6, Sep 2024
Quote || World EV Day 2024
-Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro
“As World EV Day approaches, it’s a call for us to rethink how we travel and how we can do our bit for the planet. In India, where our transportation sector plays a major role in carbon emissions, the shift to electric vehicles isn’t just about embracing new technology—it’s about making a conscious choice for a sustainable future. I am happy to see Government initiatives like public transport like buses moving towards EVs as well as incentives to boost the adoption of private EVs.
Electric Vehicles represent an opportunity for us to reduce our carbon footprint, but they also bring with them the chance to create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our economy. This transformation is essential if we want to leave behind a healthier planet for our future generations. At Recyclekaro, we understand that moving to electric mobility comes with its own set of responsibilities. It’s not just about driving cleaner vehicles, but also ensuring that the batteries and electronic components are recycled in a way that truly supports a greener future”.
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- By Rabindra
6, Sep 2024
NephroPlus Launches Strategy to Combat Hepatitis C in Haemodialysis Patients
Hyderabad, 6th September 2024: NephroPlus, Asia’s leading dialysis centre network, has launched an innovative and impactful program to address the challenges of Hepatitis C infection in haemodialysis patients, particularly in low-resource settings. This initiative underscores NephroPlus’ commitment to improving patient outcomes and strengthening the health system. Hepatitis C is a persistent and often silent infection that frequently affects patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. The clustering of risk factors within dialysis units necessitates robust prevention, screening, and treatment strategies. NephroPlus has implemented a provider-driven approach to effectively address this health system gap, focusing on both patient and systemic benefits.
In a landmark pilot study conducted from 2022 to 2024, NephroPlus screened maintenance haemodialysis patients for Hepatitis C across 11 dialysis clinics in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, under a public-private partnership program. The screening employed the HCV RNA PCR method, targeting compliant patients below 60 years of age, without comorbidities, and adhering to at least two dialysis sessions per week for three months. Patients found to be carriers of the virus were treated with a combination of Sofosbuvir and Velpatisivir for 12 weeks, with HCV RNA levels assessed post-treatment to determine viral remission.
The study revealed a Hepatitis C prevalence ranging from 2% to 21% across the 11 centers, 114 patients tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus using the HCV Ig M ELISA method. Of these, 94 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 85 consented to participate. Patients had an average age of 45 years, with 80% males and 20% females. All patients were using an arteriovenous fistula access, with an average haemodialysis frequency of 2.5 sessions per week.
Out of the 85 participants, 37 patients turned out to be HCV RNA PCR negative. This shows that HCV RNA should always be preferred while testing for Hepatitis C. Among the 48 HCV RNA positive patients, 38 completed the treatment regimen, with 33 achieving viral remission.
This was truly a win-win for all stakeholders. The patients benefitted the most as they were successfully treated without any out-of-pocket expense and can now hope to have better outcomes as Hepatitis C infection is known to adversely impact survival and other outcomes. The Government benefitted as successful treatment would lead to lower healthcare costs for these patients. The company also benefitted as the cost of treating Hepatitis C positive patients is higher than that to treat those not infected with this virus.
Dr. Suresh Sankar, Senior Vice President, Clinical Affairs at NephroPlus, commented, “This ground breaking program by NephroPlus demonstrates that proactive HCV RNA testing and treatment not only addresses false positivity but also reduces the disease burden and infection risk within dialysis units. The initiative has proven to improve individual patient prognosis and offer cost-effective solutions for the health system. NephroPlus’s commitment to quality care and innovative health solutions continues to set benchmarks in the dialysis industry, paving the way for better health outcomes in low-resource settings.”
6, Sep 2024
Prime Video to Premiere Tamil Comedy Drama ‘Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam’ on September 20
MUMBAI—September 06, 2024— Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global premiere date for its upcoming Tamil Original comedy-drama series Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. Directed by Naga, written by Balakumaran Murugesan, the eight-episode series is and produced by The Viral Fever (TVF). It offers a heartwarming glimpse into rural Tamil Nadu brought to life by a superbly talented cast, including Abishek Kumar, Chetan Kadambi , Devadarshini, Niyathi, Anand Sami, and Paul Raj in pivotal roles. Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on September 20 in Tamil, with subtitles in English. Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam is the latest addition to the Prime membership.
