13, Oct 2023
Indian General Insurance Premium Expected To Touch 5000 Billion By 2030

BIMTECH India Insurance Report 2023

October 13th, 2023: Greater Noida: In a first, the Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), one of India’s leading B-schools, unveiled the India Insurance Report- Transforming Indian Insurance- Series II. One of the report’s significant findings was that the general insurance premium is expected to surpass Rs. 3,91,216 crores by 2030 based on historical data of 20 years.

However, the industry’s premium volume may exceed Rs. 5,00,000 crore by 2030 as the ideal premium level, considering regulatory reforms intended to achieve full insurance coverage for every household by 2047 and an anticipated rise in market participants and intermediaries. This study, conducted by Prof. Steward Doss at NIA Pune and Prof. Abhijit K. Chattoraj, Dean (SW & SS); Professor & Chairperson of PGDM – (Insurance Business Management) at BIMTECH, is based on historical premium data of all important lines of GI business between 2001-2022.

This report focuses on Demographic Changes, Understanding Customer Behavior, Financial Literacy and Mindset Change, Leveraging AI and ML, Wellness Insurance and Insurtech Integration, Digital Transformation, Growth Projections, VR, AR, and Blockchain Adoption, IoT, and Parametric Insurance.

Left to RightProf. Abhijit K. Chattoraj , Prof. Arunaditya Sahay , Director-Harivansh Chaturvedi, Dr. Anupam Varma, Mr. K.C Arora, Mr. Alok Gupta, Prof. Kshemendra Kumar Upadhya

According to Dr. Abhijit K. Chattoraj, a BIMTECH India Insurance report editor, “India’s ageing population is expected to increase, with over 20% of the population aged 60 and above by 2040. The growth of middle-income and high-income households in 2030 will drive insurance demand. Increased use of AI and ML can help insurers understand changing risk dynamics and customer needs. Risk-Based Capital (RBC) implementation by 2024-25 can enable risk-based premium rates and product innovation. Increasing digital usage among customers will drive end-to-end digital experiences and technological applications. New online distribution models like B2C, B2B, and B2B2C will be key growth drivers.”

BIMTECH India Insurance report suggests achieving the goal of “Insurance for All by 2047.” The establishment of robust self-regulatory organizations for insurers, brokers, surveyors, and InsurTech is essential. These organizations can provide impetus to newer business lines such as Aviation, Oil and Energy, Liability, Trade Credit, and political risks, ensuring separate monitoring instead of grouping them as a generic “miscellaneous” category.

Additionally, several key factors are influencing the industry and have significant potential to shape its future trajectory, such as changing profiles of insurance buyers driven by sustained awareness campaigns, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evolving profile necessitates more customized insurance products to meet individualized needs.

Capital infusion is crucial to expanding the insurance business and increasing insurance penetration. The industry requires a greater number of intermediaries and insurance players to sustain anticipated growth. Technology is becoming a critical enabler, enhancing underwriting and claims management coordination. Regulatory and governmental support has streamlined business processes, reducing regulatory compliance burdens and facilitating innovative product launches.

Harivansh Chaturvedi, Director, BIMTECH, and joint editor of BIMTECH India Insurance Report, spoke about expanding the general insurance industry. He said, “Initiatives like “Bima Trinity” proposed by the regulator can be instrumental in driving and sustaining insurance business growth. Mutual insurance companies can play a pivotal role in promoting micro-insurance across the country and engaging local communities. Customer-centric initiatives like Customer Information Sheets (CIS) and 100% cashless settlement for medical expenses are essential to build trust and ensure long-term growth. These measures and considerations collectively provide a comprehensive strategy to steer the general insurance industry toward a successful future.”

BIMTECH’s Insurance India report also features articles from prominent industry figures like G.N. Bajpai, ex-Chairman SEBI and LIC; Sakate Khaitan, Senior Partner at Khaitan Legal Associates; Tapan Singhel, Managing Director and CEO Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd, Prof Bejon Kumar Misra, International Consumer Policy Expert, Bhargav Dasgupta former Managing Director & CEO of ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited; Dr. David Mark Dror Retired Scholar and Practitioner concentrating on universal social protection; Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist with the Finance Sector Office at the Asian Development Bank, Amit Kalra, Managing Director, and Head Swiss Re GBS Centres India; Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director, Asian Institute of Technology( AIT Extention) & Mr. Arun Agarwal – Author and former CEO.

