Category Archives: News

New drugs in rectal cancer; that can eliminate need for invasive surgery

Dr. Srigopal Mohanty, Consultant Medical Oncology, HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, Cuttack

 Imagine a future where rectal cancer patients no longer face the daunting prospect of invasive surgery. This future is becoming a reality thanks to groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment. These newer therapies, combining cutting-edge targeted therapies with powerful immunotherapy, are revolutionizing how we approach rectal cancer. By potentially shrinking or even eradicating tumours without the need for traditional surgery, these treatments offer a glimmer of hope for patients and signify a major leap forward in cancer care.

 Rectal cancer, a type of colorectal cancer, occurs in the rectum, the final segment of the large intestine. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can form tumours and may spread to other parts of the body. Common symptoms of rectal cancer include persistent rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort, changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms often prompt individuals to seek medical evaluation, leading to a diagnosis.

 The New Treatment Approaches
These newer treatments combine advanced targeted therapies with cutting-edge immunotherapy. Unlike traditional methods that often necessitate surgical intervention, these approaches aim to shrink or eliminate tumors through non-invasive means.

 1. Targeted Therapies: These therapies are designed to specifically attack cancer cells by targeting particular molecules involved in tumor growth and progression. By focusing on these key molecules, targeted therapies can disrupt the cancer’s ability to proliferate while sparing healthy tissues.
2. Immunotherapy: This approach harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Recent advancements in immunotherapy have led to the development of treatments that specifically target rectal cancer cells, enhancing the immune response and improving treatment outcomes.

 Benefits of the New Treatments
1. Reduced Invasiveness: The most significant advantage of these newer approaches is their potential to minimize the need for invasive surgical procedures. This reduction in surgery can lead to shorter recovery periods, fewer complications, and a lower risk of long-term side effects.
2. Personalized Care: Targeted therapies and immunotherapy allow for a personalized treatment approach. By tailoring the therapy to the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer, healthcare providers can enhance treatment efficacy and improve outcomes.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life: Avoiding surgery can greatly enhance a patient’s quality of life. Patients may experience less pain, fewer hospital visits, and a quicker return to daily activities, contributing to a better overall treatment experience.

 Challenges and Future Directions
Despite their promise, these newer treatment approaches face several challenges. Ongoing research is essential to refine treatment protocols, assess long-term effectiveness, and identify any potential side effects. Additionally, access to these treatments may vary depending on healthcare systems and available resources.
Future studies will focus on validating these findings, exploring the treatments’ effectiveness across different patient populations, and integrating these therapies into standard care practices. The aim is to make these revolutionary approaches more widely available and accessible to all patients battling rectal cancer.
The emergence of these newer treatments for rectal cancer represents a significant advancement in cancer care. By potentially eliminating the need for surgery, these approaches offer less invasive, more personalized options with promising results. As research continues, they bring renewed hope to patients and mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against rectal cancer.

CBM India and Schiefflin Institute Launch 3-Year Disability-Inclusive Eye Health Project in Tamil Nadu

Vellore, Tamil Nadu, September 16, 2024: CBM India, a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, has partnered with the Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre to launch a three-year disability-inclusive eye health project in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. This initiative aims to provide high-quality eye care services to people from marginalized communities, with a special focus on children and adults with disabilities. The project’s inauguration held at the Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre in Karigiri, was attended by prominent dignitaries including Mr. Sony Thomas (Executive Director, CBM India Trust), Mr. Ravi Ranganathan (Director-Programs, CBM India Trust), Dr. Jerry Joshua (Director, Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre), and Dr. Shirley Chacko (Dy. Director, Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre, and Director, Department of Ophthalmology, Schiefflin Institute of Health Research & Leprosy Centre).

The disability-inclusive eye health project aims to prevent avoidable visual impairments, including blindness, in marginalized communities. By offering primary eye examinations, building the capacity of key stakeholders, and developing strong referral networks among hospitals, vision centers, and schools, the project seeks to ensure timely access to essential eye care services for all, particularly those who often face barriers to accessing quality eye care. By using a child-to-child and patient-to-patient approach as a key strategy, the project aspires to create a ripple effect where people who have benefited from the program amplify awareness about the importance of eye care and the services available within their communities.