The comedy drama series follows Sidharth (Abishek Kumar), an engineering graduate from Chennai, who reluctantly takes on a job far outside his comfort zone as a secretary in the remote village of Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. As he navigates the quirks of rural life and its eccentric villagers, he finds himself caught up in a comedy of errors full of twists and turns.
“The ever-evolving tastes and preferences of our diverse audience drive us to expand our local language content with authentic, relatable, and engaging stories. Collaborating with longstanding partners like TVF, who share our vision of delivering fresh, innovative, and rooted narratives, we are excited to present the Tamil Original comedy-drama Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. Written by Balakumaran Murugesan, this series brings a delightful blend of humour with heartwarming moments through a simple yet gripping narrative, making it an irresistibly binge-worthy entertainer. With its authentic rural charm and universal themes of community dynamics, brought to life by an exceptionally versatile ensemble cast, it is sure to captivate audiences,” said Manish Menghani, Director of Content Licensing at Prime Video India. “We are confident that Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam will engage viewers not just in Tamil Nadu, but across India and worldwide.”
Vijay Koshy, President, The Viral Fever (TVF), shared, “It has been wonderful to partner with Prime Video to present the Tamil Original series Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam. The entire team has done a fantastic job of authentically capturing the simplicity and sometimes challenging aspects of everyday life in a small rural village, with humour and authenticity. I’m deeply grateful to our phenomenal cast and every crew member whose passion and hard work have brought this show to life. We couldn’t have done this without TVF’s in-house stalwarts Deepak Mishra who is the director of Panchayat (S1-S3) and Shreyansh Pandey who is the head of TVF Originals. We are confident that Thalaivettiyaan Paalayam will strike a chord with viewers both in India and around the world when it premieres globally on Prime Video on September 20.”
6, Sep 2024
SIGMA Introduces the all-new 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art Lens
India, 06 September 2024 – SIGMA is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art lens. With its extraordinary versatility, remarkable optical performance, and great build quality, this lens is especially designed for full-frame mirrorless systems and is poised to completely transform the fields of photography and videography.
The all-new SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art is not just a standard zoom lens, it’s a versatile powerhouse lens for full-frame mirrorless systems. It is perfect for a wide range of photography situations, from low-light landscapes to portraits with amazing bokeh, thanks to its constant F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. It’s advanced optical technology, including large-diameter elements such as FLD, SLD, and five aspherical elements, the lens ensures exceptional clarity and sharpness, providing unparalleled versatility without sacrificing image quality.
Key Features:
Constant F2.8 Aperture: Throughout its 28-105mm zoom range, the lens maintains a constant light and depth-of-field, providing good optical performance and the capacity to take close-ups akin to macro photography.
Superb Portability: Weighing less than 1kg, the lens offers excellent portability and a streamlined design without compromising on sharpness or image quality.
Professional Features:
- A High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) powers high-speed autofocus, enabling quick and accurate focusing.
- Built to handle demanding shooting circumstances, featuring a dust and splash-resistant exterior.
- A detachable aperture ring for better ergonomics and tactile control.
- For increased convenience, there are two movable AFL buttons and a zoom lock switch.
- lens hood in the shape of petals with a safe locking system.
In addition, the lens has coatings that are water and oil-resistant, nanoporous, and capable of correcting lens aberration. It also has an inner focus mechanism. Photographers will value its compatibility with the L-Mount-compatible SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11.