The report suggests regulatory reforms for the insurance sector, highlighting BIMTECH’s commitment to insurance education with its PGDM program in Insurance Business Management.

13, Oct 2023
More entrepreneurship opportunities for state’s youth as CM-ELEVATE is launched in Tura

Mumbai/Shillong, October 13: Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma launched the CM-ELEVATE an Integrated event in Tura on October 13, where reassuring that the program is aimed at engaging, employing, and empowering the youth of Meghalaya through entrepreneurship. The day also marked the distribution of Cheques under the YESS Meghalaya Initiative.

The programme was initiated after a welcome speech by Shri Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills. Addressing the August Assemblage, Honourable Chief Minister, Shri Conrad Sangma said, “We want to emphasize on the role of each minister in making this initiative comprehensive and impactful. CM-Elevate is our flagship initiative designed to make our youth, the partners in the development of our beloved state. We have set ambitious goals, with the intention of creating entrepreneurship opportunities for over 20,000 individuals in the span of three years, across sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and more. This initiative comes with a total investment of approximately 300 crores over three years.”

He informed that the government is providing financial support ranging from 35 to 75 percent of the project cost to mitigate the risks associated with credit. He called upon individuals from Meghalaya, registered entities, and non-registered collectives, such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organizations (VOs), and Producer Groups (PGs) from Meghalaya, to apply for the program.

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The Honourable Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma further added that the Tourism Department is offering four remarkable schemes under CM-Elevate. The Green Villa Scheme, the Homestay Scheme, the Motorhome Meghalaya Scheme, and the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme are set to transform our tourism sector. These initiatives not only provide subsidies but also create job opportunities. The government is anticipating around 700 direct employment opportunities and numerous indirect jobs, benefiting the youth of Meghalaya.

Referring to the YESS Initiative, Shri Conrad Sangma also informed that the total application through YESS is around 1500.

The programme also rendered focus on Prime Tourism Vehicle Allocation and Prime Agriculture Response Vehicles (PARVs). Accordingly, six Prime Tourism Vehicles were allocated to boost tourism in Garo Hills. These vehicles will enhance the tourist experience and support local tourism-related businesses. The Government has allocated 46 PARVs to empower the farmers and improve agricultural practices. These vehicles will help the farmers increase their productivity and sustain their livelihoods.

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Another important scheme, on which the programme shed light was the Homestay Scheme. The Government has reached 76 beneficiaries through the Homestay Scheme in Garo Hills, thereby supporting the local communities by creating additional income opportunities through tourism.

Notably, the Garo Hills have a total of 19,308 Self-Help Groups, playing a crucial role in empowerment and development. An impressive 136.85 Crores have been disbursed to support the activities and projects of these SHGs. This financial support is driving local entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Outlining the importance of Green Meghalaya, the Honorable Chief Minister said, “We’ve disbursed Rs 6.56 crores to support eco-friendly projects under the Green Meghalaya program. This investment in sustainable initiatives is helping preserve our natural resources. The 290 beneficiaries are environmental stewards, working towards a greener and cleaner Garo Hills. The funds disbursed are a testament to our commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.” Notably, the Green Meghalaya initiative has already benefited 290 individuals in Garo Hills and the beneficiaries are contributing to environmental sustainability and conservation.

13, Oct 2023
iThink Logistics and India Post unite to boost e-commerce deliveries across the deepest parts of the country

Mumbai: October 13, 2023: iThink Logistics, a top name in advanced logistics technology and one of India’s leading shipping platforms has joined hands with India Post, the country’s premier postal network. The alliance will result in a landmark tech integration that promises to reshape the landscape of last-mile delivery. This strategic partnership is to bring immense benefits to Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) startups and small and medium businesses (SMBs) across India.

The heart of this collaboration lies in the shared mission of empowering D2C businesses to extend their reach beyond urban hubs. The E-commerce penetration rates in tier 2 and tier 3 cities stood at an impressive 21.4% and 41.5% respectively in 2022. While marketplace giants like Flipkart, Myntra, and Meesho have established a strong foothold in these regions, independent e-commerce brands often grapple with the challenge of limited serviceability.

