NMDC Revolutionizes Rural Healthcare and Sports with Medical Vans and Sports Complex in Karnataka

Bangalore, 09 January 2025: In a transformative step towards rural empowerment, NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer, has provided ten fully equipped Medical Mobile Vans and laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Sports Complex in Sandur Taluk, Karnataka. Ms. Annapurna, MLA, Sandur Taluk, and Shri S. B. Singh, Head of Project, NMDC, flagged off the Medical Mobile Vans and jointly laid the foundation stone for the Sports Complex alongside the District Forest Officer of Bellary District.

NMDC has invested ₹7 crores to provide ten mobile medical vans for 2 years period in partnership with District Authorities, ensuring seamless healthcare access to the rural population across 97 villages in Sandur Taluka. Each mobile medical van, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by a team of trained professionals, including a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and lab technician, will bring critical healthcare services directly to residents’ doorstep, eliminating the need for arduous travel to the district headquarters hospital in Bellary.

The vans are equipped to conduct vital diagnostic tests such as those for pregnancy, typhoid, diabetes, haemoglobin levels, and more. Emergency provisions like oxygen cylinders further enhance their utility. These medical vans will visit all 97 villages in the region on a weekly rotation, ensuring timely medical attention at the doorstep of the residents. This initiative is set to significantly reduce the burden of healthcare access in the region, meeting immediate medical needs efficiently and fostering a healthier, more resilient community.

In addition to healthcare, to nurture young talents and promote fitness in the region, NMDC is investing ₹2 crores in building a modern Sports Complex in Sandur town. This facility will feature amenities like a badminton court, table tennis area, gym, and other professional-grade infrastructure to cater to local youth and sports enthusiasts. This initiative not only promises to ignite aspirations for professional sports careers but also aims to cultivate a culture of health and physical activity in the region. This cutting-edge sports complex will be open to access by the local population.

These initiatives, funded under NMDC’s CSR Fund underscore the organization’s holistic approach to community upliftment in the areas it operates. By bridging gaps in essential healthcare services and fostering avenues for sports excellence, NMDC is shaping a future where people of Sandur Taluk can thrive with improved well-being and greater opportunities.

Speaking on the initiative, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Addl. Charge), NMDC said, “Our mission at NMDC extends beyond mining; it is about enriching lives. The launch of these Medical Mobile Vans and the laying off foundation of the Sports Complex reaffirm our commitment to the people of Donimalai region. We at NMDC believe that healthcare and sports are fundamental to the development of a vibrant and resilient community and we are proud to play a role in building a healthier, stronger, and more aspirational future for the people in Bellary-Hospet region.”

Through these landmark initiatives, NMDC is not just addressing immediate community needs but is also investing in the long-term development of Donimalai region, empowering its people and nurturing aspirations for a brighter tomorrow.

ZEISS announces the launch of the most awaited ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance Lenses in India

Bengaluru 8 January 2025: ZEISS, a leading brand in optics and optoelectronics, announces the launch of ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses, a one-of-a-kind set of cine zooms matching the Supreme Prime Radiance. The lenses are designed to help cinematographers establish their own unique style, resulting in the coveted cinematic look with stunning bokeh and broadcast lens functionality.

True to the ZEISS Supreme lens philosophy, the new zoom line offers a versatile and visually stunning image character. With a front diameter of 114 mm and iris, focus, and zoom ring locations that are uniform and standardized, the ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance was designed with professional workflows in mind. This ensures simple interchangeability between ZEISS Supreme Prime and Zoom lenses. Further, this also results in improved production efficiency by streamlining the on-set experience and reducing time spent making corrections. The latest ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses can be used in various indoor and outdoor environments given their sophisticated optical capabilities and compact in size that weights no more than 3.18 kg (7.01 lbs).

Commenting on the latest addition to the Indian market, Umender Shah, Head of Business- Cinematography, India & Neighboring Markets India said, “We are thrilled to introduce the ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance Lens to the Indian market, bringing filmmakers a new dimension in optical excellence and creative possibilities. With its cutting-edge technology and uncompromising quality, this lens is designed to empower the creative minds in the Indian film and television industry, enabling them to craft stories with exceptional clarity, depth, and emotion. At ZEISS, we remain committed to delivering innovations that push the boundaries of storytelling and set new benchmarks in cinematography.”

