addiction. The scientific evidence linking tobacco to cancers of the lung, throat, bladder, and more, is irrefutable. Early awareness, especially from parents and educators, can make a huge difference. HCG favours the stance that we need to talk to our children about these dangers before they light their first cigarette.”

Dr. Adarsh Hegde, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, HCG NMR Cancer Centre: “Most cancers caused by tobacco are entirely preventable. Reaching out to the youth through educational institutions allows us to reshape mindsets before harmful habits take root. It’s never too early to talk about cancer prevention.”
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students engaged actively with the HCG doctors, asking insightful questions about the health risks of tobacco use and ways to support a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Through this initiative, HCG Suchirayu Hospital & HCG NMR Cancer Centre reinforced its commitment to community engagement and preventive healthcare by highlighting the devastating impact of tobacco on the lungs, oral cavity, and overall systemic health.

HCG Suchirayu Hospital – Hubli
In North Karnataka, HCG Suchirayu Hospital is in the heart of Hubli. We strive to improve the health of the community and the world by setting a standard of excellence. HCG Suchirayu Hospital is a multispecialty hospital in Hubli committed to providing the safest, most effective, and most compassionate care to our patients. The hospital has an excellent team of well-experienced healthcare professionals, committed to providing effective treatment and services for the patients. When it comes to healthcare, we believe we offer lifetime support, ensuring good health. The 250 bedded multispecialty hospital in Hubli houses state-of-the-art technology, high-end diagnostic facilities comprehensive facilities and best-in-class healthcare services.

CRIF High Mark enhances CIBR to reflect wider business credit assessment capabilities

Mumbai, 3rd June 2025: CRIF High Mark, a leading provider of credit solutions, rebrands its flagship credit assessment tool, CRIF India MSME Rank (CIMR), to CRIF India Business Rank (CIBR). This move reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying its offerings and expanding the tool’s applicability across a wider spectrum of businesses.

Originally developed to assess the creditworthiness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the evolved CIBR retains its core strengths while better reflecting its utility in evaluating a wider array of businesses. The change aligns with CRIF India’s broader mission to deliver integrated credit insights across commercial domains.

Speaking on the enhancement of the tool Ramkumar Gunasekaran, Director of Sales at CRIF High Mark said “Enabling credit flow to MSMEs is not a distribution issue but essentially a risk assessment challenge. Credit Institutions are often challenged with risk assessment of these MSMEs due to unavailability of rich and relevant data due to their less formal nature of business. CRIF India MSME Rank (CIMR) is a behavioural risk indicator designed to predict the probability of default of entities with less that INR 50 Crs aggregate credit exposure. Now, with the evolution of CRIF India MSME Rank (CIMR) into CRIF India Business Rank (CIBR), we are expanding the tool’s relevance to a broader array of businesses that extends beyond MSMEs, while maintaining its core focus on creditworthiness and risk differentiation. Banks and NBFCs can effectively implement CIBR in various use cases including but not limited to application evaluation, borrower selection, process differentiation, pricing strategy, line assignment, renewals, early warning signals, customer retention and collections. CIBR is the most comprehensive tool for risk separation of businesses with any size of credit exposure”

Key Features of CRIF India Business Rank (CIBR):

CIBR draws on CRIF’s commercial credit data and scoring expertise to provide lenders with a robust evaluation of an entity’s creditworthiness. Notable features include:

• 13-Tranche Rank Framework: CIBR offers 13 distinct ranks, enabling lenders to differentiate credit risk with greater precision across various business profiles
• 36-Month Observation Window: Ensures stability and robustness in credit behaviour monitoring across a reasonable business cycle, allowing it to account for seasonality. This is combined with a 12-month forward looking performance outlook
• Advanced Analytics Engine: Leverages a powerful analytics engine, incorporating advanced indicators and classifiers to enhance the precision of credit risk assessments
• Objective and Data-Driven: CIBR is a behavioural model that can support lenders in objective risk categorization of businesses and enable to manage large scale processing.
• Early Warning Capabilities: Enables identification of potential delinquency risks, helping lenders mitigate defaults proactively
• Wide Lender Adoption: Over 100 financial institutions already leverage this tool to streamline MSME and business loan evaluations

 CIBR Structure: A Robust Foundation for Business Risk Assessment

CIBR gives each business a rank from 1 to 13, with a corresponding risk classification. CRIF leverages its commercial credit data and performs risk assessment basis repayment behaviour, credit acceleration, utilization of credit and credit vintage of borrowers among many. Lenders also get the granularity of Commercial Risk Score from 300 to 900 along with the rank, which enables sharper risk differentiation and helps them make faster and more confident loan decisions, especially when evaluating small and growing businesses.

