Category Archives: News

Indian Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Run in TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025 to Spread Cancer Awareness

January 22, 2025. Those who participated in the Dream Run category included 30 young cancer victors and some employees of ICS.

The effort was primarily aimed at spreading the spirit of fighting cancer through the runners who demonstrated that despite having gone through cancer they could run the Marathon like any other person. Their spirit generated hope and positivity and spread the ICS message that good lifestyle, eschewing risk factors for cancer such as tobacco, and early detection through regular screening can help in staying two steps ahead of cancer raising awareness and educating people on the importance of screening and early cancer detection.

Apart from individual supporters a big push came from Kotak Securities and Raymonds. About 100 members from Raymonds and 130 members from Kotak securities ran for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 supporting Indian Cancer Society to raise awareness.

Persistent Secures Prestigious AA+ Rating from ICRA Limited

January 22, 2025, Santa Clara, CA and Pune, India

Persistent Systems, a global leader in Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization, today announced that it has achieved [ICRA]AA+ (Stable) credit rating, reinforcing its strong financial position, business resilience, and operational excellence.

ICRA Limited (ICRA) is an Indian independent and professional investment information and credit rating agency. ICRA’s comprehensive rating assessment involves an in-depth evaluation of financial statements, extensive discussions with the senior leadership team, and a detailed analysis of business performance. Key factors such as revenue growth, operational efficiency, capital structure, and liquidity position are meticulously reviewed to gauge financial resilience and long-term stability.

The AA+ (Stable) rating from ICRA reinforces stakeholder trust, demonstrating Persistent’s sustained growth momentum and resilience in navigating dynamic macroeconomic conditions. The key rating drivers and strengths highlighted by ICRA include:

• Experienced leadership with a proven operational track record, complemented by well-established relationships with a diverse customer base across various industries.
• Strong revenue growth and a healthy order book ensuring consistent revenue visibility, driven by a diversified mix of large and mid-sized deals across key sectors with an increasing share of new business wins.
• A robust financial profile driven by healthy cash flow generation and capital structure, reflects the financial stability and positions Persistent to sustain its growth momentum and navigate future opportunities effectively.

This credit rating will also serve as a key enabler in Persistent’s bid pursuits with larger clients, who often require vendor partners to demonstrate strong financial robustness as part of their selection criteria. The AA+ (Stable) rating provides a credible assurance of Persistent’s financial health, further enhancing the Company’s ability to secure strategic engagements and expand its footprint in the enterprise market.

Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent

“We are proud to have achieved the [ICRA]AA+ (Stable) rating, which serves as a testament to our strong business fundamentals, financial health, and operational excellence. This recognition reflects the trust we have built with our clients, shareholders, and employees over the years. We will continue to drive top-quartile industry performance through disciplined execution, innovation, and global expansion, while maintaining a robust capital structure and healthy liquidity position. By doing so, we aim to sustain our growth momentum and create long-term value for all our stakeholders.“

Life-Changing TAVR Procedure Helps 94-Year-Old Mumbai Woman Overcome Health Challenges

Mumbai: In a ground-breaking medical success, a frail 94-year-old woman from Mumbai has regained her independence and quality of life after undergoing a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure. Weighing only 36 kg, Bhanbai Gala was treated for severe aortic stenosis by the veteran interventional cardiologist Dr Ravinder Singh Rao.

Bhanbai Gala, grandmother to a general practitioner Dr. Mita Gala, had been battling severe chest heaviness and breathlessness for months. Her condition limited her ability to walk even a few steps and disrupted her daily routine. A bypass surgery in 2010 and her frailty put her at high risk for treatment. Yet, her determination to attend her great-grandson’s wedding led her family to seek medical solutions.

Following detailed evaluations, Dr Rao recommended TAVR, a minimally invasive procedure to replace the aortic valve. TAVR was deemed high risk in view of advanced age and previous bypass surgery. Performed under local anaesthesia, the hour-long procedure involved inserting a new valve via the femoral artery, replacing the narrowed aortic valve without complications. The patient started to breathe better overnight.

