22, Feb 2024
Pfizer and Americares India Foundation’s Project Parivartan shows progress
February 22, 2024, Hyderabad, India: Pfizer and Americares India Foundation (AIF) today proudly announced the remarkable success of Project Parivartan—a collaborative initiative to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India, with its 11 participating hospitals across 7 states scoring an average of 90% across Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), in the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) audit. The project aimed at demonstrating reduction in infections and in prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms in small to mid-sized hospitals through infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship activities.

To provide a blueprint to similar hospitals and institutions across the country, learnings and accomplishments of the project were also unveiled in a report titled Project Parivartan: Insights and learnings from an evidence-based approach to combat AMR. The report, aimed at providing credible information and inspiration to healthcare providers and hospitals, will be published in detail in leading scientific journals and is poised to help caregivers implement best-in-class AMS practices for better patient outcomes.
Among the various outcomes achieved through this program, notable ones include:
Reduction in Infections: An average 30% reduction in hospital-acquired infections across all 11 participating hospitals, showcasing effective strategies that yielded positive results in addressing AMR.
Decrease in Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: Demonstrated a substantial 24.2% reduction in the rate of multidrug-resistant organisms, indicating a rigor on both IPC and AMS practices.
Knowledge Gain among Healthcare Workers: Post-intervention, healthcare workers showed an average knowledge gain of 95% in Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and 88% in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).
Compliance: Achieved an average compliance rate of 85% in critical areas such as hand hygiene, IPC care bundles, and antibiotic policy.
The project outcomes and report were released at an event titled “Uniting Against Antimicrobial Resistance” that saw participation from distinguished speakers and panellists, including Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman IMA AMR Standing Committee, and Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad. Focused on sustainable strategies in the fight against AMR, the event highlighted valuable perspectives and achievements of Project Parivartan including its partner hospitals. Panel discussions, such as “Navigating the AMR Landscape” and “Perspectives on Antimicrobial Stewardship,” encouraged the need for broader awareness and collaboration for a resilient future in combating AMR.
Meenakshi Nevatia, Managing Director of Pfizer India, stated, “Project Parivartan stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to tackling our country’s primary health crises in partnership with our hospitals and our healthcare professionals. Through our years of collaboration with Americares India Foundation, we have driven real change in combating AMR and elevating healthcare standards across our country’s health ecosystem. With the 11 hospitals that have transformed themselves, we have taken the first few steps. We hope this report will inspire hospitals across the country to take the necessary steps to tackle the challenge of AMR.”
Shripad Desai, Deputy Senior Vice President, Country Team Liaison, said, “Project Parivartan’s success marks a significant milestone in our fight against Antimicrobial Resistance. Through collaboration with Pfizer, we’ve achieved tangible results, emphasizing the importance of collective action in healthcare. We extend our gratitude to all contributors and stress the need for ongoing collaboration to address global health challenges effectively.”
At the event, in response to these achievements, Pfizer, and Americares India Foundation called for sustained action, emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and corporate entities to maintain the momentum in the fight against AMR.
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- By Rabindra
22, Feb 2024
Skoodle’s Marvel-Inspired Toy Range: A Journey into the Marvel Multiverse
India, February 22nd, 2024 – Skoodle’s Marvel-Inspired Toy Range: A Journey into the Marvel Multiverse.
Marvel is not just a movie franchise, but a phenomenon that has permeated beyond the silver screen, captivating audiences of all ages and creating a strong fanbase, particularly among kids and young adults. Recognizing the profound impact of Marvel, Skoodle is aiming to bring the magic of Marvel to life.

Skoodle’s Marvel-inspired pull-back vehicles collection mirrors the magic of the Marvel universe itself. In crafting this unique toy range, Skoodle delves into the individuality of each superhero, recognizing iconic characters like Spiderman, Ironman, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Wolverine, Black Widow, and Captain Marvel as standalone powerhouse brands. Equally, the villains, such as Thanos and Venom, are acknowledged for their compelling roles across the Marvel franchise. Skoodle aims to entice fans by offering futuristic designs, a wide array of characters, and a variety of vehicle forms, all packaged to become a globally delightful and high-quality toy range.
