Category Archives: News

Healthcare facilities on alert amidst civil defence mock drills

New Delhi: Amid rising tensions with Pakistan, healthcare institutions across the country — especially private hospitals — have been placed on high alert in view of the civil defence mock drills being conducted nationwide. Hospitals have ramped up their preparedness and activated emergency response systems to deal with any potential emergencies. These mock drill preparations come in the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan and the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

“Healthcare institutions are integral to the success of these drills, with medical experts ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle emergency situations in collaboration with authorities,” Dr Aashish Chaudhry, Managing Director, Aakash Healthcare, said, emphasising the importance of disaster readiness.

“We take our role in disaster preparedness seriously. In light of the recent rise in security concerns, especially in case of any retaliatory measures by a neighbouring country, we have activated our ‘Code Brown’ disaster protocol. This dedicated code is meant to address mass casualty incidents or major emergencies. Our entire team has undergone mock drills, ensuring that all protocols, ranging from emergency medical responses to patient management, are thoroughly practised,” said Dr Chaudhry.

In line with the mock drills, the hospital has implemented specific procedures to ensure a seamless response during a crisis. Dr Chaudhry elaborated, “During a blackout situation, we have a meticulous system in place where all windows are covered by curtains, perimeter lights are turned off, and all signboards are blacked out. However, one critical factor that will not be interrupted is our emergency services. Even in such situations, our emergency care will continue to function without disruption.”

Mr. Anupam Pandey, Director Asian Hospital Faridabad said, we have been proactively engaged in emergency preparedness. “As a responsible healthcare organisation, we ensure that our team is constantly trained to deal with various emergency scenarios, including blackouts and other contingencies. Our hospital regularly conducts mock drills to assess our readiness and response times. We view these drills not only as a safety measure but as part of an ongoing training process to enhance the efficiency of our front-line workers,” he said.

Dr Sunita Kapoor, Director, City X-Ray & Scan Clinic, also echoed the sentiment of preparedness. “We have shared all the relevant safety protocols and emergency procedures with our team through comprehensive training. We understand the gravity of the current situation and are ready to respond swiftly, should the need arise.” Dr Kapoor further highlighted that several senior faculty members, who had firsthand experience of a similar situation during the 1971 conflict, had provided invaluable insights. “We have incorporated both online and offline training, including audio-visual aids, to ensure everyone is prepared for any eventuality,” she said.

“The mock drills are an exercise in preparedness. There is no need to panic because of the drills,” said Dr Praveen Gupta Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.

The nationwide drills not only serve to enhance the nation’s security infrastructure but also underline the crucial role of healthcare facilities in maintaining public health and safety during emergencies.

Cyber Awareness Workshop Empowers Students At TIGPS, Ariadaha

Kolkata, 7th May, 2025: Today, the students of Grades X to XII at Techno India Group Public School (TIGPS), Ariadaha, participated in a highly enlightening and informative Cyber Awareness Workshop, conducted by Belghoria Police Station under the guidance of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate.

The session was led by a distinguished panel from the police force, including Inspector, Mr Subhrajit Majumder (IC Belghoria), Sub Inspector, Mr Sukanta Das, Sub Inspector, Mr Prokash Dhara, Sub Inspector, Mr Arnab Mistry and Sub Inspector, Ms Monisha Biswas.

Inspector Subhrajit Majumder, the Chief Guest for the workshop, captivated the audience with his insights, drawing from over 26 years of experience in law enforcement. His engaging narrative and real-life case studies helped students understand the urgent need for cyber vigilance in today’s digital landscape.

The workshop covered a wide array of essential topics, including:

· Online safety and responsible internet usage

· Cyberbullying and the dangers of inappropriate content sharing

· Various forms of cybercrime such as phishing, identity theft, sextortion and impersonation

· Gaming-related fraud and identifying red flags

· Facts vs. myths, dos and don’ts, and actionable safety tips

· Available preventive measures and official helpline resources

“Cyber safety is a paramount concern in today’s fast pacing world. Young minds should be rightly guided with adequate knowledge so that they can safeguard themselves from the dangers waiting in the digital world”, said Mr Subhrajit Majumder, IC, Belghoria Police Station.

“Remaining secure in the cyber world is a shared responsibility. Teenagers have two worlds – the physical world and the digital world. If the systems of the digital world are secured then the physical world will be automatically secured”, said Ms Debdutta Bera Adhya, Principal, TIGPS, Ariadaha.

