The Obesity-Cancer Link: Essential Insights for You

Dr. Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh, Consultant – Medical Oncology, HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, Ranchi.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for overall well-being. Making conscious choices, such as selecting nutritious foods over junk food and incorporating regular exercise and stress management into your routine, can have lasting benefits. Prioritizing wellness through these lifestyle choices not only boosts your overall health but also helps in disease prevention.

 In a world where convenience often overrides health, obesity has become alarmingly prevalent. This rise isn’t just a cosmetic concern; it presents significant health risks, with one of the most concerning being its link to cancer. Understanding this connection is crucial for anyone aiming to live a healthier, more informed life.

 The Obesity Epidemic
Obesity, characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat (often measured by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher), is influenced by various factors, including genetics, behavior, metabolism, and hormones. However, poor diet and physical inactivity remain the primary contributors. As modern lifestyles increasingly favor processed foods and sedentary habits, obesity rates continue to surge worldwide.

 How Obesity Contributes to Cancer
Extensive research has confirmed that obesity is a significant risk factor leading to several types of cancer. This connection can be attributed to several mechanisms through which excess body fat promotes cancer development:

 • Hormonal Imbalances: Fat tissue produces excess estrogen, which has been linked to breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Elevated levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in obese individuals can also promote cancers of the colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrium.
• Chronic Inflammation: Obesity often triggers chronic low-grade inflammation, which can damage DNA and contribute to cancer development and progression.
• Weakened Immune Response: Excess body fat can impair the immune system’s ability to detect and fight cancer cells, making it easier for these cells to grow and spread.
• Altered Cellular Environment: Obesity creates a bodily environment that fosters cancer cell growth, including increased oxidative stress and altered cell metabolism.

 Cancers Associated with Obesity
Several types of cancer have been linked to obesity, including:

   • Breast Cancer: Especially postmenopausal breast cancer, where increased estrogen from fat tissue is a major risk factor.
• Colorectal Cancer: Higher insulin levels associated with obesity can promote the growth of colon cancer cells.
• Endometrial Cancer: Excess estrogen from fat tissue plays a significant role.
• Kidney Cancer: Hormonal changes and chronic inflammation linked to obesity increase the risk.
• Liver Cancer: Obesity can lead to fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, both of which heighten the risk of liver cancer.

 Proactive Steps to Reduce Risk
While the statistics may be concerning, there are proactive measures you can take to lower the risk of obesity-related cancers:
• Adopt a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins must be followed, whereas processed foods, red and processed meats, and sugary drinks must be limited.
• Engage in Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Regularly monitor your weight and BMI to stay within a healthy range.
• Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors for cancer and can exacerbate the risks associated with obesity.
• Participate in Regular Screenings: Regular cancer screenings are crucial, especially if you are at higher risk due to obesity.

 The connection between obesity and cancer highlights the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. By understanding this link and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce your cancer risk and improve your overall health. Remember, it’s never too late to make healthier choices. Each step towards a healthier lifestyle is a step away from the risks associated with obesity and towards a brighter, cancer-free future.

Airox Nigen Sets Groundwork for World’s Largest Electrolyser and Fuel Cell Production Hub in Haryana

13th August 2024, New Delhi, India – Airox Nigen, a 30-year-old pioneer in green hydrogen technology, proudly announces the establishment of the world’s largest electrolyser and fuel cell production hub in Haryana. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone as India’s first such facility, marking Airox Nigen’s leadership and commitment to advancing clean energy solutions.

Since its inception in 1994, Airox Nigen has been at the forefront of green hydrogen innovation, producing and commissioning over 4500 adsorption-based gas generators and air dryers globally. Their extensive export footprint spans the USA, Canada, China, Egypt, UAE, Germany, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya, Thailand, Taiwan, Sudan, and many more.

Airox Nigen stands out as the only company in India that embodies the ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) ethos in the green hydrogen sector. Their high-value projects, with hydrogen machines, reflect their commitment to quality and affordability, driving their sustained growth and success.