The debut release from Skoodle introduces plastic pull-back vehicles is in line with the fascination that kids have for Hyper Cars, Bikes, SUVs, and Trucks. This initial offering will be followed closely by metal diecast and RC vehicles, promising a comprehensive range to cater to the diverse preferences of Marvel enthusiasts.
Skoodle takes pride in being the first to introduce a 100% Made in India Licensed vehicle Toy range, certified by BIS, EN-71, and GCC, ensuring the highest quality standards. The toys feature a unique pull-back action, offering fast and furious movement that can reach up to an impressive 15 feet. With sizes ranging from 4.2 to 5.1 inches, these toys boast a substantial and visually appealing presence. The collection includes 36 SKUs across 12+ beloved characters and is available in Single Blister Packs, as well as sets of 3 and 5, providing flexibility for different preferences and occasions.
We at Skoodle believe that our Marvel-inspired toy range is not just a collection of products; it’s an invitation for fans to embark on a journey into the Marvel universe, bringing these iconic characters and their adventures into their everyday lives. As the first step in this exciting venture, Skoodle invites fans to join them in celebrating the vibrant spirit of Make in India, innovation, and quality through a globally delightful range of Marvel-inspired toys.
22, Feb 2024
GoTo Introduces GoPilot for GoTo Resolve, the First AI Assistant for End-to-End IT Management and Suppor
INDIA, February 22, 2024 – GoTo, the company making IT management, support, and business communications easy, today announced GoPilot, its new AI assistant for GoTo Resolve. GoPilot changes how IT professionals manage and support their fleet of devices, giving them an intelligent, interactive assistant that provides a comprehensive view of their endpoints, automates diagnostics, guides users through resolutions, and learns as it goes to get ahead of potential future disruptions.
GoPilot utilizes OpenAI’s API platform and a GoTo-owned AI stack to provide a first-of-its-kind AI assistant that operates across the end-to-end flow of IT management and support. The assistant revolutionizes how IT conducts daily operations, eliminating time-consuming tasks such as manually scanning system diagnostics screens and patch updates to identify issues, and frees up resources for higher-value projects. GoPilot also leverages simple, conversational language prompts and commands, making interactions easier and allowing agents at all levels to solve complex problems without needing to know a library of commands.
GoPilot will serve as IT professionals’ always-on assistant for detecting, remediating, and preventing endpoint issues. The AI-powered assistant uses a combination of data, text, and visual processing models to transform the traditional IT support and management process, with benefits enabling teams to:
Streamline device diagnostics: Automated collection and analysis of data across all network devices, including resource utilization and update status, provides comprehensive device diagnostics with real-time assessment of inefficiencies or risks.
Remove language barriers to support global teams: Live AI-powered translations of languages displayed on the end user screen allow agents to better communicate and speed up time to resolution.
Eliminate note-taking and session recaps: With automatic screenshot capturing and analysis in the background of support sessions, agents can focus on providing support while GoPilot generates live notes and summarizes actions taken.
Simplify patch management: GoPilot can automatically identify missing updates and link to the appropriate solution page with flagged devices and updates preselected, so agents simply need to click “install” to quickly patch all devices.
Easily create and deploy new policies: Coming soon, agents will have the ability to create additional automation capabilities with GoPilot to automatically scan for, detect, and resolve issues, preventing future risks and freeing up more time for IT teams.
“GoPilot is the latest addition to GoTo Resolve’s AI features that have already enhanced the agent and end-user experience with time-saving tools such as AI script creation and self-service resolution recommendations. With GoPilot, we’re giving IT teams more time and resources to focus on the tasks that truly matter – like scaling and securing their business and supporting their employees,” said Olga Lagunova, Chief Product and Technology Officer at GoTo. “We’re extremely excited to introduce the market’s first end-to-end IT management and support AI assistant to GoTo Resolve customers, and to introduce even more AI innovations across GoTo’s solutions in the coming months.”
22, Feb 2024
Agri-produce startup Indic Wisdom raises INR 4 Crores in Pre-Series
February 22, 2024, Mumbai: Indic Wisdom, an agri-produce startup InR 4 Ceores in a Pre-Series A Round led by Inflection Point Ventures. Mahendra Sankhe, Launch Capital, Bifco Finance, and other HNIs also participated in the round. The funds will be utilized to enhance the brand’s visibility, expand its distribution network, and build production capacity toward increasing market presence and operational efficiency.