The session encouraged active student participation and left a lasting impression about the importance of safeguarding one’s digital footprint. It served as a timely reminder of the responsibilities young individuals hold in navigating the online world safely and ethically.

Introducing O3+ Power Foil D-Tan Mask – Your Shortcut to Radiant, Even-Toned Skin

O3+ Professional announces the launch of its latest innovation – the Power Foil D-Tan Face Sheet Mask — your shortcut to a luminous, youthful glow! Powered by the brightening magic of Licorice, the gentle exfoliation of Glycolic Acid, and the healing touch of Niacinamide, this innovative sheet mask redefines skincare. It not only lightens pigmentation and acne marks but also hydrates, firms and revitalizes tired skin.

A true antioxidant powerhouse, it shields against environmental stress while unveiling a smoother, radiant complexion. Experience holistic healing in every application and reveal your brightest skin yet with this next-generation D-Tan ritual.

Key Benefits of O3+ Power Foil D-Tan Face Sheet Mask:

1. Instant Tan Removal & Glow Boost
Infused with Licorice and Glycolic Acid, this mask effectively reduces pigmentation and dark spots, unveiling a visibly brighter and more even-toned complexion in just 10–12 minutes.

2. Deep Hydration & Skin Firming
Enriched with Niacinamide, the mask delivers intense moisture, enhancing skin elasticity and leaving it plump, smooth, and resilient.

3. Antioxidant Protection Against Environmental Stressors
The potent combination of antioxidants in the mask helps shield the skin from environmental aggressors, combating free radicals and promoting a youthful, radiant appearance.

Granules India Earns Gold Rating in First-Ever Corporate-Level EcoVadis Assessment Ranks in the 5% Globally Across All Industries

Mumbai, India – May 7, 2025: Granules India Limited, a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company committed to sustainable and responsible healthcare, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis in its inaugural corporate-level assessment. This places the company in the 97th percentile, among the top 5% of all companies assessed globally across all industries.

 EcoVadis is one of the world’s trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, assessing companies on environment, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This recognition affirms Granules’ robust sustainability practices and transparency in its business operations.

 The company’s first-ever corporate-level submission to EcoVadis builds on years of operational and environmental excellence across its manufacturing footprint. The rating reflects the company’s purpose-driven transformation journey — Healing lives responsibly through pioneering green science — and aligns with its broader sustainability goals, including science-based climate targets, greener chemistry platforms, and safer workplace practices.

  “This Gold rating is more than a recognition — it’s a reminder that we are choosing to grow differently by placing sustainability at the heart of our progress,” said Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India. “It is a moment of pride, but also one of responsibility to continue raising the bar as we build a more resilient and responsible future.”

 Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, added: “We deeply value the trust and partnership of our customers and suppliers. This milestone is a shared win — a testament to what’s possible when we act together with ‘One Planet, One Purpose’.”

Jaipur Rugs and Gurjeet Singh Celebrate Creative Visionaries in Powerful Dreamers Launch

India – [7th May, 2025] – Jaipur Rugs, India’s leading voice in ethical luxury and handmade craftsmanship, proudly announces the launch of Dreamers—a bold, genre-defying art collection created in collaboration with acclaimed textile artist Gurjeet Singh. Dreamers is more than a collection of rugs and wall art—it is a movement stitched together by emotion, memory, identity, and the lived experiences of India’s rural artisans.

 Rooted in villages across Rajasthan and echoing within the walls of Jaipur Jail, Dreamers turns traditional hand-knotting into an act of storytelling. Each piece in the collection emerges from intimate conversations, hushed moments shared over looms, and the emotional landscapes of those too often left unseen. Together, Jaipur Rugs and Gurjeet Singh have created a body of work that weaves together personal truths with bold visual language—daring viewers to feel, not just admire.

 What Lies Beneath: Craft as Confession
The artworks in Dreamers span themes of gender, caste, queerness, and generational trauma. Through surreal, abstract, and emotionally raw visuals, the collection offers a deeply layered view into the worlds of those who live between tradition and transformation.
• “Bahu Mukhiya” reveals the fractured roles rural women must play—praising, surviving, and suppressing their own truths under societal expectations.
• “The Portraits of Boogli and Her Mother” tenderly reflect the quiet strength of women denied the freedom to dream, and the generational friction between duty and defiance.
• “I Like to Wear Both” boldly celebrates gender fluidity and self-expression through surreal imagery, challenging the norms that bind identity.
• “Black Sun”, created after the Indian High Court’s rejection of same-sex marriage, becomes a haunting symbol of dimmed identity and deferred hope.
• Works such as “I Want to Go Home” and “The Heaviness Within” were born in Jaipur Jail, shaped by the emotional echoes of confinement, and offer a raw portrait of pain, resilience, and longing for liberation.