Dr Rao said, “Our extensive experience with TAVR helps to perform the procedure safely in a complex situation. The valve starts functioning immediately, and when these patients go home without complications, they do extremely well. TAVR is a game-changer for patients with aortic stenosis. It is also approved for low-risk patients in their 60s if the valve can be replaced from the groin vessel,” said Dr Rao. “Her small build, complex anatomy, and Trifascicular AV block posed challenges, but meticulous planning ensured a safe and successful outcome.”

Bhanbai Gala was discharged within 48 hours and experienced significant improvements in her symptoms. At her one-month follow-up, she reported walking comfortably, completing household chores, and even preparing her favourite dessert, Khajur Pak.

Her family was overjoyed. “As a doctor, I had doubts about the safety of TAVR for my grandmother, but Dr Rao’s expertise and constant support eased our concerns,” said her granddaughter Dr. Mita Gala. “Seeing her enjoy the wedding rituals with enthusiasm was truly a blessing.”

Bhanbai Gala’s story highlights the transformative potential of advanced medical technology like TAVR. It offers a beacon of hope for elderly patients seeking a better quality of life to experience their joyful occasions to the fullest.

In India, the number of TAVI Procedures, is increasing year by year since its first use in 2011. With the prevalence of 7.3% for isolated aortic stenosis, an estimated TAVI–eligible population is roughly about 300,000 people.

Ishita Ganguly Reveals Insights into Her Fierce Role as Chamkeeli in Shemaroo Umang’s New Show

Shemaroo Umang is all set to bring to its audience a drama filled with power, betrayal, rivalry and twists like no other, as Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain. At the heart of the drama is Chaina, played by the talented Diksha Dhami lively, street-smart, clever, and full of surprises. As Chaina enters as the haveli as the youngest daughter-in-law, standing in her way is Chamkeeli, the cunning and ruthless eldest daughter-in-law, played by Ishita Ganguly. Chamkeeli is obsessed with control and power, and she’ll do whatever it takes to secure her position at the top. From lies and tricks to complex schemes, she’s willing to cross any line to stay in charge.

Chamkeeli’s thirst for power is unmatched. Every move she makes is calculated, and when she’s wronged, you better watch out—there’s no telling how far she’ll go to fight back. It’s this drive that makes her both a fascinating villain and an unforgettable character.

Ishita Ganguly, who plays Chamkeeli, shared her excitement about the role: “Chamkeeli is unlike any character I’ve played before—she’s fierce, determined, and believes her ruthless actions are completely justified to get what she wants. While the heroine is the heart of the story, it’s characters like Chamkeeli that truly bring it to life. You’ll love to hate her. At every step, Chamkeeli will create challenges for Chaina. What drew me to this role is how dark and bold Chamkeeli is. Unlike typical stories, this one stands out because of the fresh approach to the script and the challenging role it offers. As an actor, when you get a character like this, you can’t resist taking it on.”

The intense rivalry between Chamkeeli and Chaina is at the heart of Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, and as the two women battle for control- one with right intentions and the other with wrong, the show promises a rollercoaster of emotions, drama, and unexpected twists.

IIHMR University Welcomes 4th Batch for Executive Masters’ Programs in Public Health and Hospital Administration

National, 22nd January 2025: IIHMR University, a leading health management research university in India, proudly hosted the inaugural program for the fourth cohort of its Master of Public Health (MPH) (Executive) 2024–26 and Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) (Executive) 2024–26 programs.

The event marked the beginning of an academic journey for 50 professionals from Executive Master of Public Health and 17 professionals from Executive Master of Hospital Administration, aiming to enhance their expertise in public health and hospital administration while continuing their careers. Showcasing rich diversity, the eMPH batch has 25 female and 25 male candidates, and the eMHA batch has 9 female and 8 male students.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University, shared, “With a rich legacy of 40 years in healthcare management education, we are deeply committed to empowering professionals with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities required to drive transformative change in healthcare systems. The Master of Public Health (Executive) and Master of Hospital Administration (Executive) programs are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, enabling professionals to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new cohorts and encourage them to embrace this journey of growth.”