Indic Wisdom Pvt. Limited traces its inspiration to India’s egalitarian culinary traditions. Growing up learning that food should always be natural and always shared with everyone, Kaustubh Khare and Prajakta Khare founded the brand to contemporize civilizational wisdom and produce goodness at scale, with a focus on wood-pressed oils.
Kaustubh, with 15 years in SAP ERP specializing in Digital Supply Chain Management, serves as Founder and Director. Prajakta, Co-Founder and Director has 14 years of expertise in SAP ERP, focusing on CRM, Campaign Management, and Digital Distribution Management. Their operational dexterity, corporate experience, and dedication drive Indic Wisdom’s tireless endeavor to deliver nurture’s peerless purity and India’s cultural mores in each drop.
Rahul Wagh, Managing Director, of Inflection Point Ventures, says, “Conventional oils encounter issues concerning their quality, safety, nutrient content, and environmental impact. Choosing wood-pressed oils gives a healthier and more sustainable choice for both manufacturers and consumers. With the global wood-pressed oil market expected to grow from USD 9.63 billion in 2022 to USD 18.61 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.57%, there’s a clear shift towards healthier alternatives. This, with increasing awareness about the health concerns related to conventional oils, brings us here, to the right path that our ancestors paved.”
Indic Wisdom stands out with its strengths and unique selling points (USPs) such as in-house manufacturing and rigorous quality control, to ensure the finest products. Offering price parity in the category, it has remained PAT positive for the past four years, reflecting financial stability. The brand’s extensive range of oils and its presence across multiple channels further contribute to its distinct position in the market.
Currently, they operate at a scale where they extract 70 thousand liters of oil per month, highlighting their significant production capacity.
Prajakta Khare, Founder & Director, of Indic Wisdom, says, “At Indic Wisdom, our goal is to take India’s timeless tradition of prasad – food that is pure, sustainable, and meant for everyone – to every corner of the world. We are doing this by taking our ancient wisdom and food production practices and infusing them with modern production best practices and quality standards. In an era when India is rising in stature in the world and our manufacturing is being looked at with great promise, we believe we can be the embodiment of India’s best traditions, promoting purity and accessibility of food, sustainable growth for ecosystems, and responsible conduct in society.
Proudly bootstrapped, we have made this ethos come to life with our Wood Pressed Oil extraction plant. Not only is it India’s largest, but it is also a ZERO WASTE manufacturing facility that has generated employment in the tribal belt of Palghar.
As per the latest industry data, the Cold Pressed Oil market in India is projected to reach approximately by the year 2030. On a global scale, the category is expected to reach $30 billion by the year 2028. These figures highlight the substantial growth and economic significance of the Cold Pressed Oil market both within India and on the global stage.
Our experience with IPV surpassed expectations. Their rapid engagement and transparent execution challenge the accepted norms of the VC space.
22, Feb 2024
KMF-Kasauli Music Festival 2024 in March, poster unveiled
New Delhi, Feb 22, 2024: A 2-day music festival ‘Kasauli Music Festival 2024’, KMF 24, is all set to enthrall the audience on 29th and 30th March 2024 in Santa Roza – A WelcomHeritage Resort, nestled in the picturesque Pine hills of Kasauli. Organizers have unveiled KMF’s poster.

The event is being organized by the team of Santa Roza-A WelcomHeritage Property in association with Showcase Events, with support partner City Woofer, a leading online ticketing platform from Chandigarh. Details of the upcoming musical extravaganza were shared by Dr Zoya Singh, Director, Santa Roza; Gunjan Pandey-GM Santa Roza and Nanni Singh-Chief Executive Officer of ShowCase Events, which is also KMF’s curator.
Nanni Singh said, “This year we are marking the first edition of KMF 24 whose theme is ‘Folk and Bollywood’ music. What sets the festival apart from others is the motive to showcase live music spread across different genres in a unique setting – the beautiful Kasauli hills.”