6, Sep 2024
IIM Kashipur’s Parivartan Hosts Successful Blood Donation Drive
Kashipur, 06th September 2024: On Saturday, August 31, IIM Kashipur’s social responsibility cell, Parivartan, in collaboration with Parivartan “The Change” NGO, successfully organized a blood donation drive on campus. The event exemplified the cell’s ongoing commitment to fostering societal well-being through health, environmental, and educational initiatives. With a strong turnout of over 80 participants, including students, teaching staff, and non-teaching staff, the event underscored the importance of social responsibility within the IIM Kashipur community.
Parivartan,the social responsibility cell, known for its relentless efforts to improve societal conditions, once again highlighted the power of collaboration by partnering with Parivartan “The Change” NGO for this significant event. The drive was graced by the presence of Dr. Vivek Roy, Chairperson of Student Affairs, and Mr. Nitish Pant from the Student Affairs office, further emphasizing the institution’s dedication to social causes.
The participants, driven by a collective sense of purpose, contributed to the success of the drive, which aimed to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations and the impact such initiatives can have on society.
The social responsibility cell has always believed in the concept of ‘sharing as giving’ and strives to instill this value within the campus community. Through this blood donation drive, they not only provided a platform for students and staff to contribute but also educated them on the importance of giving back to the community.
The success of the blood donation drive at IIM Kashipur reflects the strength of community spirit and the deep-rooted sense of social responsibility among its members. Parivartan’s ongoing initiatives continue to inspire and mobilize individuals towards meaningful action, demonstrating that through collaboration and shared effort, significant societal impact can be achieved. The drive serves as a reminder of the power of giving and the importance of contributing to the well-being of others.
6, Sep 2024
CUT&STYLE Expands with Gurgaon Academy: Training Tomorrow’s Beauty Industry Leaders
Gurgaon, 6th September 2024: CUT&STYLE is excited to announce the grand opening of its first academy in Gurgaon, dedicated to training the next generation of hairstylists and makeup artists in the rapidly growing beauty and wellness industry. Directors Mr. Dinesh Sharma and Mr. Rajesh Yadav expressed their enthusiasm, highlighting that with over 125 salons nationwide, the time was right to share their expertise with those pursuing careers in the field. CEO Aditya Sharma celebrated this milestone with a soirée attended by Mr. Gaurav Varma, Mr. Shamit Garg, and other prominent figures in the beauty and wellness sector. The event featured live music, gourmet food, and an exclusive preview of the brand-new CUT&STYLE Academy.
Now open for enrollment, the academy offers courses in Hairdressing (L’Oréal Arth Beginner’s Diploma, Salon Essential, Long Hairdressing, Classic Cut, Men’s Hairdressing), Makeup (Basic to Advanced Make-up, Airbrush Make-up, Basic Make-up), and Beauty & Skin Aesthetics (Advanced Skincare, Basic Skincare).
6, Sep 2024
Simply Fresh Celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with Heartfelt BappaHiBatayenge Campaign
06.09.24: Simply Fresh, the flagship brand of BN Group, one of India’s leading edible oil manufacturers, has unveiled a heartwarming brand film that perfectly captures the festive spirit. Titled “Bappa Hi Batayenge”, the ad campaign beautifully captures the true essence of Ganesh Chaturthi, delivering the message that only Lord Ganesha knows how long he will stay with us. This touching film highlights the faith, devotion, and excitement that make this festival so special for millions of Indians.
Kiran Giradkar, Group Chief Marketing Officer, stated, “It’s a stark reminder that although we think we decide the duration of the guest’s stay, it’s the guest who graciously decides when to depart, after sumptuous hospitality. The Campaign has a unique spin to the Sanskrit word “Atithi” that delves into a deep insight on why we celebrate this festival for various durations ranging from 1 1⁄2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 days unlike other festivals? It’s a persistent attempt by the brand Simply Fresh that is constantly supporting fresh ideas.”
The campaign has been rolled out across multiple platforms such as Instagram ,Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and X. It beautifully captures the connection people share with their beloved “bappa” and highlights the mix of emotions this festival carries. The campaign effectively showcases the Indian “Sanskriti” and the essence of the family values system.