Reflecting a diverse cohort of professionals eager to contribute to the evolving landscape of healthcare management, the programs witnessed participation from diverse backgrounds. Making a majority 23 candidates of the eMPH program were from government organizations, followed by 22 candidates from private hospitals, consultancies, etc. and 5 participants from NGOs. Whereas, the eMHA had 12 participants from private hospitals, consultancies, etc. and 5 from government organizations.

The eMPH and eMHA cohorts brought a wealth of professional experience and maturity to the program, with an impressive average of 10 years and 9 years of work experience, respectively. Reflecting their seasoned backgrounds, the participants had an average age of 38 years for the eMPH cohort and 37 years for the eMHA cohort, showcasing a balanced blend of expertise and readiness to excel in the evolving field of healthcare management.

Michelle Obama Turns 61: Celebrate Her Legacy with Her Audiobooks and Films

Michelle Obama’s legacy is synonymous with words like transformation, resilience and the power of being a changemaker. As an advocate for empowerment and social justice, she has dedicated her life to driving meaningful change and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Through her work, she has used her voice and platform to inspire generations of women to rise, lead, and make a difference. In celebration of her 61st birthday, we’ve curated a list of her most impactful audiobooks and films that continue to inspire and empower audiences globally. This list honours her enduring contribution to culture, activism, and the art of storytelling, offering invaluable insights that challenge us to reflect, grow, and live with purpose.

Becoming

Service: Audible

Becoming is a powerful and intimate memoir by Michelle Obama, the first African American First Lady of the United States. Winner of numerous accolades, including the British Book Awards’ ‘Audiobook of the Year’ and a Grammy for ‘Best Spoken Word Album’, this deeply personal reflection chronicles Michelle’s journey from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. With honesty, wit, and warmth, she shares the triumphs and challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and public life, all while advocating for women, girls, and healthier families. Becoming is a captivating story of resilience and defying expectations. Tune in for inspiration to embrace one’s journey with purpose and strength!

The Light We Carry

Service: Audible

This is the powerful, inspiring follow-up to the critically acclaimed, multi-million #1 bestselling memoir Becoming. In The Light We Carry, former First Lady Michelle Obama shares practical wisdom and personal reflections on staying hopeful and balanced in an uncertain world. She explores key questions many of us face—how to build lasting relationships, find strength in our differences, and navigate life’s challenges. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, daughter, wife, friend, and First Lady, Obama offers tools for resilience, emphasising the power of lighting the way for others and discovering new pathways for growth. With candour and compassion, she tackles complex issues of race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to confront fear, embrace community, and live boldly. Fire up your device and get ready to be moved and inspired to reflect, find joy, and connect meaningfully in a turbulent world.

The Light Podcast

Service: Audible

Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast goes beyond the book, offering exclusive personal stories and insights from her and her friends, as a part of the tour for her book, The Light We Carry. In this series, together they explore themes from The Light We Carry, including building meaningful relationships, navigating race and gender, overcoming obstacles, and lighting the way for others to unlock potential. With her trademark humour, openness and empathy, Michelle shares tools for thriving in today’s world alongside luminaries like Gayle King, Hoda Kotb, and David Letterman. Tune in for an uplifting and inspiring Audible Original.

American Factory: A Conversation With The Obamas

Platform: Netflix

American Factory: A Conversation with the Obamas offers an insightful and thought-provoking discussion between former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and the filmmakers of American Factory, an Oscar-winning documentary. The conversation delves into the themes explored in the film, including the complexities of globalization, the changing dynamics of American manufacturing, and the challenges of bridging cultural and economic divides. With their unique perspectives, the Obamas provide valuable reflections on the film’s exploration of the American workforce and the broader implications of economic and social change.