Fortune Foods announces 25 winners of the ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’, felicitates them at a Meet & Greet event

3rd June 2025, National: Fortune Foods, the flagship brand of AWL Agri Business Limited (formerly Adani Wilmar Limited), continued its 25-year celebration with a special Meet & Greet event for the Top 25 winners of its inaugural ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’ digital campaign, launched on 10th February this year. The campaign received an overwhelming response, with over 50,000 registrations from aspiring culinary content creators across India. At the felicitation event held in Ahmedabad, the top 25 winners were honoured and awarded content collaboration opportunities worth up to ₹2 lakhs per winner with Fortune Foods.

The ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’ offered participants expert-led training, essential tools, and a platform to showcase their culinary talent. They also received the opportunity to gain valuable insights from renowned food influencers, like Meghna Kamdar of Meghna’s Food Magic—a Forbes Top 100 Digital Star with over 5 million followers, Vinayak Grover, the creative mind behind Lost and Hungry Studios, and Nimisha Rao, Influencer Manager at Influencer.in.

Following a multi-stage evaluation process spanning nearly four months, the brand initially shortlisted the top 250 culinary creators after their first assignment. All the assignments were judged by an esteemed panel, including MasterChef winners and contestants. The criteria for judging entries ranged from recipe creativity and storytelling potential to advanced skills like video editing, plating aesthetics, and use of animation. Subsequent rounds that followed then narrowed down the field to Top 25 participants, who were felicitated at the Meet & Greet event.

The grand finale was an engaging celebration that kicked off with fun games and activities. A special Plating Demo was also conducted Meghna Kamdar, sharing industry-level knowledge. The highlight of the evening was a fireside chat titled, ‘The Ingredients of a Great Food Content Creator’. The chat featured Meghna Kamdar, who represented the Influencers side, Mukesh Mishra, Joint President, Sales & Marketing AWL Agri Business Limited from the brand side and Sunil Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat from the digital agency’s side bringing different perspective to the table and enlightening the audience with their thoughts.

The experts highlighted how the media landscape has shifted from traditional channels like TV and print to dynamic, digital-first platforms where authentic storytelling and real-time engagement matter most. They discussed the importance of understanding each viewer’s journey, crafting content that feels genuine, and leveraging influencers to build trust.

A significant part of the conversation focused on Fortune’s commitment to staying ahead of these trends. The brand is not just adapting to the new digital ecosystem—it’s actively shaping it. Fortune initiated this campaign with a clear vision: to build a thriving community of food enthusiasts by providing them a platform to hone their skills and grow in today’s content-driven world. This initiative is designed to support creators at all levels with mentorship across the board—from plating and scripting to video editing and animation—empowering them to tell compelling stories that connect deeply with micro-audiences.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mukesh Mishra, Joint President, Sales & Marketing, AWL Agri Business Limited said, “At Fortune, we’ve always believed that creator partnerships should go beyond simple promotions—they should serve as meaningful tools for education, empowerment, and community-building. This belief came to life through the ‘Fortune Influencer Masterclass’, launched as part of our 25-year celebration. As we mark this milestone, we wanted to do something that not only honored our journey as a trusted household brand but also reflected our commitment to nurturing talent across India.”

“The inspiration behind the Masterclass was simple yet powerful: we saw the immense untapped culinary talent across the country—especially among homemakers and food enthusiasts—who just needed the right guidance and support to thrive in the digital space. Through this initiative, we set out to provide them with the skills, mentorship, and confidence to become compelling digital creators. It’s been incredible to witness their transformation—watching them grow, experiment fearlessly, and develop their own authentic storytelling voices that resonate with audiences nationwide. We’re proud to stand behind this next generation of culinary storytellers and can’t wait to see how they continue to celebrate the joy of cooking with Fortune.” he added.

Commenting on achievement Harshika Lalwani from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh said, “When I signed up for the Fortune Influencer Masterclass, I was just following a quiet passion — something for myself, for once. As a homemaker, I’ve always poured myself into my family, putting everyone else first. My dreams… they were always in the background. But then I was selected among the Top 25 winners — and everything changed. I’ll never forget the moment my family found out. “We’re proud of you,” they said. Not just for the win, but for the person I had become. And in that moment, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time — seen. Respected. Valued. This wasn’t just a competition for me. I stood taller — not because they looked up to me, but because I finally looked up to myself.”