The convergence of iThink Logistics’ cutting-edge technology with India Post’s extensive reach addresses this challenge head-on. By combining India Post’s unparalleled reach, even in the remotest corners of the country, with iThink Logistics’ advanced technology and rapid services, logistics operations are set to undergo a revolutionary transformation. These two pivotal factors are crucial for D2C companies to thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment.

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“We are truly excited about this groundbreaking partnership with India Post. Our collaboration symbolizes the fusion of vision and innovation, where we harness the power of technology and the extensive reach of India Post to propel Direct-to-Consumer startups and small and medium businesses into a new era of logistical excellence. With this alliance, we are not only bridging geographical gaps but also empowering businesses of all sizes to embrace the full potential of E-commerce, transforming the way products reach customers and redefining customer experiences.” – “Ms. Zaiba Sarang, Co-Founder of iThink Logistics”

An outstanding aspect of this arrangement is the potential to create economical deliveries, particularly in rural areas with less developed logistics infrastructure. India Post’s experience and wide-ranging network complement iThink Logistics’ technological capabilities, promising efficiency, dependability, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

As the volume of shipments increases, so does the likelihood of logistical-related queries, such as ‘WISMO’ (Where is my order?), which can cause post-purchase anxiety for buyers. In this context, iThink Logistics’ advanced technology is pivotal, facilitating a proactive approach to customer support and elevating the overall shopping experience.

“India Post is immensely proud to join hands with iThink Logistics in this transformative endeavor. Our legacy of service, built over decades, combined with iThink Logistics’ forward-thinking technological prowess, heralds a new era in the logistics industry. This collaboration is a fusion of tradition and innovation, and it opens up exciting new opportunities to reach every touchpoint in India. Our nationwide network, spanning the length and breadth of the nation, is the ideal complement to iThink Logistics’ state-of-the-art solutions.” – “Shri Amitabh Singh, PMG, Mails and BD, Maharashtra Postal Circle at India Post”

This landmark collaboration between India Post and iThink Logistics marks a momentous step, leveraging the strengths of both entities to optimize last-mile delivery operations across the nation. With a focus on enhanced accessibility, operational efficiency, and unparalleled customer experiences, this partnership is set to catalyze the growth of D2C startups and SMBs in the evolving e-commerce landscape.

13, Oct 2023
Axis Bank reinforces its ethos of ‘Customer Obsession’, rolls out Sparsh Week initiative

Bangalore, October 13, 2023: With an aim to reinforce its firm commitment towards Customer Obsession, Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, has launched ‘Sparsh Week’, an event focused on strengthening the bond between the Bank and its customers. As part of this initiative, the Bank will organize a series of engaging customer-centric activities for its employees to amplify the spirit and promise of Customer Obsession. The Bank will also organize educative and customer-focused activities during this week, thereby aligning the Bank’s employees and customers in their journey of progress, innovation, and transformation.

Sparsh Week will commence from October 9th – 13th, covering 5000+ Axis Bank branches and retail asset centers across the country. More than 15 events have been planned for the entire week and will be broadcast LIVE to all 95k+ Axis Bank employees.

This year, Axis Bank has aligned Sparsh Week with its three core principles: Listen, Act, and Celebrate. It emphasizes on active ‘Listening’ through multiple touchpoints to better understand customers’ needs and concerns; promptly ‘Acting’ upon customers’ feedback & queries, and ‘Celebrating’ the invaluable connection Axis Bank shares with its customers.

Axis Bank SPARSH Initiative_Swiggy

Commenting on the initiative of Sparsh Week 2023, Mr. Subrat Mohanty, Executive Director, Banking Operations & Transformation, Axis Bank said, “At Axis Bank, we are Dil se Open for our customers and are committed to providing the highest levels of customer service. Sparsh encapsulates this spirit as we aspire to Listen, Act, and Celebrate our customers’ insights and feedback. This initiative embodies our ethos of not just being a bank, but a partner and enabler in fulfilling their dreams and aspirations. Our customers have trusted us for decades, and we aim to provide them with a delightful banking experience that truly stands out.”

