12, Feb 2024
Unlock Your Potential: The Power of Posture in a Digital World
By
Dr. M. Kamalakannan., PhD., MPT(Ortho)., COMT., PgDip (Bioethics & Human rights)., MIAP.
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, we’re constantly bombarded with screens – from smartphones and tablets to laptops and desktop computers. As we immerse ourselves in this digital landscape, we often neglect one crucial aspect of our health and well-being: our posture. But what if I told you that proper posture is not just about sitting up straight? It’s about unlocking your full potential – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let’s delve into the transformative power of posture in our modern, digital age.
The Impact of Digital Devices: Picture this: you’re scrolling through your smartphone, engrossed in social media updates or replying to emails. Hours pass by, and before you know it, your neck is stiff, your shoulders are tense, and your lower back aches. Sound familiar? This phenomenon, known as “tech neck,” is just one of the many consequences of poor posture in the digital era.
Research shows that the average person spends hours each day hunched over digital devices, leading to a host of musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain, back pain, and headaches. The constant strain on our bodies not only affects our physical health but also takes a toll on our mental well-being, contributing to stress, fatigue, and even mood disorders.
Understanding Good Posture: So, what exactly is good posture, and why does it matter? At its core, good posture involves aligning your spine, shoulders, and hips in a neutral position, maintaining a natural curve in your spine, and keeping your head balanced atop your shoulders. This alignment allows your muscles and joints to work efficiently, reducing the risk of strain and injury. But good posture is not just about standing or sitting up straight; it’s a dynamic balance that adapts to different activities and movements. Whether you’re sitting at your desk, walking down the street, or exercising at the gym, practicing good posture is essential for optimal health and performance.
The Benefits of Good Posture: The benefits of maintaining good posture extend far beyond physical health. When you stand tall with confidence, you exude an air of self-assurance andpoise that commands attention. Good posture can boost your self-esteem, improve your body language, and enhance your professional presence in social and professional settings.
From a physical standpoint, good posture helps prevent musculoskeletal pain and discomfort by reducing the strain on your muscles and joints. It improves your breathing and circulation, ensuring that your body receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. And let’s not forget the mental benefits – good posture can boost your mood, increase your energy levels, and sharpen your focus and concentration.
Practical Tips for Better Posture: Now that we understand the importance of good posture, how can we incorporate it into our daily lives? Here are some practical tips to help you maintain better posture in a digital world:
- Take regular breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to take breaks from digital devices every hour. Use this time to stretch, move around, and reposition your body.
- Practice mindfulness: Be mindful of your posture throughout the day. Notice how you’re sitting, standing, and moving, and make adjustments as needed to align your body properly.
- Invest in ergonomic solutions: Use ergonomic furniture and accessories, such as ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and laptop stands, to support good posture while working or studying.
- Flex and Fortify: Enhance Your Posture with Customized Exercises! Incorporate stretching and strengthening routines into your daily regimen to boost flexibility and muscle balance. Concentrate on exercises that target problem areas like the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Consult a physiotherapist for personalized workout plans tailored to your needs.
- Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to keep your muscles strong and flexible. Physical activity not only supports good posture but also enhances overall health and well-being.
Cultivating a Posture-Positive Lifestyle: Finally, let’s talk about cultivating a posture-positive lifestyle that extends beyond the physical realm. Embrace mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, to cultivate body awareness and relaxation. And most importantly, be patient and consistent in your posture journey – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is perfect posture.
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- By Rabindra
10, Feb 2024
Yudiz Solutions signs MoU with LJ Institute of Engineering & Technology, LJ University
Ahmedabad: Yudiz Solutions, a leading digital transformation and technology services provider, has signed an MoU with LJ Institute of Engineering and Technology, a recognized and renowned institute of technical education, to align its expertise with rapid advancements in academia. Both organizations aspire to leverage their combined knowledge and practical applications of emerging technologies through intern projects, consultancy services, training programs, and various other projects.
