Archives August 2023

By Dr Ashwinikumar Aiyangar Sr. Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad.

Every year, on the 13th of August, India joins hands with the global community to celebrate Organ Donors Day, a poignant occasion to honour those who have bestowed the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. This day serves as a reminder of the profound impact that organ transplantation has on patients grappling with organ failure, giving them a renewed lease on life and a chance to embrace a future full of possibilities.

The Significance of Organ Transplants

Organ transplants are nothing short of medical marvels that have revolutionized the field of medicine. Organ transplantation stands as a beacon of hope for individuals facing the daunting challenges of liver failure, kidney failure, and heart failure. These conditions not only diminish the quality of life but also pose a real threat to survival. Organ transplantation emerges as a lifeline for such patients, offering a second chance to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. A successful transplant not only rejuvenates the recipient but also instils a sense of gratitude that lasts a lifetime.

The importance of various types of organ transplantation cannot be overstated. Kidney transplantation frees patients from the shackles of dialysis, enabling them to regain their vitality and productivity. Heart transplantation breathes new life into those whose hearts once beat with uncertainty, allowing them to cherish moments they thought they might never experience again. Liver transplantation rescues patients from the clutches of liver failure, offering them a fresh start and renewed hope. These procedures can mean the difference between life and death, restoring not just physical health but also providing a renewed sense of purpose and vitality to recipients. The success of these transplantations is a testament to the collaborative efforts of medical professionals, donors, and their families.

Bone Marrow and Pancreas Transplants

Organ Donors’ Day is also a moment to acknowledge the lesser-known heroes who make bone marrow and pancreas transplants possible. Bone marrow transplantation offers renewed hope to patients fighting blood disorders like leukaemia and lymphoma, potentially curing them and enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.

Pancreas transplantation is a beacon of hope for individuals with type 1 diabetes who face life-long challenges. A successful pancreas transplant can free them from the shackles of insulin injections, bringing about a significant improvement in their quality of life.

A New lease Of Life in Corneal Blindness

The significance of eye donation and corneal transplants cannot be overstated, as they bestow the gift of sight upon those who once lived in a world shrouded in darkness. This extraordinary act not only restores vision but also rekindles hope, independence, and the ability to appreciate life’s beauty in its full spectrum. For those who once relied on others for simple tasks, such as navigating their surroundings or performing daily activities, regaining sight means regaining autonomy. This newfound independence fosters a sense of empowerment, enabling individuals to actively engage with the world and contribute to their communities.

Living and Deceased Organ Donors: Two Sides of a Noble Coin

Organ donors come in two forms – living and deceased. Both kinds exemplify the true spirit of altruism. This day offers an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to both living and deceased organ donors.

Living donors exhibit unparalleled courage and altruism, willingly offering a part of themselves to save another’s life. Their heroic act of selflessness not only transforms the life of the recipient but serves as an inspiration to all and demonstrates the power of compassion and love.

Deceased organ donors, on the other hand, leave behind an enduring legacy by giving the ultimate gift after their passing. Their families’ decision to honour their wishes becomes a source of light for patients desperately awaiting a second chance at life. Their families deserve our utmost respect and admiration for their decision to bestow the gift of life upon others during moments of immense grief.

The Noble Act of Blood Donation

While we commemorate organ donors, it is important to recognise that organ donation goes beyond organs alone. Blood donation, a vital aspect of this cause, deserves equal applause. Blood transfusions save countless lives each day, serving as a lifeline in emergencies, surgeries, and medical treatments.

Deterring Paid Organ Donation and Legal Complexities

As we celebrate the selflessness of organ donors, we must unequivocally discourage the practice of paid organ donation. Organ transplantation should always stem from the spirit of humanity and altruism, rather than financial transactions. Paid organ donation not only exploits the vulnerable but also raises ethical concerns.