The spirit of Sparsh Week revolves around empowering the Bank’s employees to elevate customer experience. Through a week-long series of events, Axis Bank endeavours to empower its customers, foster trust, and embody its promise of prioritizing customer satisfaction. The Bank will host interesting programmes such as ‘MasterClass – Inspire Series’ wherein industry leaders from Swiggy etc. will share their transformational stories of client focus and delight; ‘Call Listening Sessions’ will help the Bank identify and address customer concerns; ‘Customer Protection’ will create awareness about fraud prevention and security measures, and ‘Timeless Stars’ will celebrate Axis Bank’s association with its customers by felicitating deserving employees with a token of appreciation.

13, Oct 2023
Sony BBC ushers in the festive spirit with Diwali line-up

National, October 13, 2023: Sony BBC Earth, the premier destination for world-class factual entertainment, is all set to illuminate Diwali with its property ‘Festival of Life’. The channel will take viewers on a grand cinematic voyage with power-packed premieres of 12 shows that promise to entertain, enlighten, and inspire them.

From breathtaking wildlife encounters to riveting explorations of the Earth’s most remarkable phenomena, the ‘Festival of Life’ brings forth a host of awe-inspiring shows and documentaries. From a visual deep dive to encounter enigmatic underwater giants with ‘Chasing Monsters’ to capturing untamed landscapes and wildlife that bring alive the mythical legacies of Odin and Thor with ‘Wild Scandinavia’, the channel has something in store for nature and culture aficionados of every colour.

Serengeti: Episode 2: Conflict

For those gastronomically inclined, Joanna Lumley’s ‘Spice Trail Adventure shares the origin stories of cherished spices across continents, leaving a vibrant food and culture trail. ‘South Korea with Alexander Armstrong’ and ‘Alexander Armstrong in Sri Lanka’ explore the hidden treasures of bustling Korean culture and the rich cultural kaleidoscope of Sri Lanka. ‘Africa with Ade Adepitan’ takes viewers on an odyssey across expansive Africa, delving into its myriad cultures and breathtaking scenery. Taking to the wild, Serengeti returns with a fresh season, capturing the unfiltered essence of survival in Africa’s lush plains, whereas ‘Dogs in the Wild’ provides an intimate glimpse of the life of an astonishing animal family.

That’s not it! For those who focus on wellness, ‘Vitamin Pills – Miracle or Myth?’ and ‘Horizon Hair Care Secrets’ will serve some food for thought debunking myths in health and beauty.

Wild Scandinavia: Episode 02: Heartlands

‘Panorama: Are You Scared Yet, Human?’ is all set to take us on an artificial intelligence (AI) adventure, sharing how AI has transformed our world and its future, complete with a warning of how technology can be a threat too.

Make this Diwali a memorable one by tuning in to Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Festival of Life’, with a curated tapestry of experiences that are sure to leave a lasting imprint.

Airing from October 16th to November 10th, get ready for a whirlwind of 12 show premieres, every Monday to Friday from 08:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Watch Chasing Monsters Season 3 and 4, Wild Scandinavia, Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure, Dogs In The Wild, South Korea With Alexander, Vitamin Pills- Miracle Or Myth?, Horizon Hair Care Secrets, Serengeti Season 3, Alexander Armstrong In Sri Lanka, Panorama Are You Scared Yet, Human? and Africa With Ade Adepitan.

13, Oct 2023
ONGC Installs State-of-the-Art CO2 Core Flood Apparatus

A Significant Leap in CCUS Capacity Development

Mumbai | 13 October 2023: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has identified Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) as a fundamental component of its energy transition strategy. ONGC’s in-house Institute of Reservoir Studies (IRS) in Ahmedabad is at the forefront of this effort. In line with ONGC’s visionary Net-Zero 2038 initiative (Scope-1 and Scope-2), IRS has achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing and commissioning a cutting-edge Carbon dioxide (CO2) Core Flood Apparatus. This state-of-the-art apparatus is a vital addition to the IRS’s Gas Injection & CCUS Laboratory. It enables advanced studies and experiments related to CCUS, positioning the IRS as a key player in the development of CCUS technologies.