Through their social media posts, Simply Fresh invites everyone to use #BappaHiBatayenge with a kind message they would want to share with the world and shower everyone with Bappa’s blessings.
6, Sep 2024
IIM Mumbai Unveils Plans for INR800 Crore State-of-the-Art Facilities for Students and Innovation
Mumbai, September 6, 2024: On its Foundation Day, IIM Mumbai has announced an investment of INR 800 crores for its campus enhancement project. This significant investment will help towards modernizing and developing state-of-the-art facilities on the campus. The initiative comes on the heels of the institute’s rapid ascent to the 6th position in national rankings within a year of its establishment.
To mark Teachers’ Day, Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman, Board of Governance, IIM Mumbai and Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group, inaugurated the commencement of the new facilities, underscoring the institute’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. Mr. Shetty emphasized the institute’s dedication to providing students with an optimal environment for exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman, Board of Governance, IIM Mumbai and Founder and Chairman, Allcargo Group said, “This occasion will go down in the history of IIM Mumbai as a key milestone which marks the journey of this premier institute towards becoming one of the best B-schools in the world. The initiative to upgrade the campus is a part of our goal to develop a 21st century infrastructure capable of exceeding the global standards. Thanks to the prestigious IIM tag and the strategic location of the campus in Mumbai, the institute has started attracting faculty and students across the world. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, excellent faculty and best-in-class pedagogy, IIM Mumbai will emerge as the best management institute in the world, producing best in quality leadership and entrepreneurship.”
The forthcoming facilities will include sprawling net zero campus of the future with world class residential accommodation for faculty & students, startup eco system development, Management Development Programs and large auditorium. Additionally, the facility will include an Innovation Center focused on banking, finance, and fintech, an AI-based research hub, and a state-of-the-art library connecting students with global resources. The campus will host a prominent Management Training Center, offering certification courses and serving as a focal point for industry leaders.
Formerly known as NITIE, IIM Mumbai has a strong legacy in industrial and engineering education. Since its transition to an IIM, the institute’s climb to 6th position this year in national rankings underscores the benefits of this change. Situated in India’s financial hub, IIM Mumbai is a significant development for the mega city.
Prof. Manoj K Tiwari, Director, IIM Mumbai, shared insights into the institute’s future direction, highlighting the introduction of new courses benefitting students and professionals. He also mentioned multiple partnerships with Indian and international communities, aimed at enriching the mission of knowledge sharing and global engagement.
Established in 1963 as NITIE, this institution has become a cornerstone of management education in India. A 65-acre campus surrounded by scenic landscapes with lakes on three sides, the institute hosts more than 1,200 students and is ranked among India’s top B-schools. The leadership of Mr. Shashi Kiran Shetty, Chairman of IIM Mumbai’s Board of Governors, and Prof. Manoj K Tiwari, Director, has been instrumental in advancing Logistics and Supply Chain Management and supporting the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Known for its industry-aligned educational programs, IIM Mumbai contributes to national policies, reflecting the vision of Naya Bharat.
“We are confident that this project will continue to receive strong support from leading companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. It is poised to set new benchmarks in educational infrastructure, fully aligning with IIM Mumbai’s vision of becoming a global leader in innovation and sustainable development. This effort underscores the respected role of Indian leadership in driving progress not only within the country but also on the world stage.” Added Mr Shetty.
6, Sep 2024
TiE Global Summit 2024: TGS100 Showcases Top 100 Promising Start-Ups
Hyderabad/Bangalore, September 6, 2024 – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) in India today announces the launch of the TGS100 Showcase, a prestigious annual competition recognizing exceptional early-stage startups globally. This initiative offers startups across various sectors unmatched exposure and growth opportunities, with the final event to be held at the TiE Global Summit 2024 (TGS ’24) in Bangalore. This 9th Edition of TiE Global Summit, scheduled from 9th December to 11th at BIEC and 12th December in Mysore, is anticipated to host over 20,000 delegates, including 5000+ startups, 750+ investors, 300+ corporates, 150+ speakers, and 10,000+ Futurepreneurs from India and beyond. Registration for the TGS100 Showcase opens on September 5, 2024, and closes on October 15, 2024. To be eligible, startups must be privately held, aged between 2 months and 5 years, and aiming to raise funds between INR 1-10 crore.