The MoU was signed by Mr. Pratik Patel, Managing Director, Yudiz Solutions Limited, and Mr. Rohit Patel, Advisor (1), Mosam Pandya, Internship Coordinator LJ Institute of Engineering & Technology, LJ University, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
This collaboration aims to synergize the expertise of various departments with the software domain to keep Yudiz Solutions in step with the developments in academia and research. The former aims to bring theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios and bridge the gap between industry practices and academic research by opening doors for internships for both graduates and postgraduate students and providing them with a unique opportunity to thrive in the Industrial practical space.
Commenting on the MoU, Mr. Pratik Patel, Managing Director, of Yudiz Solutions Limited, said, “We recognize the significance of staying abreast of the latest developments in Information Technology. L.J Institute of Engineering & Technology, LJ University has a state-of-the-art training infrastructure and a highly accomplished and reputed faculty. This MoU with expert faculty signifies our commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of technological innovation. Further, we believe the synergy between industry and academia is crucial for a dynamic and knowledgeable workforce. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute significantly to the professional development of students and strengthen the ties between industry and academia.”
Mr. Rohit Patel, Advisor at LJ Institute of Engineering & Technology, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership signifies LJ University’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among our students. We look forward to working closely with Yudiz Solutions to provide our students with invaluable industry exposure and hands-on learning opportunities.
Furthermore, the subjects of research and projects span a wide range of technologies including Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Cryptography, Gaming Applications, and Blockchain-based solutions. In light of this MoU, Yudiz Solutions seeks to align its expertise with rapid advancements in academia on key areas that will be further inclusive of the above-mentioned subjects like Embedded System Security, Sensor Networks, Cyber Security, and AR/VR. Yudiz Solutions Limited aims to fill in the shortfall of practical knowledge application and accelerate the symphony of synergizing theoretical expertise with practical proficiency of emerging technologies by equipping the students with exceptionally innovative opportunities for real-world application.
Such collaborative efforts made by both industry giants will help young tech gain real Industry-level experiences. It will help them become confident professionals who are ready to put their knowledge, contributing to the progress of the modern technology landscape.
10, Feb 2024
Rainmaker Hosts Webinar on the Inclusion of Menstrual Leave at the Workplace
Mumbai, February 10, 2024 – Rainmaker, India’s leading culture and compliance learning solutions company, recently hosted an insightful Rainmaker All-Inclusive webinar on whether menstrual leave should be included in an organization’s leave policies. Titled “The New Era of Leave Policies: Do We Need the Period Leave?”, the webinar provided a platform for a spirited discussion aimed to dissect the discourse around menstrual leave and its relevance within organizational leave policies. The webinar recognized menstruation as a natural biological process impacting various aspects of life, including at the workplace.
Joining Rainmaker CEO, Antony J Alex, for the discussion were leading HR executive Kapil Vardhan, Head of People at Mensa Brands, legal expert Mirul Bhavsar, Head of Legal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and DEI specialist, Supriya Rehill, Head of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility, Mahindra Logistics. Together, the panelists addressed the necessity of identifying and accommodating menstruating employees’ specific requirements.
Expressing his perspective on the matter, Antony J. Alex, Founder & CEO of Rainmaker, said, “The aim of this webinar was to draw attention to the difficulties that menstruating women endure, as well as the influence menstruation has on their emotional well-being and professional lives. It is important to create an environment that encourages open dialogue concerning menstruation, standardizing discussions about menstrual health, and enacting inclusive policies that assist employees amid the challenging menstrual cycle. It is also imperative to recognize and address these requirements within organizational frameworks to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. Kapil, Mirul and Supriya offered insightful perspectives that ignited discussions on this relevant topic and I’m grateful for their time and expertise.”
The event also addressed concerns raised about potential implications for gender equality and workplace dynamics, with some suggesting that it may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes or create divisions.
Kapil Vardhan, Head of People at Mensa Brands, said, “Empowering organizations to embrace progressive leave policies is not just about fostering inclusivity; it’s about recognizing the diverse needs of employees and championing their well-being. The dialogue sparked during the Rainmaker All-Inclusive Webinar exemplifies our collective commitment to shaping a workplace culture that prioritizes empathy and understanding. I’m honored to have been a part of this conversation.”
