IIMB’s Centre for Public Policy Hosts International Conference, Delivers Growth Roadmap for India

30 August, 2024, Bengaluru: The XIX International Conference on Public Policy & Management, which was hosted by the Centre for Public Policy (CPP) at IIM Bangalore from 27 to 29 August 2024, featured marquee speakers from the national and international arenas, facilitating interaction between policy makers, implementors and researchers through insightful sessions on different dimensions of public policy research and practice. The conference covered contemporary topics on public policy, such as, Emerging Technologies and Policy Implications; Policies on Climate Change and Sustainability in Industry and Agriculture; Policy Challenges in Gig and Platform Economy, and Innovations in Public Policy.

The interdisciplinary conference comprised academic sessions, topical policy debates, workshops, panel discussions and practitioner-oriented discussions. There were 252 participants from all over India, and 33 papers were presented. The Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) South Asia Working Group collaborated with CPP for a poster session and 21 scholars were invited to present their work at the conference. The Best Poster award was won by Harikrishnan K. S. from IIT Kharagpur, and his work was themed on, ‘Equalization in public provision of education: Evidence from India’.

The sessions comprised insightful and thought-provoking talks led by experts representing diverse sectors. Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, delivered the inaugural address on, ‘Reaping India’s Demographic Dividend’; Parameswaran Iyer, Executive Director, World Bank spoke on, ‘Public Policy: The Challenges of Implementation and Approaches to Address Them’; Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, discussed ‘Challenges in Generating High Employment in the Era of Rapid Technology Development’; Prof. David Van Slyke, Dean of Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University shared his thoughts on, ‘Partnership and Relational Contracting: Rethinking the Governance of Innovation’, and S. Mahendra Dev, Editor, Economic and Political Weekly, delivered the valedictory address on, ‘Future of India: Challenges and Policies for Growth, Inclusion and Sustainability’. He also handed over the Best Poster award to Harikrishnan K. S.

Prof. Ashish Verma, Transportation Systems Engineering, Convenor, IISc Sustainable Transportation Lab, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, led the pre-conference Prof. M. R. Krishnamurthy Memorial Lecture on 26 August on, ‘Understanding and Harnessing Linkages between Sustainable Transport and Livability for Building Brand Bengaluru’. Prof. Arpit Shah, faculty of the Public Policy area of IIMB, conducted the pre-conference workshop on, ‘Research Using Spatial Data’. The Young Scholars Initiative (YSI) South Asia Working Group collaborated with CPP for the workshop and poster session of the conference. Selected scholars were invited to present their work at the conference.

The organizing committee of this year’s conference comprised Dr. Gopal Naik, Senior Fellow, Chairperson and Jal Jeevan Mission Chair Professor at the Centre for Public Policy, IIM Bangalore; Prof. Anil B Suraj, Chairperson, N.S. Ramaswamy Pre-doctoral Fellowship as well as the Committee on Diversity & Inclusion and faculty of Public Policy at IIMB; Prof. Soham Sahoo, faculty of the Public Policy area of IIMB; Prof. Rajalaxmi Kamath, Chairperson, Internal Committee and faculty of the Public Policy area of IIMB, and Prof. Arpit Shah, faculty of the Public Policy area of IIMB.

The CPP conference also featured IIMB faculty who moderated sessions or addressed the audience. They include, Prof. Rishikesha T Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore; Dr. Gopal Naik; Prof. Anil B Suraj, Prof. Manaswini Bhalla, Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Management and PGP in Business Analytics and faculty of the Economics area of IIMB, and Prof. Arnab Mukherji, Chairperson, Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy & Management (PGPPM) and faculty of the Public Policy area of IIMB.

The series of expert talks and academic sessions conducted during the CPP conference analyzed India’s domestic weaknesses and strengths as well as challenges and opportunities through the lens of public policy, highlighted the key new drivers of growth and expected outcomes, thereby building a roadmap for India’s development aspirations.

Masters’ Union Hosts Intersect 3.0 to Tackle Skill Gaps and Foster Innovation

Masters’ Union, the new-age practitioner-led business school, successfully concluded the third edition of its flagship event, Intersect. This event brought together global leaders, educators, and industry experts to engage in meaningful discussions on bridging the gap between academia and industry. Focused on addressing India’s skills gap and improving employability, the event featured a series of panels and keynote sessions. Notable speakers included Dr. Edward Rogers, former Chief Knowledge Officer at NASA, Dr. James Oldroyd, former Lecturer at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Srivalsan Murugan, Principal & CEO of GEMS Education, Sharjah, UAE, and renowned journalist Barkha Dutt, who shared their views on the dynamic role of education in preparing a future-ready workforce.