ONGC

The CCUS CO2 Core Flood Apparatus

The newly acquired CO2 Core Flood Apparatus is designed to replicate underground reservoir conditions, allowing for physical simulation and assessment of CO2 behavior in reservoir rocks, quantifying incremental oil recovery, and evaluating sequestration potential. Key features of this equipment include precision control, high-quality imaging, and real-time monitoring of pH and density, providing invaluable insights in real time. The apparatus is constructed from corrosion-resistant Hastelloy material, ensuring longevity and reliability even in carbon dioxide-rich environments. With an operational range of up to 150 degrees Celsius and 10,000 psi pressure, it can withstand extreme conditions, furthering our understanding of CCUS processes and optimizing schemes.

IRS has a rich history of conducting laboratory and numerical simulation studies related to CCUS for ONGC’s fields. It is a multidisciplinary team, including Reservoir Engineers, Geologists, Geophysicists, and Chemists, along with existing laboratory facilities, has paved the way for in-depth research in this field. Core flooding, a crucial component of CCUS project design, provides essential laboratory data for the tuning of numerical simulators.

13, Oct 2023
CNH completes purchase of Hemisphere GNSS

Basildon/India, October 13, 2023: CNH Industrial has completed its purchase of the global satellite navigation technology leader Hemisphere GNSS (Hemisphere) for a total consideration of USD $175 million – as announced on March 30, 2023.

This acquisition solidifies CNH’s in-house precision, automation, and autonomy technology, enabling us to continue Breaking New Ground for the agriculture and construction industries. It furthers our vertical integration efforts to deliver cutting-edge core technologies to our customers’ fleets for top performance, combined with a smooth and seamless user experience.

SiteMetrix® a complete 3D GNSS site management and inspection tool developed by Hemisphere

With Hemisphere’s expertise and network, we are accelerating our strategic plan to attain leadership in automation technology, expedite delivery of a fully autonomous farming cycle, and extend and enhance automation and autonomy across a broad range of agriculture and construction applications.

“Bringing Hemisphere’s talent and resources into CNH reflects the energy and momentum of our investments in tech innovation. From 2024 onwards, we will bring notable value to customers through significant advancements in our journey from automating certain tasks to fully autonomous operation,” said Marc Kermisch, Chief Digital & Information Officer at CNH.

CNH is devoted to customer-inspired innovation. We are making farming and building easier, more productive, and more sustainable by giving our customers smart machinery that helps them make informed decisions.

13, Oct 2023
Startup Odisha Yatra & Startup Xpress continues its glorious journey with over 60 ideas on Day 22

Startup Odisha Yatra & Startup Xpress continues its glorious journey with over 60 ideas on Day 22

Bhubaneswar, 13th October, 2023: Odisha Startup Yatra and Startup Xpress completed its 22 days journey today with addition of more than 60 ideas to the already enlarged list of innovative ideas. It signifies the evolution of Startup ecosystem at the school level of the state. The Yatra has covered all 30 districts and touched the lives of numerous students and is continuing to do so. On the 22nd day of the Yatra, 63 ideas have been generated.

Today, the Yatra visited 7 educational institutions of 2 districts and collected more than 60 ideas. So far, the Yatra has been successful in collecting more than 2300 ideas from student community.

In the last 22 days 26,293 students have participated from 185 colleges and 61 schools of all the 30 districts. As the initiative come is in its last leg, record numbers of ideas are expected from students and there is high chance that the ideas generated will break all previous records and will set a new benchmark. The dream run of the initiative signifies the interest of student community of become growth driver of the community with entrepreneurship as their passion.

As the Yatra continues reaching out to more districts, huge numbers of ideas are pouring in from the student community. This astounding success in idea generation is a testament to the core idea of the Yatra that is to instill entrepreneurial spirit among young minds.

As Odisha aspires to recognize and nurture 5000 Startups by 2025, Odisha Startup Yatra and Startup Xpress are a playing important role in fulfilling this vision. It becomes a launch pad for idea generation from school and college students thus setting a high benchmark with out-of-the-box ideas.