Advocates further underscored the importance of acknowledging and accommodating these needs within organizational frameworks to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Mirul Bhavsar, Head of Legal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, shared her thoughts, saying, “In today’s rapidly evolving workplace landscape, redefining leave policies isn’t merely about implementing another good-to-have policy; it’s about adapting to change, and fostering a culture of support and understanding, while offering an all-inclusive and conducive work environment. The Rainmaker All-Inclusive Webinar served as a testament to our shared dedication to crafting environments where every individual’s needs are identified, valued and respected. I’m grateful that Team Rainmaker invited me to be a part of this exceptionally important discussion. Conversations like these provide a platform and encourage open dialogue on this crucial topic, prioritizing empathy and the normalization of challenges associated with menstruation, before we go for any formal policy or law on this.”
Rainmaker is a pioneering force in culture and compliance learning solutions, and is passionately committed to training individuals and organizations in ethical conduct. The company has a wide variety of offerings, such as workshops, e-modules and policy development, in the space of Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Anti-Bribery & Anti-Corruption, Data Protection & Privacy, Code of Conduct, Leadership Development, among others.
10, Feb 2024
Manipal Academy of Higher Education and Basketball Federation of India Forge Alliance to Propel Athletic Excellence
Manipal, Karnataka, 10th February 2024: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) have joined forces in a ground-breaking partnership aimed at nurturing athletic talent and fostering a culture of excellence within Indian basketball.
This historic collaboration between MAHE and BFI signifies a profound convergence of vision, where both entities share an unwavering dedication to not just achieving greatness but also fostering athleticism and building more resilient, empowered communities through the power of sports. It marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of Indian basketball, where the combined expertise and resources of MAHE and BFI are poised to drive significant advancements in the sport.
In steadfast alignment with their commitment to holistic education, MAHE and BFI acknowledge the transformative role that athletics play in shaping well-rounded individuals. This partnership goes beyond merely honing basketball skills; it underscores the fundamental importance of sports in instilling resilience, discipline, and unwavering character in students. By integrating sports into the educational fabric, MAHE and BFI aim to equip students with the necessary tools not only to excel on the court but also to thrive in all aspects of life.
Dr H S Ballal – Pro Chancellor & President, Academy of General Education, MAHE emphasizes, “With the Basketball Federation of India, we are not only forming a partnership, but also fostering a common vision of greatness, athleticism, and community as we set out on this revolutionary journey. Our shared goals are to develop athletic talent, provide confidence to aspiring athletes, and motivate the next wave of champions. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to holistic education, which views athletics as a vital component in developing resilient, disciplined, and well-rounded students.
Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) said that MAHE Manipal gives a lot of importance to extra-curricular activities along with curricula. With this partnership, we can achieve a significant milestone in the advancement of basketball development in India. MAHE is always ready to encourage sports and with the help of the Basketball Federation of India, we will allow our students to become successful athletes on and off the court,”
, Registrar of MAHE Manipal was present on this occasion.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Aadhav Arjuna, President – of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), and Shyam Adithya, Chief Financial Officer of BFI. Aadhav Arjuna, a former professional player, leads BFI with a vision for holistic athlete development and infrastructure enhancement. Shyam Adithya, a seasoned Chartered Accountant, brings over 15 years of global experience in driving digital transformation Together, they aim to propel Indian basketball to international prominence.
Excited about the partnership, Aadhav Arjuna, President – of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), commented, “Our objective is to promote basketball as more than just a sport, but as a means of personal development, community involvement, and national pride, our cooperation with MAHE represents a critical turning point. With this partnership, we hope to foster an environment of greatness by offering ambitious athletes access to top-notch facilities, knowledgeable coaching, and academic support to help them succeed on and off the court. Together, we’re dedicated to developing the next wave of basketball talent and giving them the tools, they need to skilfully, passionately, and honorably represent India on the world stage”.
The alliance between Manipal Academy of Higher Education and the Basketball Federation of India marks a significant milestone in the advancement of basketball development in India. Together, they are poised to revolutionize the sports landscape, empower aspiring athletes, and propel India towards athletic excellence.