According to Dr Zoya Singh, “What will accentuate the experience to music lovers is the venue – Santa Roza – A WelcomHeritage Resort, which located in the heart of a lush green forest, is itself an ode to the great natural beauty of Himachal. The ambiance will be one-of-a-kind with melodious, musical performances reverberating in the middle of the enchanting ‘pines’ and the pristine environs of our resort in Kasauli.”
What also makes the fest different is the organizers’ vision to provide local musicians with an opportunity to present their talent. “The fest aims to give local singers and musicians of Himachal a fillip. HP 14, The Band- A Hindi rock music band with its roots in Solan and Himalayan Roots, a band from Shimla are a part of the lineup. In addition to this the music fest will also promote the rich culture of Himachal’s folk music,” said Gunjan Pandey.
The fest will be headlined by Kavita Seth, a Sufi composer and music director and Singer known for Bollywood hits like ‘Rangi Saari’, ‘Iktara’, ‘Tum Hi Ho Bandhu’, and many more. Music Composer and instrumentalist Abhijit Pohankar will present ‘Bollywood Gharana’, a fusion of Classical, Folk, and Bollywood. There are performances by Akaash Verma, Kutle Khan, and Jasleen Aulakh planned. What’s more, with Fouzia Dastango & renowned vocalist Vidhi Sharma’s Musical Dastangoi on Meena Kumari – ‘Meena Kumari Ki Dastaan’, the festival is slated to be a big draw. Notably, Dastangoi is an ancient way of ‘telling a tale or story.’
“There will be something for every age group. In addition to soulful music there will be a festival bazaar, fun engaging games, a dance workshop, meditation & treks, an open stage for younger artists to come and perform in the day, and more,” added Dr Zoya.
“Surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and fresh mountain air, attendees can escape the chaos of city life and indulge in soul-stirring music and a sense of connection with nature with their family and friends,”
22, Feb 2024
Exploring the Role of Pelvic Wands in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
By Dr. Suriya. N
MPT ( obg), Tutor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy,
saveetha institute of medical and technical sciences, Tamil Nadu, India.
Introduction:
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a prevalent condition affecting individuals of all ages and genders worldwide. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, maintaining continence, and facilitating sexual function. Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to various issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor rehabilitation aims to restore strength, flexibility, and coordination to these muscles. One tool that has gained recognition in this field is the pelvic wand. In this article, we delve into the significance of pelvic wands in pelvic floor rehabilitation and how they are used in therapy.
Understanding Pelvic Wands:
A pelvic wand, also known as a pelvic floor wand or trigger point wand, is a specialized tool designed to assist in pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation. It typically consists of a slender, wand-like device made from medical-grade materials such as silicone or plastic. At each end of the wand, there may be various features such as rounded knobs, ridges, or curves, which serve different purposes during therapy.
Role of Pelvic Wands in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation:
Trigger Point Release:
Pelvic wands are often used to perform trigger point release therapy. Trigger points are hypersensitive areas within the muscles that can cause pain and dysfunction. By applying gentle pressure to these trigger points using the wand, therapists can help alleviate muscle tension and discomfort, promoting relaxation and improved function of the pelvic floor muscles.
Myofascial Release:
Myofascial release is a technique used to release tension and tightness in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. Pelvic wands can be effective tools for performing myofascial release in the pelvic region. Therapists use the wand to apply controlled pressure to specific areas of the pelvic floor, helping to stretch and release tight fascia, thereby improving mobility and reducing pain.
Pelvic Floor Muscle Strengthening:
In addition to releasing tension, pelvic wands can also be utilized to facilitate pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises. By incorporating the wand into exercises such as pelvic floor contractions (Kegels), therapists can provide tactile feedback and enhance muscle awareness, helping individuals better engage and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles.
Biofeedback:
Some pelvic wands are equipped with sensors or markings that provide biofeedback to the user. This real-time feedback allows individuals to monitor their pelvic floor muscle activity and ensure they are performing exercises correctly. By using a biofeedback enabled pelvic wand, individuals can optimize their pelvic floor rehabilitation efforts and track their progress over time.