Swati Ganeti, Director of Undergraduate Programme at Masters’ Union, emphasised the importance of events like Intersect 3.0 in driving innovation in education, and said “Our vision at Masters’ Union is to repurpose education by prioritising academic rigour in a way that it makes students not only experts at what they know, but are also able to apply their learnings on a daily basis. That’s why we focus so much on hands-on experiences and Intersect 3.0 wants to further this philosophy. This event is not just a one-time dialogue but part of our ongoing commitment to bridging the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern business landscape. By fostering collaboration between educators and industry leaders, we aim to prepare our students to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow, equipped to navigate and shape the future of global business needs.”

A highlight of Intersect 3.0 was the panel discussion on “Global Best Practices in Bridging the Industry-Academia Divide.” This session featured prominent educators and industry experts, including Asna Nafees of DPS-Modern Indian School, Qatar, Srivalsan Murugan, Principal & CEO of GEMS Education, Sharjah, UAE, Dr. Manish Kr. Semwal from GMIS, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Ms. Seema Kaushik of GIIS, Singapore. Together, they discussed innovative approaches to aligning educational curricula with industry needs. The panellists shared their valuable insights on how different regions across the world are addressing the skills gap and equipping students for the rapidly evolving job market. They also spoke about how the industry-academia gap is real, and it is important to focus on employability rather than just employment.

Another significant panel at Intersect 3.0 focused on “Innovative Collaborations Between Academia and Industry.” The discussion highlighted successful university-industry partnerships across various sectors, with an emphasis on how these models can be adapted for the business domain. The panel included experts such as Dr. Edward Rogers, Chief Knowledge Officer at NASA and Professor at Masters’ Union, Dr. James Oldroyd, former Lecturer at Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management, Adarsh Khandelwal, Co-Founder of Collegify, and Kavitta B Bedi, Co-Founder & CEO of Head Start Mentorship. These pioneers shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities in fostering collaborations within domains like science, engineering, and beyond.

Dr. Edward Rogers, reflecting on global trends, remarked, “The collaboration between universities and industries in fields like science and engineering has set a benchmark. However, the business sector has yet to fully embrace this integration. Events like Intersect are crucial for initiating this much-needed dialogue.”

The audience at Intersect 3.0 was highly engaged, especially during Barkha Dutt’s fireside chat, which sparked lively discussions. The enthusiasm carried through panels like ‘Global Best Practices in Bridging the Industry-Academia Divide’ and ‘Innovative Collaborations Between Academia and Industry.’ The student panel, ‘Why MU?’ by the UG class of 2027, was particularly praised for showcasing the effectiveness of Masters’ Union’s new-age educational approach.

Zydus receives final approval from USFDA for Scopolamine Transdermal System 1 mg/3 days

Ahmedabad, India, 30 August, 2024

Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries/ affiliates, hereafter referred to as “Zydus”) has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market Scopolamine Transdermal System 1 mg/3 days. (USRLD: Transderm Scop Transdermal System ® 1 mg/3 days). This is the fifth ANDA approval for Zydus in the transdermal portfolio, leveraging the group’s strengths in the manufacturing of complex drug device dosage forms.

Scopolamine Transdermal System is indicated to prevent nausea and vomiting after anaesthesia, narcotic pain medicines, and surgery. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. The Scopolamine Transdermal System will be produced at the group’s transdermal manufacturing site at SEZ, Matoda, Ahmedabad.

Scopolamine Transdermal System 1 mg/3 days had annual sales of USD $69.6 mn in the United States (IQVIA MAT June 2024).

MASSH Hospital Performs Groundbreaking 3D Laparoscopic Surgery on Toddler

In a pioneering advancement in the field of surgical treatment, a 3.7-year-old child has effectively undergone a 3D laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones at MASSH Super Specialty Hospital. The parents of the patient had explored numerous medical facilities where traditional laparoscopy and open surgery were advised, yet they opted for MASSH due to its advanced treatment alternatives.