10, Feb 2024
SIDBI unveils “Prabhaav” – An Impact Study of the Fund of Funds for Startups
Hyderabad/ 10th February 2024: Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), a key component of the Startup India Action Plan launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji in 2016, is today one of the flagship programmes of DPIIT, Government of India and has proven to be a game changing intervention of Government of India in country’s Startup Ecosystem. The scheme is being managed by SIDBI on behalf of, and under the overall guidance and direction of DPIIT.
In this connection, a third-party assessment of the scheme was undertaken by CRISIL, India’s premier analytics company and pioneer of AIF benchmarking in the country. CRISIL’s impact assessment report viz. Prabhaav, was unveiled today by SIDBI.
Shri S. Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, SIDBI along with Shri S P Singh, CGM Venture Finance, presented the report to Dr Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Dept. of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, GoI, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, DPIIT and Shri Sanjiv, IRS, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The Fund of Funds for Startups, which contributes to the corpus of category I & II Alterative Investment Funds (AIFs), with a mandate for investment to startups, is one of the key initiatives which has transformed India into the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the world today, by providing a sizeable catalytic pool of risk & growth capital to startups.
The report reveals heartening all-round outcomes of this initiative of GoI on aspects encompassing multiplied flow of capital, innovative solutions, inclusiveness & diversity in coverage of startups, deepening of startup funding ecosystem in the hinterlands of the country, strengthening of governance as well as wealth creation.
Key highlights of the report indicate that as on November 30, 2023, as many as 129 AIFs have been sanctioned commitment out of FFS across segments. The scheme has already catalysed investments to the tune of ~4x of the amount drawn with ₹17,534 crore invested in 938 unique startups. Thus, the scheme resulted in significant multiplier effect, promoting enhanced capital flow into this segment. While FFS largely focusses on early-stage funding in young companies, as many as 18 of its startups have already become unicorns.
The scheme has also channelised investments in startups in emerging sectors such as deep tech, agri/agri solutions, health tech, financial services, and sustainability. Implemented with emphasis on diversity & inclusiveness, after launch of FFS, 129 startups beyond Tier 1 cities have received investments aggregating ₹1,590 crore. Another heartening outcome was the increasing support to women led startups as well as women led fund managers.
The scheme has ushered in a revolution in Venture Capital Space in India too, emerging as hallmark of approval for the fund managers as well. As per the survey conducted by CRISIL as part of the assessment, 89% respondents confirmed that support under FFS was instrumental in anchoring their fund raise. More than 75% respondents said they experienced a positive impact in raising non-institutional domestic capital post commitment by SIDBI under the scheme. Further, out of the AIFs supported, as high as 35% are being managed by first time Fund Managers, which will help deepen and enhance the reach of the AIF / VC funding ecosystem, as summed up by CRISIL in its assessment.
The Secretary, DFS and Secretary, DPIIT appreciated the initiatives and progress demonstrated by SIDBI in managing the scheme and the outcomes already achieved.
Since, its formation in 1990, when the risk capital and VC ecosystem for innovative enterprises and startups was nearly non-existent in the country, SIDBI has been impacting the lives of citizens across various strata of the society through its integrated, innovative, and inclusive approach. Over the last 3 decades, SIDBI has taken several pioneering steps to support building up of startup ecosystem including support out of its own balance sheet. SIDBI supported setting up of several schemes on its own before emerging as a key partner of the Government of India and several State Governments for managing their vision in Startup space through Fund of Funds interventions. Apart from FFS, it also manages ASPIRE Fund of Funds of Ministry of MSME with focus on Agro and Rural enterprises, and state focussed Fund of Funds for Uttar Pradesh & Odisha.
10, Feb 2024
NMIMS Chandigarh SOL’s Legal Aid Camp Empowers Sarangpur Village with Legal Awareness and Support
Chandigarh, 10th February: The Legal Aid Clinic at SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh’s School of Law (SOL), in collaboration with the State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) of Chandigarh Union Territory (U.T.) and the Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh, organised a Legal Aid Camp in Sarangpur Village, Chandigarh. The event was held on January 30 2024.