Mr. Sony Thomas, Executive Director, CBM India Trust, stated, “We are proud to collaborate on this transformative project, which aligns with CBM India’s mission to ensure quality eye care for all. By emphasizing accessibility and disability inclusion, we are addressing the needs of society’s most marginalized communities. Working together with neighborhood health facilities, schools, and rehabilitation facilities, we hope to bring about long-lasting change and reduce avoidable visual impairments in the Vellore district.”

Beyond providing eye care, the initiative seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to comprehensive support services and opportunities for empowerment. This will be achieved by collaborating with the health, education, and rehabilitation sectors. The project will be implemented over three years starting in September 2024 and concluding in July 2027.

DPS Indirapuram Celebrates Hindi Diwas with Enthusiastic Participation and Engaging Activities

DPS Indirapuram marked Hindi Diwas with a series of enriching activities across all grades, showcasing students’ creativity and enthusiasm for the language. The celebration began with an engaging assembly by Class IV students, who presented a solemn prayer, followed by the ‘Thought of the Day’ and a soulful Hindi Diwas song performed by the school choir. The highlight of the assembly was a presentation by students who dressed up as famous Hindi authors and poets and showcased their contributions to Hindi literature. The assembly concluded with speeches from two students emphasizing the importance of preserving the Hindi language and singing the National Anthem, fostering a sense of unity among the students.

Further, the students from classes VI to X actively participated in a variety of events, including bookmark making, quote writing, collage making of Hindi literature, ad writing, and poster creation. The focus of these activities was to spread awareness of crucial social issues, such as the increasing crimes against women and the need for environmental conservation, helping students connect language with real-world concerns.

Mrs. Priya John, Principal of DPS Indirapuram, expressed pride in the students’ participation, stating, “Our celebration of Hindi Diwas is a testament to the student’s dedication to their cultural heritage. Through these activities, they not only learn to appreciate the beauty of the Hindi language but also understand its relevance in addressing contemporary social and environmental issues. I am truly proud of the way our students embraced the spirit of Hindi Diwas and contributed to making it a meaningful celebration.”

Simplilearn Learning Hub Offers Free Access to Universities to Equip Students With Top Digital Skills

BENGALURU, India, September 17, 2024- Simplilearn, the world’s leading online bootcamp for digital skills, is thrilled to announce that Simplilearn’s Learning Hub is now accessible to all Universities for free. This new initiative highlights Simplilearn’s dedication to enhancing educational accessibility and providing high-quality resources to academic institutions aiming to equip their students with new skills and advance their careers in new-age domains such as cyber security, cloud computing, and GenAI.

The Simplilearn Learning Hub offers extensive features, including over 500 on-demand courses and learning pathways. Once Universities sign up for the learning hub, they can access integrated labs, hands-on projects, and comprehensive assessments and quizzes designed to drive superior learning outcomes, which will, in turn, benefit the future workforce. This array of resources ensures that learners gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of critical digital skills.

This development aligns closely with recent government initiatives to bridge the talent-academia gap and boost employment. The Government of India’s strategic investments are set to empower 4.1 crore youths, fueling their aspirations. Simplilearn’s free Learning Hub complements these efforts by removing financial barriers to education, facilitating higher course completion rates, and enhancing skill retention.

By offering free access to its Learning Hub, Simplilearn reinforces its mission to provide innovative and accessible educational solutions. This initiative empowers Universities to aid students with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their fields and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO of Simplilearn, said, “Our pedagogy strongly believes in empowering learners with the necessary skills needed to thrive in today’s digital market. We are thrilled to introduce free access to the Learning Hub, a platform crafted to address the dynamic needs of today’s workforce. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s vision of enhancing youth employment and skill development. By extending our essential resources to universities, we can enable learning at scale and address the growing need for continuous upskilling in a rapidly advancing tech era. The platform empowers learners with the tools to win in the competitive market, bringing a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability to the future workforce.”