“The latest addition will complement our existing line of ZEISS Supreme Prime Radiance lenses and can also be paired with other ZEISS Prime Sets, like Standard Supreme Primes to add lovely flares, increasing the set’s artistic possibilities.” Umender Shah added.

In addition to the regular metadata supplied by the Cooke/i technology protocol, the latest ZEISS Supreme Zoom Radiance Lenses are outfitted with the ZEISS eXtended Data technology, which provides frame-by-frame information on lens vignetting and distortion. This makes workflow simpler and faster, especially for virtual production and visual effects.

The latest launch are part of the ZEISS CinCraft ecosystem. They can be accessed via the “ZEISS Supreme Lenses” Virtual Lens Package (VLP), which skips the time-consuming lens calibration process when using the Radiance Zooms and is free of cost when paired with the CinCraft Scenario camera tracking system.

How India Ubered in 2024 – A year in rear view

Bangalore, 8 January 2025: At the outset of new year Uber India has released highlights of its annual data report – How India Ubered – outlining the key trends from how Indians travelled during 2024.

The comprehensive data analysis reveals interesting trends, including the cities with the highest Uber usage, the total distance covered by Uber rides, trends in intercity travel, the prevalence of late-night trips in some cities, and various rider preferences. The report underscores the growing importance of ridesharing in India and highlights Uber’s commitment to fostering sustainable urban mobility.

In 2024, Indians Ubered more than ever before, setting new benchmarks and travel trends shaping mobility in the country. Collectively, Uber trips spanned a staggering 9.2 billion kilometers in 2024. To put this into perspective, if someone were to cover this distance at a constant speed of 120 km/h (the maximum allowed on India’s National Expressways) it would take 8,752 years to complete. That’s about as many years humans took to reach from the Neolithic age to gen AI.

The riders of Kochi were loved most by drivers during the year, with the city having the highest average rider rating of 4.90 out of 5. As many as 95.8% of the trips rated in Kochi saw drivers giving their riders a full 5-star rating. Chandigarh had the second-highest average rider rating at 4.816, followed by Pune marginally behind at 4.815.

Among individual products, Uber Auto and Uber Go were most favored, with the former slightly edging out its four-wheeled counterpart. This growth also reflects a shift from traditional street-hailing to app-based bookings for autorickshaws.

The cities leading in Uber trips for 2024 were Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.

While Delhi-NCR did have the overall highest number of trips, Mumbai beat the national capital in terms of the most late-night trips booked, and indulged in weekend travel the most. Residents of Bangalore used Uber for their work commute the most among all cities, and had the highest number of office-hour trips booked.

Bengaluru overtakes Chennai and emerges as India’s best city for working women in 2024 in the ‘Top Cities for Women in India’ Survey conducted by the Avtar Group

Bangalore, January 8, 2024

Avtar group, India’s pioneer in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) solutions and India’s leading workplace culture consulting firm, announced the third edition of ‘Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI)’ index today. Karnataka’s State Capital Bengaluru, reigns supreme by topping the ranking for being the most inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities for working women. Bengaluru has scored high in skilling and employment for women, infrastructure and caregiving support.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder-President, Avtar group said, “Cities are the foundations of opportunity. They shape how women live, work, and thrive. So, a clear understanding of the core principles and cultural fabric of our cities is crucial for advancing women’s progress and inclusion. Avtar’s annual index ‘Top Cities for Women in India” does precisely that, using a data-centric and evidence-based approach. And, to realize our dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, we need the Indian Women Professionals to succeed on par with men. This is possible only if cities are truly gender-inclusive and offer an atmosphere where women’s strengths can be optimized. This means not just providing safe streets, accessible healthcare & education and affordable living to women, which are largely reparatory measures, but also competitive avenues for women’s economic success and opportunities for them to thrive as business leaders. Let’s invest in women-led projects and optimize women’s lives and careers”.

ASPA to Host the Sixth Edition of Traceability and Authentication Forum

New Delhi, 08th January 2025- The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), in collaboration with The Rise, will host the 6th edition of the Traceability and Authentication Forum (TAF 2025) on 17-18 March 2025 at Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, New Delhi. This two-day event will focus on addressing counterfeiting issues and advancing product authenticity.