The Legal Aid Camp was conducted under the leadership of Ms. Mita Chadha, Assistant Professor and Faculty Convener, Legal Aid Clinic, SLSA and Department of Social Welfare, Chandigarh. It was attended by the members of the Legal Aid Clinic, NMIMS SOL Chandigarh; a team of esteemed delegates from the SLSA and the residents of Sarangpur village.
The event was held to create legal awareness and educate the residents of Sarangpur about the free legal aid available for the underserved. The objective was to help people understand their legal rights and access legal assistance when needed. As part of the awareness campaign, members of the Legal Aid Clinic went door-to-door to inform people about legal aid initiatives and the Legal Aid Clinic at SOL Chandigarh.
The event included a Nukkad Naatak (Street Play) performed by the members of the Legal Aid Clinic. The play raised awareness about women’s empowerment among the audience. Moreover, the event featured members of the SLSA addressing the gathering on a range of topics of social importance.
Mr. Shiv of SLSA set the tone of the event with his inspiring speech. Ms. Jasveer Kaur, Gender Discrimination Specialist, Department of Social Welfare, spoke about the existent social prejudices against the girl child in society. Addressing the audience, Ms. Sukhdev Kaur, Child Development Project Officer, walked through the various laws that could aid them. She encouraged them to openly share any legal matters they wished to discuss. Meanwhile, Ms. Mita Chadha introduced the Legal Aid Clinic to the attendees and assured them of free legal aid and assistance.
The event left the residents of Sarangpur motivated. It encouraged them to bring forward their grievances and seek assistance from the Legal Cell. The event was one of the several initiatives of the Legal Aid Clinic at NMIMS Chandigarh SOL and reflected its firm commitment to addressing issues of social importance and legal advocacy.
10, Feb 2024
DefSAT 2024 Wraps Up with SIA-India’s Focus Cybersecurity Cooperation
New Delhi,10th February 2024: SIA-India solidifies a cybersecurity partnership by signing an MoU with the Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) to enhance India’s cyber resilience. This collaboration aims to fortify defence mechanisms, foster information exchange, and promote proactive cyber defence practices in the space sector, safeguarding space operations’ integrity and security. With the participation of over 500 stakeholders, including government bodies, armed forces, policymakers, industry leaders, and diplomats, alongside a global audience via live stream, DefSAT 2024 reflects a significant step forward in India’s cybersecurity preparedness, in line with the visionary objectives of the Prime Minister and the Defence Ministry.
“Dr. Ajay Kumar, Former Secretary of the Ministry of Defence highlights the crucial role of defence space and calls for accelerated budget allocation, emphasizing the need for a larger investment in the rapidly evolving sector. With startups securing contracts and grants, there’s immense potential to leverage the vibrant ecosystem. Global private equity interest underscores India’s attractiveness. NavIC’s expansion into civil and defence sectors is imperative for strategic navigation, while robust cryptographic protocols are essential for satellite communication security. India’s quantum communication startups offer a pathway to significant advancements in the field.
“The Defence Acquisition Procedure has evolved significantly, fostering private innovation in sectors like satellites and space. To enhance this, the DAP should actively support innovation in services and manufacturing, simplifying the procurement of new technologies. Since these innovations may lack multiple suppliers initially, the DAP should empower authorities to readily procure these solutions.” Dr Ajay Kumar Added.
Mr. Mahaveer Singhvi IFS, Joint Secretary of New Emerging and Strategic Technologies (NEST), underscored the significance of AI, quantum, space, green hydrogen, and defence sectors, emphasizing the need to engage with all stakeholders and SIA-India for providing the ideal platform for collaboration. He highlighted the recent interim budget announcement, wherein the government unveiled a notable surge in support for the space sector, pledging an additional investment of $2 billion annually for the next decade. This commitment is poised to propel India’s space industry to new heights, projecting a market value of $44 billion and a contribution of 8-10% to the global space economy by 2033, with export sales expected to reach $11 billion within the same timeframe. Additionally, Mr. Singhvi highlighted the importance of enablers like technology transfer, data localization, trade dispute resolution, and IPR policies.”
