Chola MS Partners with TTIBI to Launch Innovative ‘Pay How You Drive’ Insurance Model

Bengaluru, 5th October 2024: Chola MS General Insurance, a joint venture between the Murugappa Group and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited of Japan, in conjunction with Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India Pvt. Ltd. (TTIBI), has expanded the insurance product offerings by introducing Pay How You Drive (PHYD) for Innova Hycross model.

The ‘Pay How You Drive’ leverages the Embedded Connected Car technology in the vehicle to arrive at driving scores based on critical driving metrics such as speed, braking, acceleration, and distance traveled. This driving score data is then used to calculate customized premiums for each policyholder.

Speaking on the occasion Mr V. Suryanarayanan, Managing Director of Chola MS, stated “Our collaboration with TKM and TTIBI is driven by our mission to provide innovative, customer-focused insurance solutions. We are excited to offer the ‘Pay How You Drive’ insurance product that rewards policyholders’ safe driving behaviour with transparency and reliability. This offering enables Toyota Hycross policyholders to determine their insurance costs.”

Mr Takayuki Ueda – Managing Director, CEO & Principal Officer, Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India Pvt. Ltd. (TTIBI) said “Marking a significant milestone in India’s insurance landscape, Pay-How-You-Drive (PHYD) has been launched, drawing inspiration from Japan’s successful usage-based insurance models. Leveraging Japan’s expertise in telematics-driven insurance, the partnership between TTIBI and Chola MS combines global best practices with local insights, adapting Insurance framework to India’s unique market conditions. This collaboration aims to provide impressive results and rewards safe driving habits, promotes road safety, and empowers customers to control their insurance premiums, enjoy personalized benefits, and contribute to a safer driving culture.”

Roha Realty Evolves into Vida Realty: Embarking upon a Journey of Customer-Centric Excellence

Mumbai, 5th October 2024: In a groundbreaking move, Roha Realty has officially rebranded into Vida Realty, ushering in an exciting new chapter poised to reshape the real estate industry. This change aims to boost consumer trust and engagement, which will help create a more personalized experience for buyers, ensuring their unique needs and aspirations are met throughout the home-buying journey. This rebranding is more than just a name change—it marks a revolutionary shift towards delivering homes that enrich lives, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality.

The name “Vida,” meaning life in Spanish, symbolizes the company’s dedication to crafting homes that will uplift the standard of living of Vida residents. Vida Realty’s new logo, inspired by the five elements of life—Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Ether—reflects this holistic vision. These elements not only represent sources of energy and growth but also align with the company’s core values of sustainability, durability, and community building. The five petals of the logo encapsulate Vida Realty’s five commitments: Buy Back Guarantee, Quality Assurance, On-Time Delivery, Payment Assurance, and Sustainability.

“We’re not just rebranding; we’re redefining what it means to deliver exceptional homes,” said Harshvardhan Tibrewala, Managing Director of Vida Realty. “With this revitalization, we’re welcoming a future where sustainability and customer satisfaction are at the forefront, delivering homes that stand the test of time. Our commitment to innovation and quality will not only meet but exceed the expectations of our residents, fostering a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.”

Vida Realty will carry forward Roha Realty’s legacy of trust and excellence while incorporating new initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable living, community building and modern construction techniques. This includes the adoption of aluminum shuttering technology for enhanced durability and green building practices such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems, ensuring long-lasting and eco-friendly developments.

One of Vida Realty’s standout features is its exclusive Buy Back Guarantee, offering customers the unique option to sell their apartment back at the original price within 30 days post-possession, providing unmatched security and confidence. The brand also maintains a strong commitment to timely project delivery and rigorous quality assurance, ensuring that every home exceeds customer expectations.

Looking ahead, Vida Realty plans to launch several flagship projects in Mumbai, with developments in Jogeshwari, Byculla, and Chembur scheduled for FY24-25, followed by Borivali, Tilaknagar, Parel, and additional projects in Chembur in FY25-26. Furthermore, Vida Realty plans to develop 5 million square feet of new inventory, valued at ₹3,000 crores, with ₹1,500 crores worth of projects set to launch in the upcoming year. These initiatives will showcase the company’s commitment to sustainable living, modern amenities, and community-focused development, reinforcing its vision of “Building a Better Life” through the creation of vibrant, thriving communities.

3914 Indian Firms Thrive in DMCC, Says Bassel Bitar

Hyderabad, October 05, 2024….. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a commodities exchange and free-trade zone in the United Arab Emirates organised a roadshow on doing business in Dubai in FTCCI on Friday.