Self-Treatment:
One of the key advantages of pelvic wands is that they enable individuals to perform self-treatment in the comfort of their own homes. With proper instruction from a pelvic floor therapist, individuals can learn how to use the wand safely and effectively to manage their symptoms and improve pelvic floor function between therapy sessions.
Conclusion:
Pelvic wands are valuable tools in pelvic floor rehabilitation, offering a range of benefits including trigger point release, myofascial release, muscle strengthening, biofeedback, and self-treatment. When used under the guidance of a qualified pelvic floor therapist, pelvic wands can help individuals alleviate symptoms, improve pelvic floor function, and enhance overall quality of life. As awareness of pelvic floor dysfunction continues to grow, pelvic wands are likely to remain an essential component of comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation programs.
22, Feb 2024
NTPC Soars in ESG Score, Climbs by two levels in CDP Water Security Rating
Mumbai, 22 February 2024: NTPC’s ESG Score has ascended by two levels, transitioning from a ‘D’ rating in 2022 to a commendable ‘C’ rating in 2023, in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Water Security Rating.

This achievement serves as a testament to NTPC’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, with a specific emphasis on water management.
Efforts to enhance water reuse and recycling have yielded positive outcomes, reflected in a significant decrease in specific water consumption in recent years. Despite the challenges posed by renewable energy integration and the implementation of wet flue gas desulfurization systems, NTPC is actively reducing water consumption through innovative measures and efficient practices.
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is one of the prominent ESG rating agencies across the globe assessing companies on their environmental performance particularly related to areas of climate change, water security, and deforestation.
To bolster its commitment, NTPC also became a signatory of the CEO Water Mandate in the year 2021, underscoring its dedication to responsible water management and participation in a global initiative aimed at addressing water sustainability challenges.
NTPC’s key initiatives towards water conservation include the Optimization of water consumption through advanced technologies and process reengineering, the Implementation of a robust “Water Policy” and “Rainwater Harvesting Policy”, and Maintaining “Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)” status across all the stations.
Further, the company has deployed Air-Cooled Condensers, potentially saving 75% of water besides having Community investments in freshwater availability and capacity building and Increasing Cycles of Concentration (CoC) at all stations to reduce freshwater intake.
NTPC Limited is India’s largest integrated power utility having 74 GW installed capacity that contributes 25% of total electricity produced in India. By 2032, NTPC is looking to expand its non-fossil-based capacity to 45-50% of the company’s portfolio which will include 60 GW RE capacity with a total portfolio of 130 GW. NTPC has partnered with Niti Aayog to strengthen India’s Net Zero efforts.
22, Feb 2024
Malaka Spice Partners with Countertop and Diageo for Charity Fundraiser
In a philanthropic collaboration, Malaka Spice and Countertop, in partnership with Diageo, is set to host a fundraising event for the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation on Sunday, 25th February. The initiative aims to raise funds for cancer treatment, particularly for financially disadvantaged individuals, with a special focus on women.

Guests are encouraged to contribute by indulging in specially crafted cocktails by the skilled mixologists Mac and Akshit of Countertop. All proceeds from the sale of these beverages will be directly channeled towards the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
Founded in 2013 by Praful Chandawarkar and Suraj Repe, the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation not only provides financial aid but also conducts cancer screening camps in rural India for early detection. The foundation is dedicated to offering palliative treatment and support to those affected by cancer.
Not just this, one rupee for every recipe that is ordered from the menu will be donated to the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
22, Feb 2024
Malaka Spice Partners with Countertop and Diageo for Charity Fundraiser
In a philanthropic collaboration, Malaka Spice and Countertop, in partnership with Diageo, is set to host a fundraising event for the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation on Sunday, 25th February. The initiative aims to raise funds for cancer treatment, particularly for financially disadvantaged individuals, with a special focus on women.

Guests are encouraged to contribute by indulging in specially crafted cocktails by the skilled mixologists Mac and Akshit of Countertop. All proceeds from the sale of these beverages will be directly channeled towards the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
Founded in 2013 by Praful Chandawarkar and Suraj Repe, the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation not only provides financial aid but also conducts cancer screening camps in rural India for early detection. The foundation is dedicated to offering palliative treatment and support to those affected by cancer.
Not just this, one rupee for every recipe that is ordered from the menu will be donated to the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