Leave The World Behind

Platform: Netflix

Leave the World Behind, produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that explores themes of technology, survival, and the fragility of modern society. Based on the bestselling novel by Rumaan Alam, the story follows a family’s vacation gone awry when a mysterious crisis disrupts their world, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and uncertainties. With its timely exploration of social and environmental collapse, Leave the World Behind invites audiences to reflect on the delicate balance of our interconnected world, offering a tense and immersive experience that’s both compelling and unsettling.

Crip Camp

Platform: Netflix

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, another production by Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, tells the inspiring and transformative story of a group of teenagers with disabilities who attended a groundbreaking summer camp in the 1970s. The documentary chronicles their journey from the camp to the heart of the disability rights movement, highlighting the activism and resilience that led to significant social and legislative change. With its powerful blend of personal stories and historical context, Crip Camp shines a light on the fight for accessibility, inclusion, and equality. Tune in for a compelling look at how a group of young people changed the course of history!

Swachh Kumbh Experience for Devotees as Coca-Cola India Rolls Out Maidaan Saaf at Maha Kumbh 2025

Bengaluru, January 22, 2025 – As the world gathers for Maha Kumbh 2025, one of the largest cultural events, India’s commitment to environmental sustainability is highlighted through the Swachh Kumbh initiative. At the heart of this effort is the ‘Maidaan Saaf’ campaign, a partnership led by Coca-Cola India in partnership with PHD Rural Development Foundation (PHDRDF) and the Prayagraj Mela Authority (PMA) highlighting social and environmental innovation.

As part of the Maidaan Saaf campaign, Coca-Cola India has created and distributed 21,500 jackets made from recycled PET for sanitation workers, boatmen, and waste management volunteers. This includes 10,000 jackets for sanitation workers involved in the Swachh Kumbh initiative, 10,000 life jackets for boatmen across 4,000 boats to ensure their safety during river crossings, and 1,500 jackets for volunteers working on waste management. These jackets not only ensure the safety and easy identification of workers but also highlight the potential of recycled plastic, encouraging visitors to rethink how waste can be repurposed.

Additionally, Coca-Cola India has installed 1,000 changing rooms for women, made entirely from recycled multi-layer plastic waste, along the 12 km stretch of the river ghats. These rooms, designed to provide privacy and ventilation, feature illustrations by top Indian artists that turn waste segregation and recycling into engaging, fun, and educational visuals.

“At Coca-Cola India, we are committed to creating impactful change by integrating sustainability into large-scale events like Maha Kumbh 2025. The Maidaan Saaf campaign is a testament to how partnerships for collection and innovative practices can turn waste into opportunity. By encouraging collective responsibility and promoting recycling, we aim to inspire visitors to adopt environmentally conscious habits and contribute to a cleaner, greener future, “ said, Saloni Goel, Senior Director, ESG Value Creation, Coca Cola India

Coca-Cola’s hydration carts, positioned every 400 meters, include built-in bins for bottle collection and feature creative artwork that encourages visitors to participate in waste segregation, turning waste into a valuable resource. Additionally, Coca-Cola India has placed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at railway stations, food courts, and key locations to collect and recycle PET waste, alongside partnerships for effective waste management. Additionally,

Class 3 Student from Karnataka Shines at SIP Arithmetic Genius Contest 2024, Wins Performer Award

Bengaluru 22nd Jan 2025 : The Grand National Finals of the much-awaited SIP Arithmetic Genius Contest 2024 was held in Chennai, on Sunday, 19th January 2025. The 9th edition of this contest, conducted by SIP Academy India, witnessed participation from over 750,000 children across 1,500 schools in 23 states. The multi-tiered competition aims to strengthen the mathematical foundation of children in Classes 1 to 5 while nurturing a healthy competitive spirit.

The contest progresses through four rounds: School Round, City Round, State Round, and the Grand National Finals. Out of 2,33,000 students in Round 2 and 37,000 participants in the State Finals, 300 students have qualified for the National Finals, and they participated in the National Finals held in Chennai.