Addressing a hundred-plus gathering, Bassel Bitar, Regional Representative, DMCC–Asia and Eastern Europe said Dubai is one of the world’s top business hubs. DMCC facilitates trade flows and attracts investment while delivering the finest infrastructure and support services to our members to help their businesses grow. Dubai is more known as a shopping destination, but it is also a business hub he said and added that established in 2002, DMCC has 24000 members representing 187 countries and 80,000 people working in it. DMCC is a country within the country he said. Brand Dubai has been gaining a lot of traction, he told the gathering.

Speaking further he added that 3914 Indian companies have already set up shops in DMCC and doing business.

Siddharth Shah, Head of DMCC India Promotional Office said that the local office was set up to help Indian entrepreneurs set up their base in Dubai without much hiccups.

Ravi Kumar, Senior Vice President of The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI). which organised the interactive session said the advantages of Dubai are it provides centralised time zones that benefit businesses to reach out to their clients located across the world in a single day. Dubai is a transit point for most of the countries and its airport is world-famous due to the number of flights.

Speaking further he added that DMCC being an independent authority exempts companies operating in the free trade zone from taxes, customs duties and regulations

Chakravarthi AVPS, Chair International Trade and Business Relations Committee said Telangana industries can benefit significantly by collaborating with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). For better collaboration with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Telangana industries should focus on specific requests and areas that align with their strategic goals. He gave some key aspects Telangana-based industries could ask DMCC to facilitate collaboration as Access to Global Markets, Sector-Specific Hubs and Infrastructure, Agri-Commodities, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Zones and Gems and Jewelry Sector Telangana could explore partnerships for skill development in key sectors like commodities trading, logistics, and financial services through DMCC’s expertise and resources.

Spire.AI Secures SOC 2 Type II Compliance, Reinforcing Leadership in Data Security and Compliance

[4th October 2024, India] – Spire.AI, a leader in Domain AI and Large Graph Model (LGM) for skills-driven talent solutions, proudly announces its achievement of SOC 2 Type II compliance. This significant milestone underscores Spire.AI’s ongoing commitment to data security, privacy, and compliance in delivering cutting-edge, AI-powered workforce solutions.

Spire.AI empowers organizations to revolutionize talent management through data-driven insights and intelligent workforce optimization. Its advanced Large Graph Model (LGM) for Skills dynamically evolves role-skill relationships, driving proactive reskilling, upskilling, and internal mobility. Spire.AI full-stack SaaS platform integrates adaptive, Domain-Intelligent AI, simplifying and future-proofing talent acquisition, deployment, management, and growth.

Saurabh Jain, CEO of Spire.AI, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “Achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance reinforces our commitment to security and regulatory adherence. Our clients work in industries where safeguarding personal identification information (PII) is paramount. With this certification, Spire.AI solutions are now backed by stringent security protocols, ensuring ongoing efforts in compliance and data protection.”

Sandesh Pai, CTO of Spire.AI, emphasized the technical importance of the achievement: “Our clients rely on the performance and innovation of our Domain-Intelligent AI technologies, trusting Spire.AI as a key partner for their mission-critical data. Achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance is a major milestone, showcasing our unwavering commitment to safeguarding customer data and maintaining the highest standards of security integrity throughout our products and operations.”

With this compliance, Spire.AI strengthens its position as a trusted, secure, and innovative leader in Domain Intelligent AI-powered talent management solutions, furthering its mission to deliver cutting-edge, reliable solutions that drive organizational success.

Winning Is an Inside Job: Team Oakley Athletes Ignite Their Inner Spark

October 4, 2024; When athletes have won the game within, every game becomes theirs to win. From the moments of doubt during competition, to the exhilaration of winning it all, Oakley presents Inner Spark, a series of short film clips inspired by the real emotions that athletes face, and the challenges they conquer within, on their journey to the world’s biggest sports stage. Transforming trials into intuition, injuries to instinct, and vulnerabilities into victory, Inner Spark is no-filter and comes to life through the brand’s most neuronic collection yet, featuring popular releases in a bright, new colorway.

 A chapter of Oakley’s Be Who You Are, the films showcase world-class athletes Fred Kerley, Kylian Mbappé, Alexia Putellas, and Cassandre Beaugrand sporting frames from the Inner Spark collection. Viewers ride along with athletes through their every emotion, alternating between images of the athletes and visuals of skeletons and their “inner spark”, illustrating the connection between outer performance and mastering the game within.