Air Vice Marshal Pawan Kumar, VM, Director General of the Defence Space Agency (DSA) stressed the pivotal role of platforms like DefSAT, noting the protracted development timeline in a field where technology is paramount. He referenced Operation 1991, commonly known as Desert Storm, hailed as the pioneering “space war” that leveraged GPS, precision-guided weapons, and satellite communication as integral components rather than mere supplements. Reflecting on the costly and data-intensive nature of space ventures, he underscored the imperative of maximizing resource utilization and fostering civil-military fusion.
Lt. Gen. PJS Pannu, Chairman of the Defence Space Committee at SIA-India, envisions a transformative trajectory for the Indian Military, amalgamating the realms of Land, Air, and Sea into a seamlessly integrated force fortified by cyber security measures. This holistic approach encompasses Space, Cyber, and Digital (ICT) capabilities, underscoring the imperative for a cyber-secured environment. ISAC serves as the linchpin in this endeavour, providing a vital nexus for intelligence gathering on cyber threats to critical infrastructure.
The partnership between SIA-India and ISAC establishes a collaborative framework aimed at fortifying the nation’s space and defence cybersecurity posture and safeguarding essential assets from cyber risks. Gen. Pannu emphasizes the necessity for military engagement amidst our evolving security landscape. He underscores the pivotal role of cybersecurity in modern decision-centric warfare, citing the integration of cyber capabilities into concepts such as DARPA’s Mosaic Warfare.
The SIA-India is proud to have support from pivotal government entities and esteemed organizations such as Niti Aayog, ISRO, NSIL, IN-SPACe, DoT, DRDO, and Ministry of Defence.
10, Feb 2024
Historians Swapna Liddle and Alka Pande discuss Mughal Art and Architecture
Kolkata, February 10: The first day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival presented a captivating discussion between two stalwarts from Indian history and academia. Historians Swapna Liddle and Alka Pande discuss what lives on from the legacy of Mughal art and architecture. The session, ‘The Mughals and Us’, aimed to unravel the rich tapestry of Mughal art in modern times. Both historians conversed with Husna-Tara Prakash discussing the beauty of Mughal marvels.
The event started with moderator Husna-Tara Prakash introducing the guests and drawing parallels between the Mughal cosmopolitan outlook and that of Kolkata and the region of Bengal at large. The session’s primary focus was on the impact of Mughal art and architecture in contemporary India and how assimilation lies at the heart of it.
Speaking on discussing the beautiful city of Shahajanabad, also known as Purani Dilli. Shahajanabad, as Liddle put it, was “…a microcosm or a representation of the larger empire. This was a feature that defined Delhi throughout the Mughal period.”
While discussing the confluence of cultures with moderator Husna Tara Prakash, Swapna Liddle emphasized how people tend to characterize the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire simply as “Islamic dynasties”, overlooking the hybridity and assimilation of various cultural factors lying at the centre of it. Speaking on art and architecture, she added that Mughal architecture had the tenacity to adapt to pre-existing styles, making them a testament to the same assimilation.
Celebrated art historian Alka Pande in congruence with Swapna Liddle’s observations stated, “Hybridity was in the consciousness of Mughal rulers. This is supported by the fact that most Mughal rulers had Rajput mothers.” Connecting stories of the Mughal era with Bengal, she added how Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Bengal, had brought with him not just 500 men but the culture and food of Awadh, as well.
In the contemporary context, she opined how “from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, like salwar, churidars and kurta, the Mughals are relevant even today.” The speakers and moderator agreed that the Mughal Empire was a great example of assimilation between Hindu and Islamic traditions. The session ended with Alka Pandey stating, “We Indians have the power to absorb different cultures but can still retain our individuality.”
10, Feb 2024
Genpact Propels AI-First Strategy with New Executive Leadership Appointments
NEW DELHI, February 10 2024 – Genpact (NYSE: G), a global professional services firm focused on delivering outcomes that transform businesses, today announced two new executive leadership appointments. These appointments demonstrate the company’s continued focus on strengthening its executive team with transformative digital leaders to propel the company into its next chapter of growth, leveraging data, technology, and AI-first principles.