The winners from each class crowned at “Arithmetic Genius 2024”, with attractive prizes. Amogha Varsha R M, Class 3 student from Vidya Sanskar International Public School, Bharathnagar, won the Performer Award at Grand National Finals of SIP Arithmetic Genius Contest 2024 held in Chennai recently.

Mr. Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy India Pvt. Ltd., expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to offer young children an opportunity to build a solid foundation in mathematics and earn recognition at an early age. The overwhelming participation from students across the country is a testament to their enthusiasm and the growing importance of arithmetic skills in shaping their future.”

He also highlighted that SIP Academy India has trained over 1 million children across its 1,000+ centres in 350 cities across 24 states. The academy’s programs aim to equip children with essential life skills to help them face challenges with confidence.

Zuno General Insurance Brings Road Safety to Life Through Creative ‘Talking Zebra’ Campaign

Hyderabad, January 22, 2025: Zuno General Insurance, formerly known as Edelweiss General Insurance, a new-age digital insurer, has launched a unique road safety awareness initiative, ‘The Talking Zebra’ to educate motorists and pedestrians about the importance of following traffic rules in an engaging and memorable way.

This initiative, spanning from 16th Jan to 25th Janis part of Zuno General Insurance’s commitment to promoteresponsible driving habits for safer roads and aligns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) declaration of January as Road Safety Month.Through the Talking Zebra Campaign, Zuno aims to amplify the national focus on reducing road accidents and fostering a culture of responsible road usage.

The Talking Zebra campaign is an innovative one-of-a-kind initiative that features a witty and interactive Zebra that is brought to life at traffic signals. As part of the campaign, a promoter dressed as a zebra—the very embodiment of zebra crossings—will interact with people at busy traffic signals. in six major cities – Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. The mascot will interact with drivers and pedestrians, using wit, and humor to make road safety a topic everyone wants to talk about and a real concern. The Talking Zebra will remind everyone to “Keep your cool, follow traffic rules” while promoting essential practices like respecting zebra crossings, stopping at red lights, and avoiding jaywalking.

Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance said, “Road safety is a critical and shared responsibility, and atZunowe are committed to launching initiatives that create lasting, positive change. The Talking Zebra campaign is our unique way of blending education with entertainment to encourage positive behavior on the streets, both for the driving community and pedestrians.We have also gone a step beyond awareness by using rewards to influence behavioural change with our telematics-based Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD), that incentivises good driving behaviour with discounts on the car insurance premium.By participating in PHYD, drivers will be encouraged to adopt safer practices, ultimately contributing to safer roads, fewer accidents, and reduced fatalities across India.”

Every year, India sees a high number of pedestrian accidents, often caused by reckless drivers who ignore traffic rules and zebra crossings. Kolkata too witnessed around 15% increase in accidents in the last five years, pedestrian safety remains a major concern due to factors such as heavy traffic, non-compliance with traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement of safety measures like zebra crossings. The “India Status Report on Road Safety 2024,” by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights India’s slow progress in reducing road accident fatalities. Despite advances in other sectors, road traffic injuries remain a major public health issue, and most states are unlikely to meet the UN’s goal of halving traffic deaths by 2030. Comparing India to road safety leaders like Sweden, the report shows that while in 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident, by 2021 this figure had risen to 600%.

The Annual Report on Road Accidents in India available till (2022) recorded 4,61,312 crashes marginally low by 1% in the last five years, leading to 1,68,491 fatalities and 4,43,366 injuries. On an average, India experiences 53 crashes and 92 deaths per hour. According to global data, India witnesses the highest number of road accidents in the world.

Ketan Mankikar, Head & VP Marketing &Communications, Zuno General Insurance said, “The Talking Zebra is more than just a campaign; it’s a conversation starter, it’s a movement to inspire everyone to follow traffic rules and make roads safer. By using wit and humor, we aim to make safety more relatable, memorable, and ultimately, impactful. With a sense of humour and originality, “The Talking Zebra” hopes to leave an impression on drivers that will lead to behavioural change.As a brand that stands for being easy, breezy, and surely, we are excited to bring this concept to life and see how it sparks a positive change on the roads.”