 These are not decorative objects—they are visual essays. Each piece is meticulously crafted using ancient hand-knotting techniques, with knot counts reaching over 600,000 knots, and production timelines spanning up to 145 days. Every artwork carries the signature of its artisan—centering creators like Pushpa, Pinki, Boogli, Rais, Nishrat, and Gajanand as central storytellers, not silent technicians.

 Reimagining the Role of Artisan: From Hands to Voices
Where most collaborations position artisans as nameless contributors, Dreamers insists on visibility. Artisans are honored as co-creators, each piece infused with their individual experiences, thoughts, and truths. In this collection, weaving becomes an act of authorship—where trauma, silence, and joy are given space to exist without translation.

 “This is what the future of handmade craft must look like,” says Rutvi Chaudhary, Director of Jaipur Rugs. “It’s no longer just about the object—it’s about dignity, ownership, and the storytelling power of those whose voices have long gone unheard.”

 The Dreamers collection also includes sculptural portrait heads, created from fire-damaged rugs that were once destined for disposal. Transformed into monumental forms using remnant materials, folk motifs, beads, and buttons, these heads tell stories of survival, environmental responsibility, and emotional reinvention—demonstrating that beauty, like people, often rises from the ashes.

 A New Language of Luxury: Emotional, Ethical, Human
With Dreamers, Jaipur Rugs continues to redefine what luxury means—not perfection, but purpose. Not distance, but depth. These artworks challenge viewers to confront not only the aesthetic, but the emotional labor, the humanity, and the suppressed voices that shape each piece.

General Mills India Named Among GBS Employers for Third Year in a Row

India, Mumbai, 7th May 2025: General Mills India Center (GIC), the Mumbai-based Global Capability Center of US-headquartered General Mills Inc., has been recognized as one of Everest Group’s Top GBS Employers™ 2025—marking its third consecutive appearance on the prestigious list.

Ranked among 400+ Global Business Services (GBS) organizations across India, the Philippines, and Poland, GIC stood out for its excellence in compensation, work environment, career development and inclusion —key parameters that align with Everest Group’s evaluation and resonate strongly with both current and prospective employees.

This recognition reaffirms General Mills India Center’s position as an employer of choice in a highly competitive talent market and reflects its strategic focus on employee experience, retention, and growth.

Speaking on this achievement, Monika Potharkar, General Mills India Center site lead and director of financial shared services added, “This recognition by Everest Group for the third consecutive year is a powerful testament of how we’re redefining what it means to be a Global Capability Center. At General Mills India Center, we’re shaping global operations, backed by talent that thrives on purpose, innovation, and growth. Our focus on leadership development, meaningful career paths, and a culture of belonging has helped us build not just a workplace, but a destination for high-performing talent in India’s GBS ecosystem.”

GIC is proud to foster a culture of belonging and these efforts, along with a culture of open communication and community involvement, have contributed to the GIC also being recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.

General Mills India Named Among GBS Employers for Third Year in a Row

India, Mumbai, 7th May 2025: General Mills India Center (GIC), the Mumbai-based Global Capability Center of US-headquartered General Mills Inc., has been recognized as one of Everest Group’s Top GBS Employers™ 2025—marking its third consecutive appearance on the prestigious list.

Ranked among 400+ Global Business Services (GBS) organizations across India, the Philippines, and Poland, GIC stood out for its excellence in compensation, work environment, career development and inclusion —key parameters that align with Everest Group’s evaluation and resonate strongly with both current and prospective employees.

This recognition reaffirms General Mills India Center’s position as an employer of choice in a highly competitive talent market and reflects its strategic focus on employee experience, retention, and growth.

Speaking on this achievement, Monika Potharkar, General Mills India Center site lead and director of financial shared services added, “This recognition by Everest Group for the third consecutive year is a powerful testament of how we’re redefining what it means to be a Global Capability Center. At General Mills India Center, we’re shaping global operations, backed by talent that thrives on purpose, innovation, and growth. Our focus on leadership development, meaningful career paths, and a culture of belonging has helped us build not just a workplace, but a destination for high-performing talent in India’s GBS ecosystem.”

GIC is proud to foster a culture of belonging and these efforts, along with a culture of open communication and community involvement, have contributed to the GIC also being recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fifth consecutive year in 2025.