Experience holistic education at Shrewsbury India, where academics and extracurricular activities go hand-in-hand

On September 16 in Jaipur, Shrewsbury International School India introduced dignitaries and attendees to a 472-year-old legacy of deep learning and holistic education encompassing a seamless blend of world-class academic programs and extracurricular activities. Founded in 1552 by Edward VI by Royal Charter, Shrewsbury School is focused on the intellectual, spiritual, and ethical growth of students.

The institution that boasts illustrious alumni including Sir Charles Darwin will soon offer its distinctive model of whole-person education -Floreat, to Indian students. In 2025, Shrewsbury International School India will open the doors to its vast, 150-acre Bhopal campus encompassing a co-educational boarding school, a 160,000-square-foot academic block, a 40,000-square-foot performing arts school, over 20 sports facilities and a Language Centre offering a selection of European and Indian languages.

While Science and Mathematics will serve as core programs of study, there will be a special emphasis on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). In keeping with the Shrewsbury tenets of holistic education, multiple courses in sporting disciplines and the performing arts will be offered. Shrewsbury’s collaboration with Trinity College London will also enable students to pursue international diplomas in dramatics and music. The school will follow the English National Curriculum, leading pupils to undertake Cambridge International IGCSE Examinations in Years 10 and 11. These examinations will qualify the pupils for entry into A Level courses, with final examinations scheduled at the end of Years 12 and 13.

Commenting on what makes Shrewsbury, a pioneering force in global education, Mr. Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Founder and President, Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India, said, “Our pedagogy champions the individual in a thriving and inclusive boarding and day school community. We offer a comprehensive, world-class curriculum and consider the co-curricular life as the ‘second classroom’ where students can explore their passions, be it for design & technology, science or astronomy. Personalised tutoring equips them to enhance their strengths, while a sensitive and responsive ‘house system’ creates a home from home environment for them to blossom in.”

Mr. Dominic Tomalin, the newly appointed Founding Headmaster of Shrewsbury says the Shrewsbury credo is to nurture and motivate each pupil to reach their highest potential, irrespective of ability or aspiration. He adds, “As educators, our goal is to nourish pre-existing passions, ignite new interests, and inculcate ‘soft skills’ of leadership, collaboration, resilience, and perseverance via a rich co-curricular life. Our goal is to not just equip young people with the confidence to face academic challenges but to cultivate their passions, inner virtues, life skills, and character strengths so that they can pursue meaningful, successful and well-rounded lives.”

Nium Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer Appointments

New Delhi– September 16, 2024 – Nium, the global leader in real-time cross-border payments, announced two executive appointments that strengthen its leadership team and underscore the company’s focus on driving efficient and responsible growth.

Andre Mancl joins as Chief Financial Officer. He will oversee all financial strategies for the company and will lead Nium’s global finance organization, including planning, treasury, tax, reporting, corporate development, and investor relations. He will be integral in helping Nium deliver profitable growth and efficiency at scale, while creating value for all Nium shareholders.

Philip Doyle joins as Chief Compliance Officer. He will lead Nium’s global risk and compliance programs, ensuring both evolve and grow as regulatory expectations heighten. Both executives will report to Prajit Nanu, Founder and CEO of Nium, and will join the company’s Executive Committee.

“These two leaders add deep subject matter expertise in their respective fields and complement what is already one of the best leadership teams in global payments,” said Nanu. “We’re in a great position to continue executing on a sustainable growth strategy, elevating our operational performance across all areas of our business, while delivering customer-centric technology innovation. These leaders, together with our colleagues around the world, take us steps closer to achieving a mission of connecting the world’s banks and businesses to the future of real-time, cross-border payments.”