On Thursday, the Startup Yatra Van visited Govt ITI (Hirakud), GOVT ITI (Rasanpur) & Womens College in Sambalpur District, while the Van will visit Govt Womens College, Purna Chandra Govt ITI, Govt. Polytechnic & Divine Institute of Engineering & Technology in Mayurbhanj District.

The excitement and enthusiasm from the student community was palpable with their passionate pitches.

Odisha Startup Yatra & Xpress, taking its journey forward will tour Balasore, Nayagarh, Deogarh & Ganjam District on October 13th (Friday) to foster entrepreneurship and innovation at district level.

On Friday Odisha Startup Yatra & Xpress will cover KV Balasore, Balasore Jilla School, Fakir Mohan College, KKS Women’s College in Balasore District. The Van will visit Deogarh ITC, Govt. ITI Barkote & Panchayat (Degree) College, Kalla in Deogarh District. The Van will visit Unitech Degree College, Banshidhar Mahavidyalaya, Divine degree College & ITI Nayagarh in Nayagarh District, while the Van will visit Kalam Institute of Management Studies, Vedbyash Res. Degree College & Sashi Bhusan Rath Government (Autonomous) Women’s College in Ganjam District.

The aim of Startup Odisha Yatra and Startup Xpress 2023 is to encourage grassroots innovators and promote entrepreneurship among them. In 2023 edition of the Yatra, Startup Odisha has four dedicated vans that will cover all 30 districts of the state.
After remarkable achievements in the past edition, this year Odisha Startup Yatra aims to leap forward by visiting 200+ colleges and 60+ schools thus impacting 25,000+ students. With a core focus on guiding and empowering young minds at the grassroot level in the realms of innovation and entrepreneurship, the initiatives seek to equip them for harnessing the ample opportunities within the startup ecosystem.

13, Oct 2023
Prestigious World Congress of Neurology Returns In-Person to Convene World-Class Researchers in Montreal

Prestigious World Congress of Neurology Returns In-Person to Convene World-Class Researchers in Montreal

MONTREAL, October 2023 – The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Canadian Neurological Society (CNS) will host the XXVI World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in Montreal, Canada, from October 15 to 19, 2023. WCN is a major, biennial conference where world-class neurologists and researchers gather to share the latest innovative research in the broad field of neurology. This year’s WCN marks the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of attendees from around the world convening to learn from one another’s research, exchange ideas and drive the field of neurology forward.

WCN creates a platform to share research breakthroughs and clinical experiences throughout the scientific community. For those unable to attend in-person this year, virtual access will also be available.

This year’s Scientific Program will be organized around the theme, “brain health is our greatest wealth.” Through a wide range of programming, including scientific sessions, teaching courses and plenary lectures, leading neurologists and global health experts will explore global neurological challenges, and researchers will share their unique insights and collaborate on central issues in neuroscience and brain research.

“Our world has been changing since our last virtual Congress in 2021. It is more important than ever to promote collaborative, cross-cultural research efforts that will establish a strong foundation for the future of global brain health,” said Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology. “After years of pandemic restrictions preventing us from gathering in person, we are excited to reconvene in Montreal with attendees from around the world and also a large virtual participation.”

WCN 2023 will feature a diverse schedule of workshops, teaching courses, debate sessions, informal talks with WFN leadership and plenary lectures delivered by leading neurology experts discussing the latest developments in their fields. Some conference highlights include:

  • “The Global Importance of Diabetic Neuropathies,” Eva Feldman, MD, PhD, James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor and Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology, University of Michigan, USA
  • “The WHO, IGAP and Brain Health,” Tarun Dua, MD, Unit Head, Brain Health Unit, World Health Organization, Switzerland
  • “Neurology of Pandemic Infections,” Hadi Manji, MD, Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Associate Professor, National Hospital for Neurology, UK
  • “The Role of Patient Organisations,” Kathy Oliver, Chair and Founding Co-Director, International Brain Tumour Alliance, UK
  • “The Epidemiology and Burden of Neurological Disorders,” Valery Feigin, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology, National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
  • “Status of Disease Modifying Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease,” Anthony Lang, MD, Professor of Neurology, Jack Clark Chair for Parkinson’s Disease Research and Lily Safra Chair in Movement Disorders, University of Toronto, Canada
  • “Clinical Trial Progress in ALS,” Merit Cudkowicz, MD, Chief, Massachusetts General Hospital Neurology Service; Director, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital; Julieanne Dorn Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, USA
  • “The Rett Syndrome, From Clinics to Genetics,” Huda Zoghbi, MD, Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
  • “Neuromyelitis Optica: An Evolving Spectrum of Disease,” Satoshi Kuwabara, MD, Chair of Neurology, Chiba University Hospital, Japan
  • “Transformation in the Treatment of Stroke,” Liping Liu, MD, PhD, Director, Neurointensive Care Unit (NICU), Neurology and Stroke Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
  • “African Neurology: A Targeted and Unified Approach to Interregional Collaboration,” Augustina Charway-Felli, MD, PhD, President, African Academy of Neurology, Ghana
  • Live Press Conference – WCN leadership will speak about conference highlights, discuss the biggest stories from the event and answer questions.