The child was diagnosed with symptomatic gallstones after undergoing an ultrasound. Dr. Sachin Ambekar, the Director of Minimal Access Surgery at MASSH Hospital, performed the surgery. Dr. Ambekar assured the parents about the quick recovery process with minimal risks due to the hospital’s advanced 3D 4K Rubina Imaging System. This cutting-edge technology guarantees a painless and swift recovery, allowing patients to resume normal activities in just a few hours.

“The expertise required in this case is particularly tested, as the abdominal cavity is relatively small compared to adults. The surgery was performed delicately using special instruments designed for such intricate procedures,” stated Dr. Ambekar.

The procedure, conducted by Dr. Sachin Ambekar and anesthesiologist Dr. Amit Garg, was completed in a shorter duration of operating and anesthesia time compared to standard practices. The child was able to walk within five hours post-surgery and was discharged without complications after 16 hours. “The smile on the mother’s face is the true reward for my work. Seeing a happy, painless, and worry-free patient is what I strive for,” added Dr. Ambekar.

The gallstone was 7 mm in size, and the child had been experiencing intermittent abdominal pain for one and a half years. Initially misdiagnosed as abdominal gastritis, the condition was confirmed through an ultrasound. Gallstones in young children are rare and often linked to genetic predisposition, though other causes include blood disorders, obesity, excessive use of birth control pills by the mother and other unknown factors.

Mr. Hanish Bansal, Chairman & Executive Director of MASSH Super Specialty Hospitals, praised the medical team’s expertise, saying, “This surgery showcases our commitment to advanced medical care and innovation. We strive to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients, leveraging the latest technology and our skilled professionals. Also, thanks to the world of innovation where we are able to perform seamless surgeries using 3D 4k vision camera, enhancing both safety and precision.”

Mpox in India: Navigating the Unseen Epidemic with Vigilance and Innovation

By-Dr. Anand Subhash Wani, Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Allergy

The resurgence of Mpox, previously known as Monkeypox, has brought about renewed concerns in India, as the country grapples with a steady increase in confirmed cases. The spread has been particularly pronounced in urban centres such as Kerala, Delhi and Maharashtra, and has primarily been tested in Indians travelling from African and Middle Eastern countries.

The demographics of those affected reveal that the virus predominantly impacts young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. Despite the rising number of cases, the mortality rate has remained low, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.5%. Most patients have shown recovery within 2 to 4 weeks, though individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions are at a higher risk of severe outcomes.

In response to the growing threat, India has bolstered its public health initiatives, including testing and quarantine of symptomatic and infected individuals. The process of development of vaccine has also been initiated. Testing and surveillance have been intensified across the country. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has expanded testing capabilities, with over 500,000 samples tested so far. The positivity rate has stabilized at approximately 0.04%, suggesting that the containment measures are effective. On a global scale, India accounts for about 0.03% of Mpox cases worldwide, underscoring the importance of sustained vigilance and proactive health measures.

Mpox typically presents with a set of flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and exhaustion, often accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. These initial symptoms are followed by the development of a rash, which usually begins 1 to 3 days after the onset of fever. The rash progresses from flat, red spots to raised bumps, and then to fluid-filled blisters, which may turn into pustules. It often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and mucous membranes. The blisters eventually crust over and fall off, and the illness generally lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

Paediatric data for Hyderabad indicates that children have been less affected compared to adults, with children under the age of 15 accounting for approximately 10% of the total cases in the city. Paediatric cases have generally presented with milder symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, and rash. Most children have recovered within the typical 2 to 4 weeks, with severe cases being rare. Healthcare providers have remained vigilant, ensuring appropriate care and considering antiviral treatments like Tecovirimat for children with severe symptoms or underlying conditions. Preventive measures in households with infected individuals are emphasized to protect children from exposure.

While there is no specific cure for Mpox, treatment options have seen significant advancements. Supportive care remains the cornerstone, focusing on managing fever, pain, and dehydration. Antiviral medications, such as Tecovirimat (TPOXX), have been introduced and are used in severe cases or for those at high risk of complications. Tecovirimat works by inhibiting the virus’s ability to spread to other cells and has been approved for emergency use in several countries, including India. Other antivirals like Cidofovir and Brin cidofovir have been explored as potential treatments, though their use is more limited due to side effects. Vaccinia Immune Globulin (VIG) has also been utilized in cases with severe complications, providing passive immunity against the virus.