“Airox Nigen has established a reputation for providing superior products that cater to the changing demands of the green hydrogen industry, having served the industry for more than thirty years,” stated Mr. Aniruddh Agrawal, Business Development Manager at Airox Nigen Equipments Pvt. Ltd. “Our in-house manufacturing capabilities and focus on quality and affordability enable us to maintain our competitive edge and continue leading the industry into a cleaner, more sustainable future.”

The new production hub in Ahmedabad is a testament to Airox Nigen’s undying dedication to innovation and excellence. This facility will not only boost India’s capabilities in the green hydrogen sector but also position the country as a global leader in clean energy technology.

“This project symbolizes a significant leap forward for Airox Nigen and the entire green hydrogen industry in India. It reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that drive a sustainable future.” added Mr. Agrawal.

Beco Secures dollar10M in Pre-Series B Round Led by Tanglin Venture Partners

Mumbai, 13 August 2024: Beco, India’s leading homegrown eco-friendly home, kitchen & personal care brand announced today that it has raised $10 million as part of its pre-Series B round fundraise. Two years after the Series A round, this fresh infusion of funds was led by Tanglin Venture Partners, with participation from Titan Capital Winners Fund. The company also saw participation from Manish Choksi, promoter of Asian paints, existing investor Rukam Capital and Synergy Capital.

Founded in 2019 by Aditya Ruia, Akshay Varma, and Anuj Ruia, the Mumbai-based startup was born out of a simple idea of helping consumers make better and safer choices for themselves at homecare and lead a natural eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. Having made a significant impact in the homecare segment, Beco has achieved an exponential 3x growth in the last year, driven significantly by repeat purchases across all channels. The fund infusion would be put towards innovation and expanding production capacity; developing a strong offline sales infrastructure in key geographies, and lastly, towards brand building and enhancing brand awareness.

Commenting on the funding, Aditya Ruia, Co-founder, Beco said, “Beco’s inception ties back to the simple yet profound realisation that as global citizens of the earth, we need to be more accountable for our choices and their irreversible impact on the environment. What Beco realised from day 1 is that it is not for a lack of intent, but a lack of viable choices that sustainable alternatives often get overlooked. This belief is validated by our success in disrupting the market consistently with innovative offerings, reflected in the growth we have seen in the last year. Consumers want products that are good for them, safe, yet effective. This round of funding from our existing and new investors comes at a time where we are raring to enter our next phase of growth and enhance our capabilities to meet the demand. The investors’ faith in Beco boosts our confidence that we are headed in the right direction and we are excited to unleash the real potential that sustainability and harmful chemical-free products holds for the future.”

Since its inception, Beco has been gradually expanding its product offerings that have captured the market due to the fact that they seamlessly address the intent-action gap vis-a-vis sustainable products, prevalent in consumers today. They are cost-effective, functionally superior to alternatives, and are transparent about the ingredients used. Recently Beco relaunched its household cleaners portfolio with an entirely new mix, achieving significant wins on key parameters, with the cleaner’s portfolio now contributing significantly to the topline. In the offline outlets, Beco boasts of an impressive presence in 10,000 retail stores, with order values matching or exceeding those of legacy brands.

Sankalp Gupta, Partner, Tanglin Venture Partners said, “ Over the last few years, there has been a marked shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, toxin-free options. Beco’s focus on product innovation and backend supply chain has enabled them to offer superior products at prices comparable to the incumbents. We believe this ability, coupled with their strong distribution across offline and online channels, provides Beco a strong headstart in a very large market. We have no doubt that this company will continue to be at the forefront of innovation in this sector, and we are excited to be a part of this journey.”