 “In sports, most people believe it is all about victories and medals. At Oakley we believe that the real battles lie inside each and every athlete. There is only them, with their fears, fatigues, failures and values and this little inner spark that makes you to be you” said Caio Amato, Oakley Chief Marketing. “We want to inspire kids to be fully themselves, with no filter nor holding back. Because if you won the game within, every game is yours to win.”

 Narrated by Mbappé, the film declares, “You’ve already won without an arena, pool, or pitch,” emphasizing that the inner spark comes from overcoming fatigue, failures, and fears. Winning is an inside job, so the message is clear: play the game, ruffle some feathers, and be one’s true self without holding back.

 Inner Spark also captures the authentic stories of Team Oakley athletes that we don’t often notice at first glance, through visuals that reveal the true selves of a diverse range of contenders: surfers Kanoa Igarashi, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, Filipe Toledo, Griffin Colapinto, and Caroline Marks; golfers Paris Hilinski and Dylan Frittelli; track and field legends Andre De Grasse and Joseph Fahnbulleh; volleyball player Taylor Crabb; cyclist Loana Lecomte; and WNBA player Diamond DeShields.

 The collection’s design strikes a balance between control and release, chaos and order. Its organic pattern takes cues from the movement of the human nervous system. The unexpected color combination encourages breaking out of the ordinary and embracing new beginnings. Each piece in the collection features a neuronic pad print in celeste blue with silver accents, highlighting the sparks against a stand-out tennis ball yellow frame. This distinctive design is complete with Prizm Ruby lenses that complement the frame’s neon colors.

 The Inner Spark collection is led by Sphaera, and includes other Oakley favorites Bisphera and Latch Panel.

 Inner Spark Sphaera™: Made for the contender with Oakley’s widest field of view, Sphaera is Oakley’s most forgettable eyewear to date. Designed to bring the A game no matter the sport, Sphaera features Prizm™ Lens Technology for detailed vision, a lightweight frame with front vents for improved airflow, and nose pads and molded-in earsocks for a no-slip grip. Experience the pinnacle of sport performance eyewear with Sphaera – put them on and forget they’re there.

 Inner Spark BiSphaera™: Rx-ready with Prizm™ Lens details to help you see the win within, Bisphera seamlessly transitions from dominating competition to owning the daily hustle. Designed for the versatile athlete, this dual-lens performance sunglass helps one shine in both sport and life and is constructed from lightweight material, with features nose pads and ear socks for a comfortable fit.

 Inner Spark Latch Panel™: Built for action on and off the clock, Latch Panel is designed to eliminate distractions. Its full-rim, shield lens design provides a game-changing solution for on-the-go eyewear storage. Slide on the removable side shields to block distractions and bring in calm and focus. Ideal for versatile escapades, Latch Panel features thin temples that fit comfortably under a hat and comes with a removable leash for added security. Prizm™ Lens Technology enhance detail and elevate the visual experience.

 See the win within, with Inner Spark, launched globally on July 1. The films can be viewed on the Oakley YouTube channel, and the collection can be shopped at Oakley.com or Oakley stores worldwide.

CK Birla Hospitals Unveils ‘Every Beat Counts’ Report: A First-of-its-kind insight into India’s Cardiac Health Crisis

4th October 2024, Chennai: BM Birla Heart Hospital (BMB), part of CK Birla Hospitals, has launched a first of its kind report on India’s cardiac health – ‘Every Beat Counts’. This report not only sheds light on the cardiac health crisis but also offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to address the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) across the country.

 The prevalence of coronary heart disease in India has risen 3X over the past three decades. According to the ‘Every Beat Counts’ report, 20% of heart attack deaths worldwide now occur in India. The report presents alarming statistics, revealing that approximately 90 million Indians currently live with cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, the mortality rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in India stands at 272 per 100,000 population, exceeding the global average of 235. Notably, this mortality rate varies significantly between urban and rural areas; it is reported to be 450 in urban India and 200 in rural India.

 The report also emphasizes the high prevalence of the “thin-fat” body type among Indians, which is characterized by a normal or below-normal weight but with a higher body fat percentage, resulting in increased cardiovascular risks.

 Cardiovascular diseases account for 24.5% of all deaths in India. Alarmingly, States such as West Bengal and Punjab report mortality rates in which over 35% of deaths are attributed to heart disease. Our inaugural ‘Every Beat Counts’ report underscores the urgent need for a national strategy to address this worsening crisis. By publishing this report annually, we aim to promote sustained awareness and encourage collective action toward building a healthier nation,” said Vipul Jain, CEO, CK Birla Hospitals.