Vipin Gairola – Global Operating Officer
Vipin Gairola has been appointed Genpact’s Global Operating Officer and is leading the charge of transforming service delivery for Genpact’s clients by leveraging AI-led solutions. As Global Operating Officer, Gairola oversees Genpact’s global client operations, analytics, data, and technology across all countries. He is part of Genpact’s Leadership Council and will lead the company’s Operations and Cost Council. Gairola comes to Genpact from Accenture, where he served in several senior leadership roles over the past two decades. His most recent role was Chief Strategy Officer for Accenture Operations.
Vidya Rao – Chief Technology and Transformation Officer
Vidya Rao, Genpact’s Chief Information Officer, takes on an expanded role of Chief Technology and Transformation Officer. In this role, she will be at the forefront of reimagining Genpact’s internal processes, tools, technologies, and infrastructure with an AI-first approach. Furthermore, Rao will also play a crucial role in establishing a world-class data office to fortify Genpact’s data capabilities. This will enable Genpact to harness the power of data and drive insights to guide our AI and Automation initiatives effectively and shape our internal functions for the future.
“We are excited to have highly talented and transformative individuals in key leadership roles at Genpact. Vidya and Vipin’s appointment emphasizes our ongoing strategy to re-energize our leadership team to drive us into our next chapter of growth,” said BK Kalra, President and CEO, of Genpact. “More and more of our leadership has deep expertise in data, analytics, operations, and AI and their experience will play a pivotal role in how Genpact and our clients will do the work in an AI-driven world.”
10, Feb 2024
Acute Ear Infections in Children: Prevention and Treatment
By Dr T.V. Vijay Kumar Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician
Ankura Hospital For Women & Children
Acute ear infections, also known as acute otitis media (AOM), are common childhood ailments characterized by inflammation and infection of the middle ear. These infections often result from bacterial or viral agents and can cause discomfort and pain for children. However, several preventive measures and treatment options can help manage and alleviate the symptoms associated with acute ear infections.
Prevention:
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding infants for at least the first six months of life has been linked to a reduced risk of ear infections. Breast milk contains antibodies that help bolster the baby’s immune system, potentially reducing the likelihood of infections.
Avoiding Passive Smoking: Exposure to passive smoking increases the risk of ear infections in children. Parents and doctors should make efforts to keep children away from environments where smoking occurs.
Vaccinations: Following the recommended vaccination schedule can help prevent certain infections that may lead to acute ear infections. Vaccines such as the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the influenza vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of ear infections caused by specific pathogens.
Promote Good Hygiene: Encouraging children to practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, can help minimize the spread of infections that may contribute to ear infections.
Limiting Pacifier Use: Prolonged pacifier use has been associated with an increased risk of ear infections. Limiting the use of pacifiers, especially during sleep, may help reduce this risk.
Treatment:
Antibiotics: In cases where the ear infection is bacterial and severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort associated with ear infections. Follow the recommended dosage based on the child’s age and weight.
Ear Drops: Ear drops containing analgesics or antibiotics may be prescribed to help alleviate pain and combat infection directly in the affected ear.
Warm Compresses: Applying a warm, moist compress to the affected ear can provide temporary relief from pain and help reduce inflammation.
Rest and Fluids: Encourage the child to rest and stay hydrated to support their immune system as they recover from the infection.
Observation: In some cases, particularly with mild infections and in older children, doctors may recommend a period of observation without immediate antibiotic treatment, as many ear infections resolve on their own without complications.
Surgical Intervention: In rare cases of recurrent or severe ear infections, surgical procedures such as tympanostomy tube insertion may be considered. These tubes help ventilate the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup, reducing the risk of future infections.
Conclusion:
Acute ear infections are a common childhood ailment that can cause discomfort and distress for both children and their doctors. However, with proper prevention measures and timely treatment, the impact of these infections can be minimized. By promoting good hygiene, adhering to vaccination schedules, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed, parents and doctors can help safeguard children against the risk of acute ear infections and support their overall health and well-being.