Furthermore, legal hurdles often cloud the path of organ donation. It is crucial for nations to have robust legal frameworks in place to ensure a transparent, safe, and ethical process. Protecting the rights of both donors and recipients is imperative to maintain the integrity of the organ transplantation process. Moreover, the legal aspects surrounding organ donation must be navigated with care and clarity. Ensuring that proper legal frameworks are in place helps protect both donors and recipients, guaranteeing that the gift of life is administered transparently and ethically.

Conclusion

Organ Donors Day stands as a testament to the boundless compassion and empathy that exist within our society. It serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference, to give the gift of life, and to uplift humanity through acts of selflessness. As a nephrologist, I am humbled by the dedication, benevolence, generosity and sacrifice exhibited by organ donors and their families. Their legacy lives on through the lives they save, and their impact reverberates through the corridors of hospitals and the hearts of grateful patients.

On this Organ Donors Day, let us join hands to celebrate these unsung heroes, pledge our commitment to ethical organ donation practices, eradicate myths, uphold the noble spirit of organ donation and continue spreading awareness about the transformative power of organ transplantation. Together, we can create a world where the gift of life is cherished, protected, and shared for the betterment of all.

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The Indian Start-up Festival which was organized by the India Start-up Foundation, for the growth and development of the Indian Start-Up ecosystem was a huge success. The closing ceremony was attended by Sri. N. S. Bosseraju, Hon’ble Minister for Science & Technology, and Minor Irrigation Government of Karnataka, along with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan, Founder of Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, Karnataka in the presence of Sri. J. A. Chowdary, Key Architect, Indian Tech Industry Chairperson & Convenor, India Startup Festival along with Dr. Siva Mahesh Tangutooru, Deenanath Harapanahalli, and Achyut Yerragangu Co-Founders of India Startup Foundation and other dignitaries along with a large number of industry leaders, CXO’s, investors, start-up founders, etc.

Sri. N. S. Bosseraju, Minister for Science & Technology, and Minor Irrigation Government of Karnataka congratulated the organizers for hosting India Start-up Festival 2023 in the state, an event that holds the key to unlocking the true potential of the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit. He informed the gathering that the mission of ISF is to reimagine the start-up revolution and empower entrepreneurs, which aligns with the vision of the Government of Karnataka to make every effort to promote and build a Business-Friendly, Science, and technology friendly, Start-up Friendly, progressive, and prosperous Karnataka. He also outlined the Government’s focus on 4E, Education to cultivate scientific temper, creating an enabling business environment to generate employment, thereby building a robust economy that constantly adapts to the demands and opportunities of the new generation, within the larger framework of Ecological Sustainability. He also announced that the government would soon set up the Karnataka State Research Foundation (KSRF) to gradually increase R&D spending to 3% of the state’s GDP, which will offer great opportunities for innovation and research in the state. He assured the startup community that the Government of Karnataka is committed to supporting entrepreneurs to help build a more sustainable economy.

More than 30 industry leaders from various domains addressed the start-up community through several roundtables and keynote addresses. Besides discussing the domain-specific challenges they encouraged the start-ups to work towards finding solutions to real problems at the bottom of the Pyramid. The rural economy in India has a potential of US$ 1 Trillion. The start-up community can benefit hugely by providing targeted solutions to the unique requirements at the bottom of the pyramid. This could be a great opportunity for the start-up community. The start-ups were also cautioned to focus on building value for the stakeholders to build sustainable businesses.

The top ten start-ups at ISF 2023 were: Arakruthu 3d Private Limited, Hiringhood, Rennaissance Superfoods, Game On, Brewed Games, Endimensions, Metabrix, Flying Duck, Medyseva and I won the cash prize, and will also be mentored by sector-specific industry leaders. To encourage the next generation of innovators, ISF offered a platform to 600 Students between the age group of 14 – 21 to present their innovative ideas as a part of the Junicons contest. 10 promising ideas were recognized and won the cash prize. These Junicons will be mentored by the India Start-up Foundation. The panels discussed on various topics for sustainable and profitable growth in the start-up ecosystem. The young and budding start-up owners got an opportunity to interact and clarify their doubts with the CXOs and other industry leaders.