 The report indicates that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading concern within the health landscape, placing an increasingly heavier burden on India’s healthcare system each year. India faces significant challenges regarding healthcare infrastructure and access, especially in cardiac care. The country has one cardiologist for every 250,000 Indians, in stark contrast to the United States, where there is one cardiologist for every 7,300 Americans.

 Leveraging the expertise of B M Birla Heart Hospital, the report highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure, greater access to specialized care and enhanced public awareness to address the escalating cardiovascular crisis in India across all age groups. CVD is increasingly impacting younger populations, including children, with 10% of infant mortality in India now linked to heart diseases. The report points out a critical shortage of infrastructure and specialized care, resulting in higher surgical risks and long-term complications for children with congenital heart conditions. India trains only 35 paediatric cardiology fellows each year, and the surgical mortality rate for these conditions among children in India ranges from 8% to 13%, compared to less than 5% in developed countries.

HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata Performs Eastern India’s First Robotic Whipple Surgery on a 60-year-old Patient

Kolkata, 4th October 2024: HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata successfully performs a pioneering Robotic Whipple (pancreaticoduodenectomy) surgery on a 60-year-old male patient. This surgery further solidifies HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata’s leadership as the only medical facility in Eastern India providing both traditional and robotic Whipple surgery. Led by Dr. Sujoy Kumar Bala, Surgical Oncologist, and his team of highly skilled specialists, this intricate surgery highlights HCG’s commitment to medical innovation and excellence in cancer care.

The patient, Rajiv (name changed), a 60-year-old male, initially visited HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata with persistent anemia and abdominal pain. After a series of diagnostic tests, including upper GI endoscopy and CT scans, he was diagnosed with periampullary cancer, a rare form of cancer located at the junction of the pancreatic and liver ducts. A Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) was recommended as the best course of treatment, as it involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the pancreas, bile ducts, and small intestine to enhance the chances of recovery.

Dr. Sujoy Kumar Bala, Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata, who led the surgery, explained the advantages of robotic technology in such intricate procedures, “The patient initially presented with symptoms of anemia and abdominal pain, which led to the diagnosis of a rare cancer affecting the pancreatic and liver ducts. After a thorough evaluation, we opted for a robotic Whipple procedure, given the complexity of the case and the benefits of robotic assistance. Being the first procedure of its kind in Eastern India, the patient and his family naturally had concerns, which we addressed through detailed consultations.”

He further explained explained the traditional approach to the Whipple procedure, which typically requires a large abdominal incision to remove the head of the pancreas, part of the bile duct, duodenum, gallbladder, and nearby lymph nodes. In this case, he said, “we used robotic assistance with the da Vinci system, which enabled us to perform the surgery through smaller incisions. The robotic system’s 3D view of the abdomen gave us superior accuracy, precision, and control throughout the 8-hour procedure. The distinct advantages of the robotic Whipple, including fewer complications, reduced postoperative pain, and quicker recovery—especially important for elderly patients like this one. The patient’s recovery was smooth, and he was discharged just eight days after the surgery,” Dr. Bala concluded.

Expressing his gratitude for the care he received, the patient, Rajiv shared, “When I was diagnosed, I was anxious, but the team at HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata made me feel reassured. They explained the advantages of robotic surgery in great detail, which eased my worries. Thanks to the team, I recovered much faster than expected, with minimal scarring and less pain.”

Commenting on the hospital’s pioneering use of robotic surgery, Prateek Jain, Regional Business Head AP & East, Healthcare Global Enterprises Ltd, said, “Our mission is to provide world-class cancer care using the latest medical technologies. The successful completion of this first-ever robotic Whipple surgery in Eastern India is a testament to our expertise in advanced oncology. By adopting robotic technology, we aim to improve clinical outcomes, expedite patient recovery, and elevate the overall treatment experience.”

Dr. Amarjeet Singh, COO of HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to innovation, stating, “At HCG, we leverage cutting-edge technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. The Whipple surgery is one of the most complex and demanding gastrointestinal procedures, requiring exceptional skill and expertise. At HCG Cancer Centre, Kolkata, our highly trained gastrointestinal surgical oncology team, combined with our advanced robotic surgery program, makes us the only medical center in Eastern India to offer both traditional and robotic versions of this procedure, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

In addition to the Whipple procedure, the center’s highly skilled team of surgeons perform robotic-assisted surgeries for a wide range of cancers, ensuring comprehensive and advanced treatment options for their patients. This successful surgery marks another milestone in HCG Cancer Centre Kolkata’s mission to provide advanced, patient-focused cancer treatment and reinforces its position as a leading facility in the region for complex oncological procedures.