For those affected, symptomatic treatment includes topical care for skin lesions to prevent secondary infections, along with the use of antibiotics when necessary. Isolation and infection control remain critical components of treatment to prevent the spread of the virus. Patients with confirmed Mpox are isolated until all lesions have healed completely.

To stay clear of the disease, public health experts advise avoiding close contact with individuals diagnosed with Mpox, especially those with visible skin lesions or rashes. Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, is also recommended, particularly after coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or materials. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure for those in high-risk groups, and public health officials emphasize the importance of staying informed about potential outbreaks and following guidance from health authorities.

As India navigates through this health challenge, it is crucial to remember that the battle against Mpox is far from over. Continued surveillance, robust vaccination drives, and widespread public awareness are essential to preventing a resurgence. The efforts made thus far have positioned India well in managing the outbreak, but sustained dedication and vigilance will be key in ensuring the nation remains resilient against future threats posed by Mpox.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release is provided by a third party and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our organization. We do not endorse or guarantee its accuracy.

APSEZ acquires 80% stake in global OSV operator Astro Offshore for USD 185 Mn

Hyderabad: 30th August, 2024: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest ports and logistics company, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 80% stake in Astro, in an all-cash deal for USD 185 million, implying an EV of USD 235 million and EV / FY25E EBITDA at 4.4x. The transaction is expected to be value accretive from the first year itself.

Incorporated in 2009, Astro is a leading global OSV operator in the Middle East, India, Far East Asia and Africa. Astro owns a fleet of 26 OSVs comprising of Anchor Handling Tugs (AHTs), flat top barges, Multipurpose Support Vessels (MPSVs) and workboats and provides vessel management and complementary services. During the year ending 30 April 2024, Astro posted USD 95 million revenue and USD 41 million EBITDA. As of 30 April 2024, Astro was net cash positive.

Astro has an impressive roster of Tier-1 customers including NMDC, McDermott, COOEC, Larsen & Toubro and Saipem. Astro is a key player in the offshore construction & fabrication and offshore transportation markets. Astro’s pre-qualified status with major global EPC contractors and the ability to deliver a variety of ocean-going vessels has enabled it to build a roster of Tier-1 customers in the oil & gas industry. Astro’s deep experience in supporting the construction and maintenance of offshore platforms, oil & gas fields and subsea facilities allows it to deliver cutting-edge services to clients in the offshore exploration & drilling markets. Astro’s vessels also support multiple operations for leading international dredging companies, including large offshore construction and land reclamation projects. Astro leverages an efficient mix of medium to long-term contracts with customers, which allows it to maintain high fleet utilization and benefit from increasing charter rates, driven by limited supply of OSV fleet globally.

“Astro’s acquisition is part of our roadmap to becoming one of the world’s largest marine operators. Astro will add 26 OSVs to our current fleet of 142 tugs and dredgers, taking the total count to 168. The acquisition will also give us access to an impressive roster of Tier-1 customers while further consolidating our footprint across the Arabian Gulf, the Indian subcontinent and Far East Asia. We look forward to working closely with Astro’s leadership team and scaling up the current platform,” said Mr Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ.

“Over the past 15 years, we have created an impressive company trajectory, driven by strategic investments in our OSV fleet and deep relationships with our customers. This partnership with APSEZ represents a critical inflection point for us. Together, we can accelerate growth to add further scale and diversity to our fleet mix, expand our geographical footprint and deliver more end-to-end solutions to our customers,” said Mr Mark Humphreys, Managing Director, Astro Offshore.

Progility Technologies Appoints New COO to Drive Operational Excellence and Strategic Growth

Mumbai, India – August 30, 2024 – Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd. is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Sadagopan Viravalli as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

With 25 years of wide-ranging experience in technology, finance, and consulting, Mr Viravalli is expected to bring a fresh perspective and dynamic leadership to Progility, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.

Throughout his career, Mr Viravalli has held key roles with leading professional services firms, including as Managing Director at Accenture Technology, India and Executive Director at Deloitte Consulting, India. He has delivered business technology solutions across multiple industries, including Financial Services, Telecom, Healthcare, Public Services and Energy.