Is Your DNA the Key to Beating Cancer? Exploring the Role of Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

By-Dr Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh, Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Centre, Ranchi

Despite remarkable advancements in medicine, cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, with each patient responding differently to therapy. While lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to its development, our DNA holds crucial insights about cancer risk, progression, and treatment effectiveness.

Advances in genetic testing are now revolutionizing cancer care, helping to predict risk, tailor treatments, and even prevent cancer before it starts. But how exactly does genetic testing work, and can it truly be the key to beating cancer?

What Is Genetic Testing in Cancer Care?

Genetic testing analyzes a person’s DNA to identify mutations or inherited traits that may increase cancer risk. These tests can be performed on:

• Germline DNA– The genes inherited from parents, which can indicate a hereditary risk for cancer.
• Tumor DNA– Genetic changes in cancer cells that help determine treatment options.

By identifying specific mutations, doctors can take a more personalized approach to prevention, early detection, and treatment, improving patient outcomes.

How Can Genetic Testing Help in Cancer Treatment?

Identifying High-Risk Individuals

• Some people carry genetic mutations that predispose them to cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast and ovarian cancer or MLH1 and MSH2 for colorectal cancer. Knowing this allows for early screenings and preventive measures.

Personalized Treatment Plans

• Genetic testing helps doctors choose targeted therapies that are more effective for a patient’s specific cancer type. For example, HER2-positive breast cancer responds to targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), while lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations may benefit from specific inhibitors.

Predicting Treatment Response

• Certain genetic markers can indicate whether a patient will respond well to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation, helping to avoid ineffective treatments and reduce side effects.

Guiding Family Health Decisions

• If a person carries a hereditary cancer mutation, family members can also be tested, allowing them to take proactive health measures such as increased screenings or lifestyle changes.

Types of Genetic Tests in Cancer Care

There are different types of genetic tests, depending on their purpose:

• Predictive Genetic Testing– Identifies inherited gene mutations that increase cancer risk before any symptoms appear.
• Diagnostic Genetic Testing– Helps confirm a cancer diagnosis by identifying specific mutations in tumor cells.
• Pharmacogenomic Testing– Determines how a patient’s genes affect their response to medications, ensuring the most effective treatment is chosen.

Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing isn’t necessary for everyone, but it may be recommended if:

• You have a strong family history of cancer(such as multiple relatives with the same type of cancer).
• You were diagnosed with cancer at a young age(such as breast or colorectal cancer before 50).
• You have an unusual or rare cancer(like male breast cancer or multiple types of cancer).
• Your ancestry is linked to higher genetic risk(e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish descent has a higher prevalence of BRCA mutations).

The Future of Genetic Testing in Cancer Care

With advancements in genomic medicine, genetic testing is expected to become even more precise, accessible, and impactful. Researchers are exploring gene-editing technologies like CRISPR to correct faulty genes, and ongoing studies continue to expand our understanding of how genetic mutations drive cancer progression.

Final Thoughts: Is DNA the Key to Beating Cancer?

While genetic testing isn’t a cure for cancer, it is one of the most powerful tools available for early detection, prevention, and personalized treatment. By unlocking the secrets within our DNA, we move closer to a future where cancer is not just treatable, but preventable. If you have concerns about hereditary cancer risk, consulting a genetic counselor could be the first step toward a proactive and personalized approach to your health.

Hungama OTT Marks New Chapter With Rebranding and Unveiling of 24-Show Slate at Exclusive Success Party

Mumbai, 07th May 2025 – Hungama OTT, one of India’s most popular digital entertainment platforms, formerly known as Hungama, hosted an exclusive success party on 05th May 2025 at Luuma House, Juhu, to mark a bold new chapter in its journey. The event celebrated the brand’s dynamic rebranding to ‘Hungama OTT’, the expansion of the Hungama OTT app—now available on smart TVs and connected devices, and the unveiling of a bold new content slate featuring 24 original shows across diverse genres, reaffirming its commitment to compelling storytelling. The celebration brought together key figures from the entertainment industry, including Monalisa, Amruta Khanvilkar, Divya Agarwal, Tina Dutta, Gulki Joshi, Yukti Kapoor, Akanksha Puri, among others, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s growth journey.