During the event, to scale up the start-up ecosystem and to have a positive impact on the economy eleven MoUs were signed between ISF and other leading companies and investors around the world (Wheels Foundation, Bart Foundation, USA, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade (NICCT), World Start-ups, Netherlands, Link Innovations, France, Swissnes, Consulate General of Switzerland, London and Partners, UK, Business Finland, Finnish Ministry of Employment and the Economy, Indo German Chamber of Commerce and Nanban Foundation).

Speaking about the ISF 2023, Sri. J A. Chowdary, Key Architect, Indian Tech Industry Chairperson & Convenor, India Start-up Festival said,” We are delighted at the response to ISF 2023. This event has set a new record with 125 term sheets being pledged by 30 investors. This will be a major boost to the start-up ecosystem in the country. We have also signed MoUs with various global institutions to provide start-ups with mentoring and global market access. ISF 2023 has helped build a more robust ecosystem and brought the focus on the opportunities for innovation at the bottom of the Pyramid. The ISF festival theme will be based on the rural sector for the next 5 years.”

The lifetime achievement awards given to eight notable personalities including Mr. Sivakumar Surampudi., Group Head, Agri & IT Businesses of ITC Limited, Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman & Chief of Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology & AIG Hospitals, Mr. Lalit Ahuja, Founder & CEO, ANSR Inc, Mr. Vineet Rai, Founder & Chairman, Aavishkaar Group, Dr. Galla Ramachandra Naidu, Founder Chairman, Amara Raja Group, Dr. P. Raja Mohan Rao, Chairman, United Telecoms Group, Dr. Kazuhiro Chiba, President, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technogy, Mr. Atluri, Managing Director, Global Head of Enterprise Quality Engineering, BNY Mellon for their innovation and contribution to the country. ol

Karena Belin, Founder, and co-founder, of WHub & Angel Hub, invited ISF to participate in the Hong Kong Fintech Fest 2023 which is happening in November.

Nagpur: A leading healthcare service provider with a tradition of caring and innovation, Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur is organizing an exclusive public awareness initiative Udaan 2023 to create awareness amongst common people about the noble act of organ donation.

Udaan – 2023 is an exclusive event of Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur, organised for organ donation awareness & honouring the organ donors & recipients on World Organ Donation Day. This is the second edition of this flagship event in as many years by Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur.

Udaan 2023 is based on the theme Gift of Life. The theme Gift of Life itself means a noble act that saves lives and gives new lives to many. Organ donation in a way is like Gift of Life to the person who receives an organ from one who is brain-dead.

This great event will have eminent doctors – Prof. Dr. Tom Cheiran, Liver Transplant surgeon,Dr.Sanjay Kolte ( VP – Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre), Dr Suryashree Pandey, Nephrology and kidney transplant physician & Dr.Devyani as speakers. Wockhardt Hospitals have done so many organ transplants till date and the Organ donors & recipients/relatives will be present at the event and will be sharing their experience. Wockhardt Hospitals has also involved college students from across the city of Nagpur to participate in the event and present their ideas of awareness through innovative mediums such as painting, dance, skit, PowerPoint presentations, flashmob etc. It’s Wockhardt Hospitals’ sincere efforts through this event to educate the general public about organ donation, understand its importance and take the initiative to contribute to this noble cause.

Prof. Dr Tom Cherian will be delivering an awareness session on Organ Donation at LAD College in association with Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur.

Prof. Dr. Tom Cherian a renowned Liver Transplant surgeon said , “More awareness should be created about organ donation so that many lives can be saved and the waiting list for such transplants can be managed. Organ donation, an act which has given many families a joy that cannot be explained in words.”

Dr. Sanjay Kolte ( VP – Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre), and Kidney Transplant surgeon said, “Realise the true value of your health, When you leave, don’t cremate your wealth. Pledge your organs while alive and help someone in need of it,thrive them. Add some breaths in someone’s death.”