Guyana Baby Receives Life-Changing Cochlear Implant at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, India – June 3rd, 2025 – Baby Lavanya, a 9-month-old from Guyana, South America, born with profound hearing loss, has successfully undergone a complex cochlear implant surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. The procedure was made possible through the efforts of the Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI) and the Sri Satya Sai organization. Previously declined by multiple international centers due to a rare inner ear deformity, Lavanya’s case was accepted by Apollo’s expert ENT team, who carried out the surgery on May 17. The baby is now recovering well and beginning her journey toward hearing and speech.

In a remarkable story of resilience, hope, and international collaboration, Baby Lavanya, born on August 7, 2023, in Guyana, South America, has successfully undergone a complex cochlear implant surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad. This milestone marks the beginning of her journey to hearing and speech, after being diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss said Mr. Tejesvi Rao, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Telangana Region

Dr.E.C. Vinay Kumar HOD of ENT at Apollo Hospitals said that Born to parents Diveka Dhanraj and Satish Sakishnu of Indian origin, Baby Lavanya was unable to develop speech or respond to sounds due to her condition. Despite seeking help at multiple medical centers across Guyana, the country’s limited healthcare infrastructure could not support the specialized surgery required. Further complications arose when radiological scans revealed cochlear hypoplasia and an anomalous cochlea on the left side, causing multiple international centers to decline performing the operation.

Dr. K. Rambabu, Sr.Consultant ENT Surgeon Apollo Hospitals said the family explored options in neighboring Brazil, Venezuela, the United States, and Canada, but financial constraints made treatment in these countries unattainable. Appeals to charitable organizations in North America were unsuccessful, leaving the family desperate for a solution.

Their search for hope led them to the Sri Satya Sai organization in Guyana, which connected them to Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, and the Society to Aid the Hearing Impaired (SAHI) in India. Recognizing the complexity and urgency of the case, Apollo Hospitals took on the challenge through SAHI’s Hearing Impaired Girl Child Project.

The surgery was carried out successfully on May 17, 2025, by Apollo Hospitals’ distinguished ENT and cochlear implant team, led by Dr. E.C. Vinaya Kumar, Dr. K. Rambabu, and Dr. Jaswinder Singh Saluja, and supported by implantation audiologist Dr. I. Srikanth. With over 30 years of experience and more than 2,700 cochlear implant procedures, the team navigated the intricacies of Lavanya’s condition with expertise and compassion.

“We are delighted with Lavanya’s progress following her surgery,” said Dr. Vinaya Kumar. “Every child deserves the chance to hear and speak, and it’s our privilege to contribute to her journey.”

Baby Lavanya is now in recovery and demonstrating positive postoperative development. Her family, along with the entire care team, remains hopeful and excited to witness her take her first steps into the world of sound.

Acer Champions Sustainability on World Environment Day

By- Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director & Head of Marketing, Acer India

“Plastic pollution, the focus of this year’s World Environment Day, is a pressing global challenge that calls for a fundamental rethink of how materials are produced, used, and discarded. At Acer, this urgency has shaped our approach to sustainability through initiatives like Earthion, where we are actively working to reduce plastic use by eliminating single use plastics in packaging and incorporating post-consumer recycled materials in products such as the Acer Vero series. Beyond product design, we are transitioning to fully recyclable, paper-based packaging and partnering across our supply chain to embed sustainable practices. These efforts are part of our commitment to minimizing environmental impact and moving towards 100% renewable energy by 2035. World Environment Day reminds us the responsibility to innovate thoughtfully and act decisively to create a more sustainable future.”

Apollo Health Resources Limited and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Join Hands to Launch Advanced Certification in Genomics

Chennai, 3rd June 2025

Apollo Health Resources Limited (AHRL), a pioneer in the training, skilling, and placement of healthcare professionals worldwide in association with Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), a leading institution in clinical and genomic education, has announced the launch of an Advanced Certification in Genomics (ACG) program. This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between AHRL and SRIHER, and falls under AHRL’s Global Workforce Development (GWD) initiative that aims to address global healthcare workforce shortages by preparing healthcare professionals for international healthcare careers. The ACG program focuses on nurturing the next generation of Clinical Scientists in the field of Genomics, creating pathways for global healthcare careers.

An agreement to this effect was recently signed between AHRL and SRIHER, underscoring their joint commitment to delivering internationally benchmarked healthcare-focused education and training programs in rapidly advancing fields such as Genomics.