The campaign addresses pedestrian safety issues by introducing innovative and creative concepts that apply to both drivers and walkers.

To maximise the campaign’s reach and impact, Zuno General Insurance has partnered with popular radio channel Red FM, allowing ‘The Talking Zebra’s’ voice to amplify the message across airwaves. Zuno General Insurance has also taken the campaign to the public encouraging them to join the movement on social media with hashtags #TalkingZebra, #RespectTheStripes, and #StayCoolFollowRules.

Budget Expectations Quotes by Experts

Mr. Kapal Suresh Pansari, Managing Director, RP Tech

“The upcoming Union Budget is an important moment for the technology sector, and we are eager to see measures that support India’s digital-first ambitions. Incentives for Make in India initiatives and investments in infrastructure could significantly enhance the ICT supply chain. Additionally, policies fostering innovation and skill development will be key to strengthening India’s position as a global technology leader. We are optimistic about the budget paving the way for sustainable growth and new opportunities in the sector.”

Sarvjeet Singh Virk, Co-founder & MD, Jumpp outlining

Introducing specialised regulatory sandboxes for AI-powered financial products, vernacular fintech solutions, and localised innovations for regional financial institutions would be a transformative step forward. Additionally, further development of AI infrastructure through dedicated funds for AI Centers of Excellence in tier-2 cities and multilingual financial literacy platforms will be pivotal.

Inclusivity in financial services needs to become a stronger focus. I see the value in incentivising vernacular financial interfaces, voice-based banking, and regional language chatbots, which could help replicate the success of UPI in areas like insurance and investments.

I also believe that increased allocation for UPI infrastructure in rural areas, specialised fintech training programs, and targeted incentives for rural fintech adoption must remain priorities. Additionally, expanding Smart City projects to include digital payment corridors and fintech hubs in smaller cities will go a long way in strengthening regional ecosystems.”

Hardik Adhiya, Chief Operating Officer, Onix Group

” Capacity building in domestic manufacturing and renewable energy generation will build the energy transition pathway for the country to achieve the target to reach 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. In line with that vision, the renewable energy sector expects the Union Budget 2025-26 to announce some proposals and targeted measures to reduce import dependence in sourcing equipment while strengthening the storage, transmission and distribution network. The budget needs to reflect policy continuity in terms of the PLI scheme to build domestic manufacturing capacity of solar panels, modules and PV cells, which is pivotal in attaining self-reliance and competitiveness. In addition, the budget should announce incentives for banks and financial institutions to boost lending to the renewable energy sector. Moreover, we expect the budget to propose measures to incentivize renewable energy adoption in mobility as well as energy consumption and offer fiscal support to develop renewable energy infrastructure development and catalyze renewable energy projects, building a sustainable future.”

Ramadass Selvaraj, Chief Operating Officer at Pathfinder Global

‘We are looking forward to the Union Budget 2025, as it presents an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the growth of the quick commerce sector and empower small retailers, including Kirana stores. The retail landscape in India is evolving rapidly, and we anticipate the introduction of regulatory actions that will support the integration of advanced technology, particularly for small businesses. With the rise of digital-first platforms, it’s more critical than ever to ensure small businesses are equipped with the right tools to stay competitive. We expect the government to focus on policies that enhance the adoption of AI, streamline operations, and create more efficient supply chains for these retailers.

We believe the Union Budget will pave the way for small retailers to embrace these transformative technologies, enabling them to elevate customer experiences, optimize their operations, and remain relevant in this fast-evolving market. As the retail sector shifts towards a hybrid model that blends digital and physical experiences, the industry must empower retailers to leverage technology and adapt to this new era of retail. We are confident that these changes will level the playing field and foster sustainable growth across the sector.’