Prior to Nium, Mancl was the Chief Financial Officer at ChowNow, a leading software platform that connects independent restaurants with their diners through a suite of digital products. Before joining ChowNow in 2021, he was a Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Internet Investment Banking at Credit Suisse. As an Investment Banker, he worked in the Technology Sector for over 15 years and has been involved in tens of billions of dollars of debt, equity, and M&A transactions. During his banking career he advised and executed transactions for companies, such as Lyft, Snap, Ancestry.com, Facebook (Meta), AppLovin, and GoDaddy. Prior to his investment banking career, he served as a distinguished SH-60B Seahawk Helicopter Pilot in the United States Navy, flying missions in various regions and received the Order of the Daedalian for landing a helicopter in distress. He holds an MBA from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and a BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC).

“Throughout my career in the technology sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of technology innovation on the global economy,” commented Mancl. “Joining Nium at this pivotal moment is one of the most exciting moments of my career and I’m humbled to be part of such an exceptional team. I look forward to playing a meaningful role in Nium’s next phase of growth.”

Doyle joins Nium with decades of risk and compliance experience, most recently Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for Zepz, one of the world’s leading remittance companies. There he created and led the company’s global compliance program, including standards and best practices for adhering to applicable local and international regulations. Prior to this, Doyle held senior financial crime positions at banks, such as Revolut, Clearbank, and Tandem Bank. A career-long “fraud fighter,” Doyle has also held fraud prevention roles at FICO, SAV Credit Limited, Visa, and Morgan Stanley. He holds an MSc. from the University of Nottingham and a BSc. from the University of Sussex.

“Payments is built on the trust we earn from the banks and businesses we serve,” said Doyle. “There could not be a better time to start my journey with Nium with so much investment going into expanding our compliance programs to be best-in-class.”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Visits IREDA Pavilion at RE-INVEST

Mumbai, 16th September 2024: The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, today visited the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) pavilion at the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA, welcomed the Prime Minister and provided an overview of IREDA’s 37-year journey as the nation’s leading green financing NBFC. Shri Das shared IREDA’s vision to lead sustainable development, connect people with green energy, and help achieve the country’s renewable energy targets.

Shri Modi was accompanied by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; Shri Acharya Devvrat, Hon’ble Governor of Gujarat; Shri Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat; and Shri Bhupinder Singh Bhalla, Secretary, MNRE and other dignitaries. The dignitaries commended IREDA for its pivotal role in financing India’s green transition and supporting the Government of India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel installed capacity target by 2030.

The IREDA pavilion, themed “Responsible for Renewables,” showcased the company’s commitment to sustainable development and its strategic focus on financing renewable energy projects aligned with country’s Panchamrit targets for 2030 and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

CMD Shri Pradip Kumar Das expressed his honour to welcome the Hon’ble Prime Minister, reaffirming IREDA’s dedication to financing renewable energy expansion and contributing to the nation’s target of 500 GW by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. He emphasized IREDA’s leadership in driving India’s green energy revolution and fostering a self-reliant, sustainable future for all.

Golden Growth Fund (GGF) Announces Launch of Rs400 Crore Real Estate Fund

New Delhi, 16th September, 2024: Golden Growth Fund (GGF), a leading Category 2 Alternate Investment Fund (AIF), has announced the launch of a new real estate fund with a commitment of ₹400 crore. With the first closing of ₹40 crore already secured, the fund is on track to reach its full target within the next 18 months, marking a significant milestone for GGF as it continues to expand its footprint in the Indian real estate market.

GGF’s strategy stands out due to its focus on brownfield projects, particularly in the highly sought-after regions of South Delhi and Lutyens’ Delhi. The real estate market in Delhi, especially in these areas, is known for its dynamic nature and high demand. South Delhi, with its upscale neighborhoods such as Anand Niketna, Vasant Vihar, Defence Colony, and Greater Kailash, offers a strong appreciation potential owing to limited land availability and a robust demand for properties. On the other hand, Lutyens’ Delhi, known for its historical significance and premium properties, commands the highest real estate values in the country, though with fewer opportunities for new developments.