Beco is one of the few startups with an omnichannel presence. In just five years, Beco has established a strong foothold in e-commerce and quick commerce platforms such as Amazon, Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and DMart Ready. It is available in general trade across 20 cities and has entered modern trade, with plans to expand to other major players by the end of this quarter. Beco also maintains an active direct-to-consumer business to drive trials and has attracted the interest of several large multinationals, including Amazon, ICICI, Mahindra, PVR Inox and TAJ, for collaborations on sustainability initiatives.

Eye-Q Hosts Mega Eye Care Camps in Haldwani and Almora for Independence Day

India, 13th August 2024: Eye-Q, a leading chain of super-speciality eye care hospitals, has announced its latest community initiative, set to take place on August 15th, 2024. In celebration of Independence Day, Eye-Q will host extensive eye care camps at its Haldwani and Almora facilities, providing free and comprehensive eye care services to the local communities. Timed with Independence Day, this event champions the liberation from preventable vision problems, capturing the essence of both personal freedom and community empowerment.

Preventable eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, and refractive error pose serious public health challenges. Eye-Q is dedicated to addressing these issues through early detection and intervention. The mega camps will provide comprehensive eye examinations and prompt treatments to reduce the occurrence of preventable blindness and vision impairment. This proactive approach not only tackles existing vision problems but also helps prevent future issues, thus enhancing the overall quality of life for those affected.

The mega camps will be widely promoted through strategic awareness campaigns, including the distribution of pamphlets and the placement of banners in local areas and neighbouring villages. Eye-Q aims to reach 1000 individuals with this initiative, placing a special emphasis on underserved and underprivileged communities. Attendees without immediate vision concerns will receive general advice on maintaining eye health, while those identified with vision problems will be offered detailed counselling and scheduled for follow-up examinations, including cataract screenings and other necessary treatments. A distinguished team of ophthalmologists, including Dr. Dr Mahesh Mathur, and Dr. Nausheen Niyaz

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Founder and CMD of Eye-Q, shared his vision for the initiative, saying, “Just as independence means freedom from constraints, clear vision represents freedom from the limitations of poor eyesight. This Independence Day, our mega eye care camps aim to provide that same sense of liberation by offering essential vision care to those in need. We are committed to breaking down barriers to eye health, particularly for underserved communities. Through early detection and treatment of preventable conditions, we strive to enhance lives and empower individuals with the gift of clear sight. We invite everyone in Haldwani and Almora to take advantage of this opportunity and get their eyes checked, joining us in our mission to improve vision and promote overall well-being.”

This mega camp is part of Eye-Q’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. Eye-Q has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing eye care awareness through a variety of initiatives, including door-to-door outreach, free eye check-up camps, and health marathons. These programs highlight Eye-Q’s dedication to public health and its proactive approach to community service. With over 17 years of experience and having treated more than 80 lakh patients, Eye-Q is steadfast in its mission to conduct 6 lakh comprehensive eye examinations by 2027. This ambitious goal reinforces Eye-Q’s unwavering focus on expanding access to quality eye care and its dedication to improving vision health for communities across India and beyond.

India’s Role Model Manu Bhaker enjoys KFC Rolls after historic win

National, 13th August 2024: The nation’s pride, Manu Bhaker was back in India for a few days. In between all of her busy schedules and meetings, seems like she found a chance to catch a break and indulge in a KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll.

In an Instagram post shared by her brother, Manu is seen all set to leave home fully ready with her suitcases but there is something extra in the mix. Closer inspection reveals it’s the KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll in her hand. Clearly our role model is also a ‘roll’ model. It’s the perfect snack that Manu is happy to enjoy, kabhi bhi aur kahi bhi. Because KFC India’s new range of Rolls is the perfect solution for satisfying cravings in the most unexpected situations.

Manu Bhaker, said, “The last few days in India have been extremely wholesome. I have been showered with a lot of love and gratitude by everybody. But the best part was that even on this short break, I got the chance to enjoy the KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll. Love it so much that it’s definitely going to become my go-to snack, anytime anywhere.”