The one-year, full-time program, commencing in August 2025, will be conducted in person at the SRIHER campus in Chennai. Applicants must hold a postgraduate degree (M. Sc. or M. Tech.) in any of the following disciplines: Human Genetics, Biomedical Genetics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Sciences, Stem Cell Sciences, Clinical Research, Medical Laboratory Technology, Genetic Engineering, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics or Genomic Counselling, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.

Designed in direct alignment with the curriculum specified by the National Health Service (NHS) in England, the program offers comprehensive clinical and experiential training in genomics. Core focus areas include Genetic Testing, Bioinformatics and Genomic Medicine, Cancer Genomics, Prenatal, Pediatric, and Adult Genomics, as well as Genetic and Genomic Counselling.

As part of the program, students will benefit from hands-on training delivered by national and international experts from both academia and industry.

To facilitate global mobility and enhance student readiness for international careers, the program also includes:

• English language training
• Soft skills development
• Interview preparation for careers within the NHS and with other UK-based employers.

The agreement was exchanged between Prof. Uma Sekar, Vice Chancellor of SRIHER and Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran, CEO of Apollo Knowledge, in the presence of Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Registrar of SRIHER, and Prof. P. Venkatachalam, Head of the Department of Human Genetics, SRIHER.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran remarked, “This partnership embodies Apollo Health Resources’ commitment to empowering healthcare professionals in India and abroad through internationally benchmarked training programs in domains such as Genomics. Through our Global Workforce Development (GWD) initiative, we are preparing professionals for international healthcare careers by equipping them with technical skills, and language and soft skills required to succeed on the  global stage. The ACG program, being jointly offered with SRIHER, is a strong step forward in this mission and aligns with the Indian Government’s ‘Heal by India’ vision to strengthen the global healthcare workforce”

Prof. Uma Sekar added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Apollo Health Resources Limited to deliver a program of such international relevance”. She added that SRIHER possesses a wealth of clinical and genomic expertise, with professionals who have over two decades of experience in the fields of prenatal, neonatal, adult, and cancer genomics. Supported by advanced genomic laboratories, clinical diagnostic units, and strong collaborations with national and international organizations, the institution is well-positioned to train students in cutting-edge technologies in the field of genomics.

This program provides a clear pathway for Indian students to aim for careers such as Clinical Scientists in Genomics within healthcare systems such as the NHS in England, equipping them with both academic knowledge and practical skills aligned with NHS Clinical Scientist roles.

RCB vs KXIP – The Ultimate Clash on the Big Screen: PVR INOX to Screen TATA IPL 2025 Final Live Across India

National, June 2, 2025: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema exhibitor, is all set to bring the electrifying IPL 2025 Final to the big screen, offering fans the chance to experience the most anticipated match of the season like never before. Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Kings XI Punjab in a high-octane clash on June 3, and cricket lovers can witness the action unfold LIVE in the cinematic glory of PVR INOX cinemas across 30+ cities.

Part of the brand’s ongoing Alternative Content initiative, this live screening underscores PVR INOX’s commitment to transforming cinemas into multi-dimensional entertainment destinations—where audiences come not just for movies, but for music concerts, gaming events, and live sports like the IPL.

Cricket lovers can enjoy the final in a stadium-like atmosphere, complete with high-definition visuals, Dolby surround sound, plush seating, and curated match-day food & beverage combos. Fan zones, themed offerings, and in-cinema excitement are all part of the experience, making this screening the perfect way to celebrate the culmination of IPL 2025.

The IPL T20 2025 Final between RCB and PBKS will be screened live across major cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and more—at select PVR INOX cinemas nationwide.

Gautam Dutta, CEO – Revenue & Operations, PVR INOX Ltd, said, “The IPL final is more than a match – it’s a moment of collective passion for millions of Indians. As part of our vision to go beyond cinema, the IPL final screening is a testament to how entertainment is evolving. The sheer passion fans have for cricket deserves a setting that amplifies every cheer, every moment. With our Alternative Content initiative, we’re creating shared experiences that go beyond watching—we’re making memories in real time, on the big screen.”

From die-hard fans to casual viewers, this is your chance to be part of the most awaited match of the year in surround sound and stadium-style energy.