Commenting on the launch of the fund, Ankur Jalan, CEO of Golden Growth Fund, said, “The launch of the Golden Growth Fund is a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on high-value brownfield projects in prime locations like South Delhi and Lutyens’ Delhi. Our focus on these premium projects allows us to offer investors an exceptional opportunity to engage with the real estate market, ensuring faster project turnarounds and minimized risks. This approach positions GGF as a leader in delivering value and security to our investors.”

Golden Growth Fund’s focus on brownfield projects offers a distinct advantage over other realty funds, which primarily target greenfield developments. GGF’s project turnaround time is anticipated to be between 15-18 months, significantly shorter than the 60-72 months typically seen in greenfield projects. Additionally, GGF’s projects face no time escalation, construction cost escalation, or government regulation uncertainties, unlike the high risks associated with other realty funds. Furthermore, the infrastructure surrounding GGF’s projects is fully developed, reducing sale uncertainty and price volatility, which remain high in greenfield projects.

The appeal of South Delhi as a prime investment destination lies in its excellent location and connectivity. The region is not only home to some of the most luxurious neighborhoods but also offers a stable and predictable real estate market, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and international investors. While Lutyens’ Delhi commands higher property prices and offers limited new investment opportunities, its exclusivity and prestige ensure that it remains a highly desirable location for those seeking long-term value retention.

With decades of experience in real estate advisory and wealth management, GGF is positioned to become a leading player in the Delhi real estate market. By equipping investors with actionable insights and a diversified investment portfolio, the fund aims to deliver superior returns and drive growth in the region’s luxury real estate sector.

Hymns to Hara: A Solo Bharatanatyam Performance by Sharanya Chandran

Renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Sharanya Chandran enthralled audiences with her solo performance, Hymns to Hara, on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Through this captivating presentation, Sharanya delved into the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva, exploring the diverse emotions he evokes: love, awe, devotion, valor and even disgust. Hymns to Hara featured a carefully curated selection of Bharatanatyam repertoire, woven together to celebrate the divine.

Sharanya has drawn inspiration from a rich tapestry of Indian literature, incorporating poems and verses from languages such as Tamil, Mythili and more. This diverse selection reflects the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva and the cultural richness of India.

Speaking about the performance, Sharanya Chandran said, “This is a particularly special performance for me. It marks my return to the stage after a hiatus and I was excited to reconnect with my audience. Additionally, it is a tribute to my grandparents, both ardent Shiva bhaktas, as we celebrate their birth centennials. And to add to the significance, September 14th also marks my ten-year anniversary at J-PAL South Asia. I am proud to have successfully balanced my passions for development and dance.”

Sharanya was accompanied by her mother and guru, Padmashri Geeta Chandran, on the Nattuvangam, K Venkateshwaran on Vocals, Manohar Balatchandirane on the Mridangam, Varun Rajasekharan on Ghatam and G Raghavendra Prasath on Violin.

MAXHUB to Launch New Product Line at DIDAC India 2024 in New Delhi

New Delhi, 16th September 2024 – MAXHUB, a leading provider of collaborative solutions, is all set to launch its latest product lineup at DIDAC India 2024. The event will take place in New Delhi, where visitors can experience the new E2 series, U3 series, UC P30 PTZ camera, V7 series, MTR solution, and LED solutions at MAXHUB’s Booth C2.

The new products are designed to meet the evolving needs of both education and corporate sectors. E2 and U3 Interactive Flat Panel is designed for the education sector while, the V7 series of interactive flat panels (IFP) is tailored for corporate environments, Additionally, MAXHUB is introducing the UC P30 AI based, a new PTZ camera for enhanced video conferencing.

Alongside these products, MAXHUB will also showcase its MTR solution and LED solutions, giving visitors a comprehensive look at its latest offerings.

We are excited to showcase our new range of products at DIDAC India this year. Our goal is to provide innovative tools that help businesses and educators collaborate more effectively. We believe these solutions will play a key role in improving productivity and engagement, said Pankaj Jha, Managing Director of MAXHUB India.

The DIDAC India event offers a great opportunity to see MAXHUB’s latest technology in action. Attendees can visit Booth C2 to explore and interact with these new products.