The celebration highlighted Hungama OTT’s impressive run since its September 2024 content showcase. Many of the shows announced then, such as Flight Attendant, Checkmate, Personal Trainer, Red Room, Pyramid, Pati Patni aur Padosan, Hasratein 2, and Khadaan, have emerged as fan favourites, trending across platforms and garnering critical acclaim. Continuing that momentum, the 2025 slate introduces fresh originals such as Mona ki Monohar Kahaniyaan, Judwa Jaal, Rose Garden, Chakravyuh, Badass begum, Blind Game, Balance show, Hungama Hone Do, Shaadi Ki Uss Raat, Takshika, Girl Scams, Room Service, Bollywood Murder, Hasratein season 3, and Ratri Ke Yatri season 3, promising an eclectic mix of thrillers, dramas, romances, and experimental formats. With the introduction of the Hungama OTT TV app, viewers can now experience this content on a more personalized, intuitive platform, bridging tech and storytelling.

Neeraj Roy, Founder & Managing Director, Hungama Digital Media, said, “Hungama OTT is focussed on delivering compelling and engaging shows with a strong commitment to storytelling. We’re launching an ambitious slate of 24 original shows in a year spanning drama, thrillers and more. while we’ve always been on your phones, we’re now coming into your living rooms. With a new Hungama OTT TV App, we’re bringing our content to the big screen offering a deeper, more immersive viewing experience. This is not just growth, it’s a bold leap into the future shaped entirely around our core audience.”

AIMIL Animal Health celebrated World Veterinary Day 2025 with nationwide virtual Continuing Veterinary Education (e-CVE) program

New Delhi, 6th May 2025

AIMIL Animal Health, the veterinary division of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd, observed World Veterinary Day 2025 by organizing a large-scale virtual Continuing Veterinary Education (e-CVE) program. The online event was attended by over 3,000 participants which includes veterinary students, clinicians, research scholars, practicing clinicians, para vets, the Field staff and members of Allied profession. from across India and abroad, to explore the role of holistic and herbal approaches in animal healthcare.

The session was inaugurated by Dr. Sujit Kumar Dutta, Joint Commissioner at the National Livestock Mission, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. In his keynote address, Dr. Dutta highlighted the importance of adopting integrative veterinary practices and acknowledged AIMIL’s contribution to promoting Ayurveda-based animal care. “Initiatives like this are crucial in encouraging young professionals to consider sustainable and holistic models of veterinary treatment,” he said.

The event featured presentations by several experts from diverse fields within veterinary science. Dr. Narayan Dutta of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) discussed the link between nutrition and animal productivity. Mr. Venkat Gollapudi, Project Head at AIMIL, shared the company’s ongoing projects in veterinary research. Dr. N.K. Mahajan focused on liver and kidney issues in poultry, while Dr. Vikas from CGS Hospital, Gurugram, presented on herbal treatments in canine care. Dr. Daniel Mateuta Sirbu Daniel , the international speaker from UAE spoke on integrative care for exotic species. Dr. K. Raj Kumar of RIVER, Pondicherry, addressed advancements in companion animal care, and Dr. Ujjwal Kr De (IVRI) outlined approaches for managing mastitis in cattle. Dr. Jaya Krushna Das from OUAT, Odisha, provided insights into livestock reproductive health.

At the helm of this initiative was Dr. Ikshit Sharma, Executive Director of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, whose visionary leadership continues to guide AIMIL’s mission to enhance the well-being of animals and improve the livelihood of farmers and common individuals in the animal husbandry sector. Dr Sharma said the company aims to combine traditional systems of medicine with modern veterinary science. He spoke about the need for herbal veterinary alternatives that align with the One Health approach of the World Health Organization. He also noted the potential of phytobiotics and other non-antibiotic solutions in managing animal health.

The program received registrations from more than 3,000 participants, with 55 percent being veterinary students and the rest comprising field veterinarians, para-vets, and practitioners. Students from 47 veterinary colleges took part in academic activities, including a national quiz competition with 579 entries, 200 poster presentations, 51 thesis submissions, and 89 clinical case studies. Selected entries were awarded prizes, and all participants received appreciation hampers.

The Participants & prize winners of the various contests were appreciated by Honorable Founder and Managing Director of AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, Shri K K Sharma. The program was coordinated by Dr. Anil Kr Sharma and Dr. T.S. Easwari, Vice President at AIMIL, while Dr. Rajan Handa, General Manager, AIMIL Animal Health, delivered the vote of thanks. The organizers noted that veterinary health is a shared responsibility and called for stronger collaboration across the sector.

AIMIL Animal Health is known for its research-based herbal veterinary formulations used in the care of poultry, livestock, and companion animals. The division’s recent technology transfer from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute for a cattle feed supplement is expected to support further innovation and led to further product range expansion in livestock nutrition,poultry feed supplement, pet food and aquaculture.