Dr. Suryashree Pandey, Nephrology and kidney transplant surgeon said, “She is always a strong supporter of organ donation and when a life is saved, it is a great moment to watch and experience.

Dr. Devyani Thakre said, “I’m physiotherapist by profession and a painter by passion. The main thing we selected this art as medium to convey message of organ donation is because art connects with people more easily and more people can get involved in it. So art is absolute medium to promote any kind of awareness amongst people and being an artist its my pleasure to be present on this occasion and that is what I am going to speak on .”

Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur felicitated the donor’s families and the donor’s families expressed their gratitude. All the donor recipients shared their experiences, with a large number of people taking organ donation pledges with a happy mindset.

Mr. Abhinandan Dastenvar Centre Head Wockhardt Hospitals Nagpur said, “We are very happy to organize this event because organ donation is a divine act which saves lives. And we are proud that Wockhardt Hospitals is always at the forefront to take initiatives for such a laudable act .We are thankful to our doctor’s team and all who are part of this event.

162nd SLBC meeting was held on Friday, 11th August 2023 at meeting hall Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru. The meeting was chaired by Smt. Vandita Sharma, Honorable Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka, Sri. Hardeep Singh Ahluwalia, Executive Director of Canara Bank, Sri. Ramana Reddy E V, Addl. Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, GoK, Sri P N Raghunath, Chief General Manager and OIC, Reserve Bank of India, Ms. Sunanda Batra, General Manager, FIDD, Reserve Bank of India, Shri T Ramesh, Chief General Manager – NABARD, Sri M Bhaskara Chakravarthy, Convenor SLBC, General Manager, Canara Bank, State Controlling heads of all Banks and other dignitaries were attended the meeting.

Total Priority Sector Advances (PSA) achievement during the FY 2023-24 as on June quarter is Rs.1,08,811 crores (29.72%). Out of total Priority Sector Advances, under Agriculture Achievement is Rs. 47,309 crores (26.66%) and MSE/MSMSE is Rs.57,317 crores (43

To commemorate India’s 77th Independence Day, leading telecom operator, Vi has come up with a bouquet of attractive offers for its pre-paid customers. Between 12th to 18th August, Vi customers can explore a wide range of incredible deals and also stand a chance to win remarkable rewards on Vi app

To ensure that customers enjoy uninterrupted online experiences as a part of their Independence Day celebrations, Vi is offering an assured extra data benefit of up to 50GB, on all unlimited data recharges above Rs 199. In addition, Vi customers can also get instant discounts of Rs 50 and Rs 75 on Rs 1449 and Rs 3099 recharge packs, respectively.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to the celebration, Vi will also be running “Spin the Wheel” contest exclusively on the Vi App. As part of this contest, there will be an assured lucky winner every hour who will win a complimentary recharge pack worth Rs 3099, valid for one year. The contest comes with additional rewards, including 1GB or 2GB of additional data for an enriched connectivity experience, a subscription to SonyLiv, and others, opening up multiple opportunities to win with Vi.

Mumbai’s leading retail, shopping and food destination, Infiniti Mall Malad, concluded its vibrant book fair, Lock The Box. Hosted in collaboration with Book Chor, the fair presented an opportunity to all bibliophiles to explore diverse fascinating stories and gain knowledge about unexplored themes under one roof.

Lock The Box established an environment rich in literature, comprising over 70,000 books that were on display, across categories including fiction, non-fiction, romance, mystery, science fiction, self-help. The book gala received overwhelming responses from the audience, with customers flocking in to make purchases and dive deep into the world of stories. Celebrated authors including Radhakrishnan Pillai, Akshat Gupta, Sudeep Nagarkar and Anand Neelakantan, were present at the mall, representing the enlightening work they have authored alongside candidly interacting with visitors and admirers during the book fair. The mall witnessed customers coming from all over Mumbai to witness this one-of-a-kind book fair ever hosted in the city.