During his tenure in technology consulting, Mr Viravalli played a pivotal role in driving substantial growth in enterprise technology platforms, including SAP, Oracle, and PeopleSoft. In his most recent role, he successfully delivered industry solutions for the healthcare and public services sectors. These accomplishments highlight his ability to lead complex projects and deliver exceptional results.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Viravalli to Progility Technologies.” said Mr. Julian Wheatland, Chief Executive Officer, Progility Technologies Pvt Ltd, “His extensive experience, accomplishments and leadership skills is a valuable addition to the Progility management team as we continue to scale our operations and pursue new growth opportunities. We are confident that he will play a significant role in driving further success and delivering on our mission to be the most valued and trusted technology partner to our customers.”

Wayne Bos, Chairman, reinforced his commitment to continued investment in Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and emphasized the Group’s focus on India’s fast developing economy and its future major role on the world stage of technology and operations. He said “Our Board warmly welcomes Mr Viravalli to Progility as we grow and expand the depth of our management and technical team”.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Progility, Mr. Viravalli said, “I am honoured to be part of such a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. Progility Technologies has a strong reputation for innovation and excellence, and I look forward to working with the deep-skilled team to build on this foundation and drive further success.”

Mr Viravalli holds a certification from the Executive General Management Program (EGMP) at the Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B), where he gained extensive insights into strategic management, leadership and business operations. He is a qualified Cost & Management Accountant (CMA), equipping him with expertise in financial planning, cost control and performance management.

The appointment of Mr Viravalli as COO heralds a pivotal moment for Progility Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Under his guidance, the company aims to achieve greater heights of success, leveraging advanced technology to meet the dynamically diversifying needs of businesses and governments across India. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Progility is poised to rewrite the future of enterprise technology.

Banijay Asia and SERA Launch Show to Send Indian to Space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard

Mumbai, India August 30, 2024: Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment , the world’s largest independent content producer, has announced its collaboration with Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to produce an innovative format show that will showcase the nationwide hunt for one ordinary Indian citizen who will journey into space on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission. The format will capture the drama, disappointment, and joy as the shortlisted individuals participate in various challenges that test their mettle and readiness for space travel. The show will culminate in the selection of a final winner who will have the opportunity to become one of the first Indian citizens to travel into space.

This announcement builds on SERA’s recent news announcing India as a partner nation for their human spaceflight program aimed at giving an opportunity to citizens from countries with few or no astronauts to travel into space. SERA’s mission is to democratize space travel by opening up opportunities for ordinary citizens to experience the wonders of space exploration.

“At Banijay Asia, our mission has always been to explore new horizons in storytelling. We’re embarking on an unprecedented journey with SERA to create a reality format that transcends the ordinary. It’s a privilege to document this journey of an ordinary Indian space traveler, and show how this program will not only transform their life but also democratize space travel more broadly. We’re excited to entertain and inspire our audiences as we pave a new path in the world of competitive reality television, and spark a new wave of interest in space exploration,” said Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India.

Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India, expressed her enthusiasm saying: “Partnering with SERA is a testament to Banijay Asia’s quest to find inspiring stories to narrate in the most innovative formats. We will pioneer an innovative and inspirational format by blending the thrill of reality television with the awe of space exploration. This will be a game-changing format showing every step of the journey from selection to space.”

Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder, SERA, shared his excitement for the collaboration: “SERA is founded on the principle of making space accessible to all. Our mission is to inspire and enable individuals from all backgrounds to explore the cosmos, fostering a new era of discovery and understanding. This partnership with Banijay Asia will bring space- and science-related content to a diverse audience. We look forward to their innovative approach to transform this historic endeavor into a movement that will not only inspire millions but also cultivate a global dialogue on the future of space exploration.”

SERA’s spaceflight program will offer citizens from across the world six seats on a future mission of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket. The mission will fly the selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line (100 km), the internationally-recognized boundary of space.

Nippon Paint India Unveils Futuristic ColourPod at Prawaas 4.0

Bengaluru, 30th August 2024: Nippon Paint India, a leading paint and coatings provider, has officially launched its revolutionary ColourPod at Prawaas 4.0, Asia Pacific’s premier commercial vehicles exhibition. The ColourPod marks a significant milestone in the industry, redefining the possibilities of paint and coatings for commercial vehicles.

With a bold and futuristic design, the Nippon ColourPod showcases the brand’s commitment to innovation and excellence. At the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the ColourPod and learn how Nippon Paint is transforming the commercial vehicle industry through cutting-edge solutions and visionary insights.

The Nippon ColourPod will be on display at Booth No. 32 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) from August 29th to 31st, 2024.