Manu enjoying the KFC Indian Spicy Veg Roll got many others looking up to her as a ‘roll model’, with PV Sindhu reacting to her post on her Instagram.

OPPO India announces winners of imagineIF Photography Awards 2024

New Delhi, 13th August 2024: OPPO India announced the winners of its first-ever imagineIF Photography Awards in the country. Out of over 34,000 entries, the top six were awarded Gold, Silver, and Bronze honours. This inaugural edition was all about pushing the boundaries of mobile photography and encouraging photographers to bring their unique stories to life.

The Gold award was presented to Arpan Basu Chowdhury from Kolkata for his captivating portrayal of Bahurupi in rural West Bengal. Silver awards went to Kolkata’s Madhumita Nandi and Aurangabad’s Sanket Joshi, while the Bronze awards were secured by Pralay Jana (Kolkata), Chiranjit Dey (Purulia), and Ajeesh Ajayakhosh (Kollam).

The six winners will be attending the Paris Photo 2024—the 27th edition of the international photography fair—from 7th November to 10th November at the iconic Grand Palais. Along with the trip, Arpan will receive a cash prize of INR 5,00,000, the two Silver winners will get INR 2,00,000 each, and the three Bronze winners will take home INR 1,00,000.

“We have just wrapped up the first edition of the imagineIF Photography Awards 2024 in India, and we are thrilled with the incredible response,” said Sushant Vasishta, Head of Digital Marketing at OPPO India. The level of creativity and passion that came through in over 34,000 entries from across the country was truly impressive. It wasn’t easy for our panellists to choose the winners, as the general level of skills and creativity that came through was very high. At OPPO India, we are deeply passionate about nurturing this talent, and seeing how our smartphones can bring such stunning imagination to life has been truly rewarding. We are excited and looking forward to the possibilities of creating truly stunning work of photography with this exceptionally talented pool of photographers in the future.”

Arpan Basu Chowdhury’s winning series, “A Forgotten Legacy”, highlights the traditional Bahurupi art form of West Bengal, beautifully captured on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra. Reflecting on his win, Arpan said, “I am thrilled to receive the imagineIF Photography Award for 2024. It’s an honour to have my work recognised in the first year of these global awards in India. I am grateful to OPPO India for providing a platform for young photographers to share their stories through mobile photography. Capturing ‘A Forgotten Legacy’ on the OPPO Find X7 Ultra was an unforgettable experience; the phone’s advanced camera features made it possible to beautifully showcase the diversity of our country.”

Madhumita Nandi’s series, “Tongueless Whispering,” explores the displacement of humans and non-human due to rising global consumption, while Sanket Joshi’s “Moments from Wari” captures the essence of Warkari, a spiritual tradition in Maharashtra.

In Bronze, Pralay Jana’s “Golden Horizons: Balugaon’s Fishing Community Bathed in Warmth” presents the serene beauty of Chilika Lake in Odisha at dusk and dawn. Chiranjit Dey shines a light on Jharkhand’s Chhau dance with “Faces Behind the Mask: Unveiling Chhau Outdoors,” and Ajeesh Ajayakhosh captures the intricate dance of insect courtship in “Nature’s Palette: A Symphony of Love.”

The imagineIF competition kicked off with an invitation to Indian citizens over 18 to submit their best smartphone photos across nine categories: Landscape, Portrait, Colours, Unfading Moment, Fashion, Snapshot, Light, Travel, and Collection. From these 34,000+ nominations, 50 entries were shortlisted for Round 2, where participants showcased their skills using OPPO’s flagship Find X7 Ultra device.

Entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of photographers, including Celebrity Wedding and OPPO Imaging Expert Joseph Radhik, Wildlife Photographer Aarzoo Khurana, Fashion Photographer Arjun Mark, and other esteemed global jury members.

The imagineIF Photography Awards 2024 has set a new benchmark in mobile photography competitions, and OPPO India looks forward to continuing its tradition of celebrating creativity and storytelling.