TAF 2025, themed “Path to a Secure Future – Authentication and Traceability for All,” is recognized as a premier global platform for tackling challenges related to counterfeiting, traceability, and brand protection. The forum will showcase innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital authentication tools, holograms, NFC/RFID technologies, and track-and-trace systems. Policymakers, government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and technology experts will come together to discuss emerging challenges, share best practices, and explore strategies for enhancing product authenticity and consumer trust.

Mr. Manoj Kochar, President of ASPA, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “The 6th edition of TAF reaffirms our commitment to tackling counterfeiting through innovative solutions and industry collaboration. This event will serve as a pivotal platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to ensure product authenticity and consumer trust.”

Mr. Sandipan Ray, Founder & Director of The Rise, said – “We are excited to collaborate with ASPA for the sixth edition of TAF in 2025. ASPA has set new benchmarks in tackling counterfeiting issues since its inception, through implementing advanced authenticated solutions. We remain committed to driving awareness among consumers to battle this menace of counterfeiting through poignant discussions and create quantifiable outcomes.”

The forum will also provide opportunities for participants to forge collaborations through dedicated networking sessions. It will conclude with the prestigious ASPA Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in the development and implementation of authentication and traceability solutions.

FILA India Launches Sports Inspired Lifestyle Collection

FILA India is turning up the heat this season with the launch of its latest collection, a celebration of street culture and bold self-expression. Designed for the urban trailblazer, this collection redefines modern streetwear by merging FILA’s iconic sporty aesthetic with contemporary trends, creating versatile pieces that exude confidence and style.

FILA India’s latest collection seamlessly blends fashion with functionality, offering oversized tees, edgy co-ords, versatile joggers, and basketball-inspired designs that reflect the brand’s Italian legacy. With premium-quality fabrics and meticulous attention to detail, each piece embodies the bold, unconventional spirit of street style. From retro-digital prints to sleek athleisure fits, the collection goes beyond apparel—it’s an attitude. Crafted for those who dare to push boundaries, embrace their uniqueness, and redefine everyday style with unapologetic confidence, this range celebrates individuality and the essence of modern streetwear.

Key Drops From The Collection:

Trig & Toad (Winter Co-ords)
Unisex

If you are looking for an anti-fit comfort winter statement look that combines the power of basics with a subtle ode to basketball art. The co-ord set combines of thick hoodie with a striking graffiti art in the back and baggy joggers to for an oversized street look. The top wear comes with a pocket in the center to keep your hands warm. For a complete street look, you can pair them with FILA new bucket hat and FILA TSS-RI High Sneakers

The co-ord set is available in Khaki, Black & Blue colour.

Curris (Oversized Tee)
Unisex

Another statement piece from the Basketball collection, Curris is perfect for layering or standalone wear. These oversized tees embody streetwear chic while maintaining comfort, showcasing a collage celebrating the spirit of basketball.
Available in Monaco Blue and White

Gessa (Sports Bra) + Melisa (All over printed gym tights)
Women

If you are already on the treadmill to burn some holiday calories, FILA has the perfect sports bra having removeable padding to compliment your fitness regime. A bold halter neck detailing with bold print elastic waist band, the bra is your go-to, if you love minimalism with a hint of vibrancy.

Pair it up with FILA’s newly launched gym tights – Ronna and Melisa and athleisure overtop hoodie Lexir to own your winter workouts.

Available in Black and Winter Pear

Livana
Unisex
This streetwear fit features an oversized tee with a bold pixel graphic print with FILA typography embedded on the chest, adding a retro-digital vibe. It’s paired with loose-fit FILA joggers, offering a relaxed silhouette with functional pockets. Chunky sneakers complete the look, tying in a mix of comfort and urban flair. Perfect for casual hangouts or making a style statement on the streets.

Available in 2 colorways – Black, Green

Cavel co ord set
Women

Go to co-ord set for the women for a no hassle easy to access wear. This unicolor set of Hoodie + Joggers is a must have for everyday wear and creates the perfect airport look paired with a sporty sneaker. The look is highlighted with the FILA 7stripe tape on the sleeves and side of the joggers to give the retro streetwear vibe.