Breaking the Cycle of Stunting: How Early Detection and Proper Nutrition Can Empower Children’s Health and Nation’s Growth

Malnutrition is a staggering crisis, stripping millions of children of their health, dreams, and the chance to build a better future. This crisis stems from inadequate intake of calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, or the body’s inability to absorb them effectively. Though it impacts people of all ages, its effects on children particularly, are devastating, hindering physical growth, weakening immune systems, and making them more prone to diseases. One of the most severe consequences of malnutrition is stunting—a condition that impairs growth and development, leaving long-term impacts on a child’s health and future.

Stunting in children is a significant global health issue, particularly in India, where it affects millions. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), approximately 35% of children under five years ^[i]are stunted, a condition that reflects chronic malnutrition and can lead to long-term physical and cognitive impairments.^[ii]

Dr Vivekanand Kustagi, MBBS MD BNB FIAA, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist Special interest in pediatric nutrition highlights “Stunting not only affects a child’s physical height and weight but also hinders cognitive development, immunity, and overall well-being, leading to lifelong consequences. To combat this, regular screening and monitoring of children’s growth and development are vital. This practice enables the early detection of malnutrition and developmental delays, allowing timely interventions to address the underlying issues. Furthermore, emphasizing the importance of screening to identify nutritional gaps is crucial in fostering healthier futures for our children. Adding nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins can help address these nutritional gaps and support overall growth.”

Proper nutrition is critical to help children grow and reach their full potential, yet worldwide there are approximately 149 million stunted children below the age of five—and one-third, or 40.6 million, are in India. Therefore, parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in monitoring their children’s growth and development.

Let’s deep dive into why screening is important and how to identify signs of stunting:

Recognizing the Signs of Stunting

Stunting often goes unnoticed in its early stages, but there are key signs that caregivers and healthcare professionals can look for to intervene before the condition worsens. These include:

• Height-for-Age Ratio: Children who are significantly shorter than their peers may be stunted. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stunting as a height-for-age Z-score of less than -2 standard deviations from the median. A child’s height consistently falling below the expected growth standards for their age^[iii]
• Inadequate Weight: Poor or stagnant weight gain over time, despite age progression, can be an early indicator of stunting
• Physical Appearance: Look for visible signs such as loose skin around the upper arms or thighs, visible ribs, or a noticeable lack of muscle mass may indicate stunting
• Delayed Developmental Milestones: Stunted children may exhibit delays in reaching critical developmental milestones, such as walking or speaking, delayed developmental milestones, such as walking or speaking^[iv]
• Frequent Illnesses: A weakened immune system resulting in recurring infections or illnesses can also be a sign of stunting

Stunting is a critical challenge, but with consistent screening, awareness, and nutritional interventions, parents and caregivers can combat this silent threat to children’s growth and potential.

Why Regular Health Screenings Matter?

Prioritizing proactive health management is essential in fostering a healthier and more resilient population. Regular screening helps with the below:

• Early Detection: Identifying stunting early allows for interventions that can significantly improve a child’s nutritional status and overall health
• Informed Decision-Making Parenting: Screening educates parents about their child’s growth patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding nutrition and health
• Access to Resources: Early identification often leads to access to nutritional programs and resources designed to combat malnutrition^[v]

Role of Nutrition in Preventing Stunting and Strategies for Fussy Eaters

Proper nutrition plays a critical role in preventing stunting by ensuring children receive the essential nutrients needed for optimal growth and development. A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats supports physical growth, strengthens the immune system, and aids in cognitive development. Early nutritional interventions, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, can significantly reduce the risk of stunting and set a strong foundation for a healthier future. Encouraging healthy eating in fussy children is challenging but vital to prevent stunting and support growth. Here are strategies to ensure they get the nutrients they need:

• Introduce Variety Gradually: One of the best ways to expand a child’s diet is by offering new foods alongside familiar favorites. This approach helps ease children into trying different flavors and textures, making them more likely to accept new foods over time. For instance, adding fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, can provide essential nutrients for overall health
• Make Meals Fun: Engaging children in meal preparation or using creative presentations can spark interest in food. This approach not only makes eating enjoyable but also encourages the consumption of nutritious foods like proteins from eggs, dairy products, and lean meats, essential for their growth and development
• Set Regular Mealtimes: Establishing consistent meal routines helps children develop healthy eating habits. Offering balanced meals at set times ensures that children receive a variety of whole grains (like whole grain bread or cereals) and healthy fats (such as nuts and canola/mustard/soybean oil), both of which support energy levels and brain development

Screening is key for early detection, empowering parents to act against stunting. A balanced diet boosts nutrient absorption and growth, crucial for fussy eaters. Regular screenings and proper nutrition support children’s health, addressing immediate needs and building healthier futures across India.