IIT Hyderabad Joins Vishwakarma Awards 2024 for Student Innovation Showcase

National, 13 August 2024: Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF), a US-based charitable organisation aiming to modernise STEM education in India, has announced the return of the Vishwakarma Awards for Engineering Innovation in 2024. This year, the Vishwakarma Awards has been organised in partnership with the IIT Hyderabad Technology Incubation Centre (ITIC). The collaboration aims to enhance the support provided to participants.

Launched by the Maker Bhavan Foundation, Vishwakarma Awards is a nationwide thematic challenge focused on incentivising talented student innovators and tinkerers to develop scalable technological solutions that tackle real-world problems and boost India’s economy. This year, the competition focuses on three critical themes: water and sanitation, green technology, and smart mobility. The top 3 teams with the best inventions will be awarded ₹1,00,000, while 18 finalist teams will spend a week at IIT Hyderabad, receiving intensive entrepreneurial training. All finalist teams will get certificates and an additional ₹10,000 from the Maker Bhavan Foundation.

Dr Hemant Kanakia, Founder and Chairman of Maker Bhavan Foundation, said “In the crowded market of competitions, this isn’t just another accolade, it’s a platform for change. Students compete to make deployable prototypes. Teams are given financial support to innovate hardware solutions that address real-world problems. Through Vishwakarma Awards, we don’t seek to applaud the best; we want to propel the best towards excellence.”

Under the water and sanitation theme, sub-tracks include innovative methods for water purification, efficient waste management solutions, and the development of sustainable sanitation infrastructure. The green technology theme encompasses projects related to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, innovations aimed at reducing energy consumption, and the development of eco-friendly materials. Lastly, the smart mobility theme covers advancements in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, enhancements to public transportation systems to make them more efficient and user-friendly, and solutions for reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety.

Sangeet Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Addverb, said, “Smart mobility is the linchpin of a progressive urban landscape. The Vishwakarma Awards, with its dedicated focus on smart mobility, is a testament to the critical role transportation plays in shaping our future.”

Participating teams in the industry problem statement sub-tracks will get a chance to secure internships with Maker Bhavan Foundation’s esteemed partners such as Addverb, Reico, and Alkyl Amines, who are eager to welcome innovative minds.

Applications are now open for the Vishwakarma Awards 2024. Student teams from science and engineering colleges across India can enter the challenge. Shortlisted teams will receive financial support to build their prototypes, mentorship from domain experts, and a platform to showcase their solutions. Awards will be given for Best Product Design and Most Innovative Solution in each theme. The application deadline is August 20th.

22,000 Mankind Pharma Employees Unite in Ground-breaking Organ Donation Awareness Drive

Mumbai, August 13, 2024: Mankind Pharma, a reputed global pharmaceutical firm, has launched a comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise awareness about organ donation. The initiative, aligning with the company’s motto of “Spreading Kindness,” aims to address the critical shortage of organ donors in India, where the donation rate stands at a mere 0.86 donors per million population.

On August 4th, Mankind Pharma unveiled a powerful video campaign designed to educate the public about the importance of organ donation. The campaign highlights the life-saving potential of organ donation and seeks to dispel common myths surrounding the practice.

As a cornerstone of this initiative, Mankind Pharma hosted a special program at its office on August 12th, in collaboration with the National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) and leading medical experts. The event, which was broadcast live on YouTube, brought together all 22,000 Mankind Pharma employees in an unprecedented show of support for organ donation.

Mr. Rajeev Juneja, Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mankind Pharma, stated, “At Mankind Pharma, we believe in the power of collective action to drive meaningful change. Our organ donation awareness campaign is a testament to our commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in India. By engaging our Mankindians and partnering with experts, we pay tribute to the compassionate heroes who choose to give the gift of life to others, and we urge everyone to spark a wave of change by choosing to be an organ donor today.”