WFN will also host a series of “Coffee Talks”—three interactive public conversations that feature the WHO, past WFN presidents and WFN education.

WCN is committed to fostering a global perspective in the field of neurology, recognizing that diverse health systems and neurological challenges around the world require collaborative efforts to advance better brain health for all.

“When we gather so many brilliant minds in one place, we increase the likelihood of breakthroughs in neurological research and create the opportunity for major scientific collaborations,” said Dr. Guy Rouleau, President, XXVI World Congress of Neurology. “The World Congress of Neurology is one crucial way we further our mission of fostering quality neurology and brain health worldwide.”

In addition to fostering the exchange of research and scientific knowledge, WCN prioritizes developing, encouraging and ensuring representation of the next generation of brilliant neurologists. Young neurologists from low to low-middle income countries are provided financial and educational support to attend the conference in person and contribute their voices to neurological research and development. For the first time, the young WFN neurologists will hold two sessions, based on their survey on worldwide training.

“The Canadian Neurological Society (CNS) is proud to be a part of this prestigious event, and we are committed to contributing to the global mission of improving brain health,” said Dr. Stevn Peters, President of CNS. “When we join forces, we will drive research that will lead to treatments, prevention and cures for millions of people living with devastating neurological conditions,” said Dr. Michael D. Hill, President, The Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation.

“Every breakthrough in research and every partnership formed brings us one step closer to transforming the lives of people impacted by neurological disorders.”

13, Oct 2023
Digital content creators discuss opportunities and challenges of social media influencers at The Southern Rising Summit

Digital content creators discuss opportunities and challenges of social media influencers at The Southern Rising Summit

Chennai, October 13: Popular digital content creators Chaithania Prakash, Ardhra Sajan, and Deepika Venkatachalam participated in a session titled “Social Media: Playground or Business School?” at ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit. They gathered to share their insights on the evolving digital landscape and to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by social media influencers.

Chaithania Prakash, a digital content creator, shared her perspective, saying, “As influencers, we have a responsibility to ensure that nothing negative impacts our followers. We make sure the content we provide is of high quality to avoid any negative influence on our followers.”

Ardhra Sajan, another Digital Content Creator, spoke about her journey, stating, “Initially, we didn’t know what to do on social media. Our follower count gradually increased, which brought a sense of responsibility. I started promoting products, but I received negative comments. So, I became more selective in my promotions to be a trusted influencer. The number of followers doesn’t matter; what’s important is the value we provide and our personal growth. Negative comments about physical appearance don’t bother me. What truly matters is my self-perception, which is what I want to convey to my followers.”

Highlighting challenges, Deepika Venkatachalam, a digital content creator said, “Some influencers are promoting betting apps, which negatively affect people’s lives, and I find this distressing. Everything is becoming digital, and people are seeking shortcuts. We have a responsibility to follow laws and use hashtags for paid collaborations to make it clear to viewers that it’s a promotional partnership. I believe this is a positive initiative from the government. More than just the numbers, what matters is engagement. Building confidence and engaging with followers is more important.”

The Southern Rising Summit was conceptualized and organized by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural richness, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. The summit aimed to celebrate the spirit and diversity of the southern states, united in a common mission to drive a transformative journey for India. The event featured profound discussions and insights from influential figures in South Indian states and Union Territories.