Overcoming Social Anxiety as an Introvert

By-Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery- Founder of Prayatna ,Kochi, Senior Occupational Therapist and Honorary Secretary of All India Occupational Therapist Association (AIOTA) 

Life for introverts can feel like a balancing act. While some people thrive in bustling crowds, others prefer the tranquility of smaller, more intimate settings. However, introversion and social anxiety, though sometimes conflated, are not the same. Understanding the differences between the two is the first step in addressing social anxiety and learning to live more confidently.

Understanding Introversion
Introversion is a personality trait, not a disorder or condition. Introverts tend to:

● Recharge their energy through solitude rather than social interaction.

● Prefer meaningful, deep conversations over small talk.

● Feel drained after prolonged social engagements.

Being introverted doesn’t mean disliking people—it simply means valuing quiet and introspective moments. For introverts, alone time is essential for regaining energy and maintaining a sense of balance.

What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety, on the other hand, is a mental health condition that involves a persistent fear of being judged, humiliated, or rejected in social settings. Symptoms can include:

● Sweating, trembling, or rapid heart rate in social situations.

● Avoiding eye contact or social gatherings.

● Overthinking every word or action, even after an event is over.

● Intense fear of public speaking, eating in front of others, or participating in group activities.

Social anxiety can feel paralyzing and interfere with daily life. Unlike introversion, which is a natural preference for quieter environments, social anxiety is rooted in fear and can limit opportunities for growth and connection.

Differentiating Introversion from Social Anxiety

Introverts thrive in low-stimulation environments and prefer fewer, deeper connections, managing their energy by choosing their social engagements. While they may enjoy socializing, they often feel drained afterward. In contrast, individuals with social anxiety experience discomfort and fear of judgment even in small groups, leading to avoidance of social situations. This fear stems from insecurity and manifests in physical and emotional symptoms, making social interactions overwhelming.

It’s possible to be both introverted and socially anxious, and this combination can feel like a double-edged sword. If you’re someone who values quiet but also feels overwhelmed by social interactions, it’s important to identify which challenges stem from anxiety and which are related to your personality.

Practical Coping Mechanisms for Social Anxiety
Here are some effective strategies for managing social anxiety while embracing your introverted nature:

1. Start Small
Social anxiety thrives on avoidance. Begin with manageable challenges, like:

● Saying hello to a neighbor.

● Joining a small, informal group activity.

● Practicing ordering food in a café.

Success in these small steps builds confidence over time.

2. Prepare for Social Interactions
Planning ahead can reduce anxiety. Before attending a social event:

● Research topics to discuss.

● Think of open-ended questions you can ask others.

● Visualize positive outcomes instead of focusing on fears.

3. Use Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness helps ground you in the present moment. Techniques include:

● Deep breathing exercises to calm physical symptoms of anxiety.

● Focusing on sensory details, like the texture of a chair or the sound of music.

● Practicing meditation to reduce overall stress.

4. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Challenge anxious thoughts by asking yourself:

● “Is this really true, or am I assuming the worst?”

● “What’s the worst that could happen, and how likely is that?”

Replacing negative self-talk with rational perspectives can make social situations less intimidating.

5. Set Boundaries
Introverts need time to recharge. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean avoiding socializing; it means:

● Scheduling downtime after a social event.

● Politely declining invitations when you feel drained.

● Focusing on quality interactions rather than quantity.

6. Find Your Comfort Zone
Social anxiety is less about avoiding interactions and more about navigating them on your terms:

● Attend events with a trusted friend for support.

● Choose environments where you feel at ease, like a quiet café instead of a loud club.

● Join activities that align with your interests, such as book clubs or art classes.

7. Celebrate Small Wins
Every step forward is progress. Celebrate achievements like initiating a conversation or attending an event. These milestones reinforce your ability to cope.

8. Seek Professional Support
If social anxiety significantly impacts your life, therapy can help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for managing social anxiety, teaching skills to change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.

Supporting Introverts with Social Anxiety
Supporting introverts with social anxiety requires patience and understanding. Allow them the time and space they need to recharge. Encourage gradual steps toward social interaction, starting with small, low-pressure situations. Listen empathetically to their concerns and validate their feelings without judgment. Finally, celebrate their unique strengths and remind them of their value beyond social interactions.