Mr. Sheetal Arora, Chief Executive Officer & Whole-Time Director, Mankind Pharma, added, “This campaign represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to contribute positively to society. With only 0.86 donors per million and an alarmingly low number of registered donors in our country, choosing to be an organ donor is not just a personal choice but an act of spreading kindness. By leveraging our reach and resources, we hope to significantly increase the number of registered organ donors in India, potentially saving countless lives in the process. “

The live event featured insightful presentations from renowned medical professionals, addressing various aspects of organ donation. Dr Arvinder Singh Soin, Chairman, Liver Transplant, Medanta Gurugram, discussed the myths and facts surrounding organ donation, stating, “Organ donation is often misunderstood due to various myths. It’s crucial to understand that one organ donor can save up to eight lives. By dispelling these misconceptions, we can encourage more people to become donors and potentially save countless lives.”

Dr Anil Kumar, Director, NOTTO provided an overview of the current scenario of organ donation in India, emphasizing, “With a low donation rate, India faces a severe shortage of organ donors. This campaign by Mankind Pharma is a significant step towards bridging this gap. By raising awareness and facilitating easy registration, we can dramatically increase the number of potential donors and give hope to thousands awaiting life-saving transplants.”

The event culminated in a collective pledge by Mankindians to support organ donation, setting a powerful example for corporations across India. By recognizing the alarmingly low number of registered donors and paying tribute to those who give the gift of life, Mankind Pharma is leading a movement for change. The company’s organ donation awareness campaign is set to continue throughout the year, with additional initiatives and partnerships planned to inspire widespread participation across nation.

NIMS Hyderabad Hits 300 Robotic-Assisted Surgeries in a Year, Sets Government Hospital Record

Hyderabad, 13 August 2024: Nizam’s institute of medical sciences (NIMS), a leading government hospital located in Hyderabad, announced that they have completed 300 robotic-assisted surgeries (RAS) within one year of installing one of the advanced surgical robots, Da Vinci. These surgeries include many complex procedures under the departments of Urology, Gastro intestinal surgery and Surgical oncology. Through this, they have become one of the fastest among the government hospitals in India to achieve this milestone.

Commenting on this achievement, Dr. Bheerappa Nagari, Director- NIMS Hyderabad, said “Robotics in surgery is one such emergent technology that is creating waves worldwide and now in India, improving clinical outcomes. Our goal is to provide the best course of treatment to everyone who visits our hospital. With the advent of cutting-edge technology being available in India, it is imperative to make the benefits of those available to all sections of the patient community. We are thankful to the Chief Minister of Telengana, Mr. Revanth Reddy, and Minister for Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Mr. Damodar Rajanarasimha for their unwavering support in helping us provide this advanced treatment option to people from all strata of our society.”

“As the technology has helped us to reduce the post-operative hospital stay, doctors are able to attend more cases every day. This has also resulted in reduced waiting periods for surgeries, from months to few days. The departments are now getting patients who prefer to undergo robotic-assisted surgery as the word of mouth of operated patients has helped us spread awareness about the benefits of RAS,” Dr. Nagari Bheerappa added.

Dr. Rahul Devraj, Professor and Head, Department of Urology and Coordinator for Robotic Surgery, NIMS-Hyderabad said, “The government support for this modern surgical technique is a significant step in making this novel technology available to all sections of the society. Robotic-assisted surgery, in my perspective, represents a pivotal advancement in the surgical field. I am proud that we are offering such technology-led services here at NIMS. Using this state-of-the-art technology, we can address the complex anatomy and tumour involvement judiciously. In terms of technical feasibility, safety, and long-term oncological and other clinical outcomes, we found this approach as a viable alternative to traditional techniques. We have also observed that the patients who have undergone robotic-assisted surgeries have minimum pain, and this has reduced their post-operative follow-up. The patients have also given very good feedback and have thanked the surgeons for providing them with great results post complex surgeries.”