The TGS100 Showcase will spotlight startups from across sectors. This showcase offers immense visibility to a community of global venture capitalists, angel investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs, presenting a unique opportunity to elevate their businesses.
Ravi Narayan, Chair of TGS100 and Board Member, TiE Bangalore highlighted the significance of the initiative said, “The TGS100 Showcase are more than just a celebration of exceptional startups; they represent a strategic effort to forge a global community of visionary innovators and support them as they scale their impact. At TiE, our commitment extends beyond mere recognition; we aim to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. This year’s theme, ‘Putting Entrepreneurship First,’ underscores our dedication to advancing a dynamic global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The TGS100 Showcase is a crucial step in this journey, offering startups not only visibility but also the opportunity to engage with a network of over 750 investors, collectively managing over USD 3 billion. This exposure is vital for securing the funding and mentorship necessary to scale groundbreaking ideas and drive meaningful change in the marketplace.”
Venk Krishnan, Founder, and CEO of Nuventures, an early supporter of TGS100 Initiative emphasized the TGS100 Showcase as a catalyst for startups, saying, “The TGS100 Showcase offer a unique and impactful platform for startups aiming to establish themselves globally. The rigorous selection process and the chance to pitch before a distinguished audience of investors, industry leaders, and experienced entrepreneurs provide invaluable feedback, visibility, and potential equity-free funding. This competition is designed not only to recognize startups but also to furnish them with the essential tools, mentorship, and connections needed to scale and excel in a competitive market. For early-stage ventures, the TGS100 Showcase present a rare opportunity to accelerate growth and secure crucial resources for success.”
The competition is structured to thoroughly evaluate startups with the highest potential. A global jury of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors will select the top 100 startups through a rigorous three-step process, allowing them to present at the semi-final round on December 9, 2024. The Top 10 finalists will then pitch on the main stage at TGS ’24 to a Super Jury which includes Vani Kola (Kalaari Ventures), Prashanth Prakash (Accel Partners), Sudhir Sethi (Chiratae Ventures), Venk Krishnan (Nuventures) among other stalwarts.
Winners will be chosen based on criteria such as their ability to scale, the strength of their team, product differentiation, external validation, and market potential. The top three startups will share a prize pool of INR 50 lakhs in equity-free funding, with INR 25 lakhs for the winner, INR 15 lakhs for the runner-up, and INR 10 lakhs for third place. Additionally, the top 10 startups will gain extensive visibility, including the opportunity to present their products to over 750 investors and mentors, and an audience of more than 3,000 attendees, along with significant exposure through print and digital media.
TGS100 Start-ups will also gain access to specialized programming at TGS2024 including impactful masterclasses by experts and an opportunity to participate in the TiE Nurture program, which provides 6-9 months of mentoring by TiE’s network of Charter Members.
6, Sep 2024
SBI General Insurance Donates INR10 Lakhs for Wayanad Relief through Akshaya Patra
Bengaluru – September 06, 2024 – In response to the recent natural disaster that has severely affected Wayanad, SBI General Insurance has announced a donation of ₹10 lakhs to The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This contribution aims to support the Foundation’s crucial relief operations in the disaster-stricken region.
This significant contribution will aid The Akshaya Patra Foundation in their ongoing efforts to provide critical relief services, including emergency food supplies, medical aid, and essential resources to the affected communities in Wayanad. The donation underscores SBI General Insurance’s commitment to supporting communities in times of crisis and contributing to their swift recovery.
The recent disaster has left many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance. The Akshaya Patra Foundation, renowned for its efficient and effective relief operations, is on the ground providing essential support to those in need. SBI General’s contribution will bolster these efforts, ensuring that affected families receive timely aid and support as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