The Road to Confidence
Overcoming social anxiety is not about transforming into an extrovert; it’s about learning to manage fears and participate in life in a way that feels meaningful. Introverts don’t need to force themselves into the spotlight, but they can thrive by building connections on their terms, embracing their strengths, like active listening and empathy and learning strategies to navigate social environments with confidence.

Being an introvert is not a limitation, and social anxiety doesn’t define who you are. By distinguishing between the two and applying practical coping mechanisms, you can foster growth, build meaningful relationships, and lead a fulfilling life.

Panasonic Introduces OASYS, a New Whole Home Air Quality Management Solution to Support Homeowners’ Comfort and Peace-of-Mind

India (January 8, 2025) – Today at CES 2025, Panasonic unveiled an innovative new energy efficient approach to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) that uses significantly less energy than conventional technologies. Building upon its rich history and founder’s guiding vision of making today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today, the OASYS solution brings together two areas of focus: sustainable technology and the wellbeing of society.

Introducing OASYS

OASYS is a holistic home comfort solution created for modern, high-performance homes. As home building design has advanced with new materials and construction techniques, the standard approaches to conditioning and treating indoor air left room for innovation. Today, OASYS combines a suite of Panasonic technologies into a complete, proprietary solution to take a leap forward for one of the home’s most important systems.

Offering cleaner, fresher air; balanced humidity; and consistent temperature control across the house, this new approach to HVAC supports the comfort and wellbeing of families in their home environment with greater energy efficiency and cost saving advantages compared to traditional systems.

“OASYS is more than an HVAC system. It’s a holistic air quality management solution to support your family’s comfort and peace-of-mind by delivering cleaner air and consistent temperatures throughout the whole house,” said Naoki Kamo, President of Panasonic Eco Systems of North America. “Our homes are where our families flourish, and OASYS builds on Panasonic’s rich, 100-year history of inventing technologies to support the wellbeing and sustainability of people and society.”

Superior performance and comfort

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend on average about 90% of their time indoors1 where the concentration of some pollutants is often two to five times higher than typical outdoor air.2 Improving ventilation with outdoor air is one of the fundamental strategies to lowering concentrations of indoor air pollutants – but most home heating and cooling systems do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house.3

OASYS starts with ventilation: the system takes in fresh outdoor air, filters it, and tempers it to the homeowner’s temperature setting. It then circulates air constantly throughout the entire house for approximately four air changes per hour4 while continuously monitoring the air for comfort. The result is a more comfortable, cleaner indoor environment for the family, designed with their wellness in mind. It goes beyond what homeowners can expect from conventional systems today with:

• Consistent Temperature Control: maintains consistent temperature and airflow from room-to-room in the home, eliminating hot spots and cold corners.
• Balanced Air Circulation and Filtration: provides constant, ongoing ventilation and filtration of home air to help protect from allergens and pollutants while deodorizing the air to reduce odors.
• Humidity Control: delivers ongoing humidity control throughout the whole house with constant air movement and ventilation to help prevent excess moisture and mold.
•  Easy maintenance: requires minimal regular maintenance of a simple-to-clean air filter with no annual system maintenance necessary, and each component of the solution can be repaired or replaced individually.
• Quiet Operation: runs with whisper-quiet operation, with minimal fan noise to promote more comfort for families.

These features work together to improve the quality of the air inside the home, supporting the longevity of the home by helping protect against mold and excess humidity that can cause decay.

Improved efficiency and economics

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the HVAC system demands more energy on average than any other system in a home through its energy consumption in space heating and air conditioning.5 OASYS can reduce energy consumption for heating and air conditioning by up to 53%6 compared to traditional HVAC systems, making it an ideal solution for those looking to reduce their home’s energy usage and lower monthly energy bills.

The improved efficiency offered by OASYS makes it easier and more affordable to leverage renewable energy to power the home, such as residential solar and battery storage. Decreasing the energy needs of a home’s most demanding system means that smaller and more cost-efficient solar systems can be used to power the home, expanding solar power as an option for more houses. And when powered by solar panels and battery storage, homes are better able to withstand power outages, making them more resilient to weather disturbances caused by climate impacts.

OASYS delivers these performance and efficiency gains with a similar installation cost7 to existing technologies in high-performance homes. Achieving this dramatic reduction in HVAC power demand is a critical step towards achieving a more affordable and accessible zero-energy home.