Commenting on their collaboration with NIMS, Ms. Darla Hutton, Interim GM- India and VP Commercial Operations – APAC of Intuitive, the makers of da Vinci RAS technology, said, “The integration of the da Vinci surgical system at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences represents a significant step in promoting the use of robotic-assisted surgical technologies among practicing and upcoming surgeons. We are happy to learn that through the adoption of RAS, NIMS hospital is able to make this technology accessible to all strata of the society, and it has led to reduced waiting periods for surgeries in a busy government hospital like NIMS. Alongside, our collaboration with esteemed academic institutions like NIMS provides students and professionals with access to cutting-edge technology, enhancing their education and hands-on training. This access ensures that the next generation of surgeons is well-equipped with the latest technological skills, fostering innovation and excellence in surgical practices.”

Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that helps patients return to their everyday life much faster, in many surgical procedures. Surgeons use the da Vinci Surgical System to operate through a few small incisions. The system includes a magnified 3D high-definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate much more than the human hand. As a result, surgeons have better vision, precision, and control. Other benefits include decreased pain, fewer post-operative wound infections, less post-operative scarring, and faster recovery. Reducing the chance of infection makes it an ideal procedure, especially for people with co-morbidities.

Some of the robotic-assisted procedures performed at NIMS are prostate cancer surgeries, partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, pyeloplasty, ureteral reimplantation, radical cholecystectomy, large defect ventral hernias, Inguinal hernia, fundoplication, pancreatectomy, whipple procedure, gastrectomy, colorectal surgeries, radical hysterectomy, benign hysterectomy, LAR, hemicolectomy, esophagectomy etc.

Cambridge University Press Partners with Get Set Learn for ‘Young Pioneers’ Entrepreneurial Program

13th August, 2024, National: Cambridge University Press & Assessment in collaboration with Get Set Learn, an Arvind Mafatlal group company, is excited to launch Young Pioneers – a three-stage entrepreneurship programme for learners in schools. The programme aims to help develop important 21st-century skills, such as creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Developed for grades 7 to 10, the programme integrates curriculum-based learning with expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, and projects for entrepreneurial skills development.

At a time when the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) and the recent budgetary allocations emphasise skill-based learning, Young Pioneers aims to develop entrepreneurial skills in learners through experiential learning. It also aligns with the Skill India Initiative, which is geared towards offering industry-relevant training and skill enhancement to youth, thereby developing a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Arun Rajamani, Managing Director at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, observed, “The Young Pioneers programme aims to upskill learners through a balanced curriculum, learning resources, teacher training and support along with masterclasses and projects. It will equip young learners with important 21st century skills like creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. This programme aligns with our focus on empowering learners with future skills to help them navigate the challenges of a complex world and find solutions to diverse problems of the future.”

The programme aims to equip learners with practical skills in creating and presenting ideas by incorporating teamwork, communication, and real-world experiences.

“With India’s vision of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2027, it is important to foster an entrepreneurial mindset to nurture future skills among the young generation while they are still in school to enhance innovation and experiential learning. These learners will be the driving force behind sustainable growth, creating solutions that address real-world issues and thereby adding significant value to society,” said Ameet Zaverii, CEO & Co-founder at Get Set Learn.

“We are seeing a wave of change in the type of skills required today. In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, equipping K12 students with essential skills is paramount. Developing a robust skillset that prepares young minds for the challenges of tomorrow but also fosters the ability to create value in an increasingly competitive economy,” he added.

While students prepare for future skills, the programme recognizes the importance of upskilling teachers with the latest industry knowledge and teaching methodologies, ensuring they can effectively guide and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment brings a legacy of academic excellence and a commitment to holistic education. Get Set Learn, on the other hand, offers expertise in building and co-creating innovative skill building programmes. The Young Pioneers programme will make a significant impact on the educational landscape, preparing students to meet future challenges with confidence and competence.