New Delhi14th August 2023 KAVACH-2023 Cyber Security Hackathon, jointly organized by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of Ministry of Home Affairs successfully concluded on 10th August 2023.

Shri Tapan Deka, IPS, Director, Intelligence Bureau attended the valedictory session as Chief Guest. The three-day hackathon which started on 8th August, 2023 with the virtual inauguration ceremony at BPR&D Headquarters in New Delhi concluded in the same way at North Block, MHA, New Delhi.

The valedictory session was graced by Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Smt Sundari Nanda, IPS, Special Secretary, Internal Security, Sh Balaji Srivastava, IPS, DG, BPR&D, Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, Smt. Rekha Lohani, IPS , Director, Modernization, BPR&D, Smt Anupama Nilekar Chandra, IPS, ADG, BPR&D, Shri Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary, AICTE and other dignitaries from Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Education.

KAVACH ended with innovations and solutions emerging to address pressing cyber security challenges. Participants from 106 teams participated in the Hackathon as they showcased their expertise in tackling 20 distinct problem statements provided by the (BPR&D and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Addressing the valedictory session of KAVACH Hackathon 2023, Sh Balaji Srivastava, IPS, DG, BPR&D said, “The engagement with winners and participants of KAVACH 2023 does not end with this hackathon. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India plans to actively engage with all participants through an easy and supportive mechanism and SOP is being worked out at the bureau, which will stimulate the roadmap for incubation and commercialization of the ideas proposed during the hackathon. This approach will enable transformation of prototypes into full-fledged viable software solutions that can directly address the real issues.”

The hackathon showcased an impressive collaboration between various stakeholders, including mentors, AICTE officials, representatives from Innovation Cell, I4C, BPR&D, and Startup India. A total of 60 evaluators from diverse industries and academia lent their expertise to assess the solutions presented by the participating teams. The event was spread across five nodal centers, fostering an atmosphere of collective innovation and problem-solving:

•  Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
•  IES College of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
•  Pillai College of Engineering, New Panvel, Maharashtra
•  AMC Engineering College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
•  GL Bajaj Institute of Technology and Management, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

The winners of KAVACH-2023 demonstrated exceptional creativity and insight in addressing cyber security challenges. A total of INR 20 lakhs was awarded to the winning teams, with each problem statement garnering a prize of INR 1 lakh. This recognition not only encourages innovative problem-solving but also reinforces the commitment to bolstering cyber security measures.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, highlighted the importance of mentorship and guidance from BPR&D for the winning teams, ultimately leading to improved solutions for the Ministry of Home Affairs.

As societies worldwide embrace advanced technologies, the critical issue of cyber security has taken center stage. The prevalence of cybercrime, encompassing threats such as ransomware, phishing, online scams, and hacking, underscores the urgency to address these challenges. In pursuit of combating cyber threats, the hackathon encouraged innovative thinking, ideation, and execution. “We must move forward with innovation, ideation, and execution to combat cybercrime and threats,” stated AICTE Chairman Prof. T.G. Sitharam while addressing the valedictory session.

Towards the end of the event, Shri Tapan Deka, IPS, Director, Intelligence Bureau also addressed the gathering and interacted with the winners of hackathon from all 5 nodal centres.

Bengaluru,14th August 2023 Knowledgeum Academy, a leading IB World School and Cambridge International School backed by JAIN Group, held its first Theory of Knowledge (TOK) exhibition on August 12th. The event celebrated the IBDP2 students’ critical thinking abilities and skills, intellectual exploration and students’ systematic understanding of the multiple factors of knowledge.

The TOK Exhibition is a testament to Knowledgeum Academy’s pledge towards holistic education that was showcased through stimulating projects. The exhibition provided a one-of-its-kind platform for students to display their insights, perspectives and discoveries in the field of knowledge. This was helped by a series of interactive displays, presentations, debates and discussions. Ms. Aparna Prasad, Co-Founder, Knowledgeum Academy was the chief guest for the TOK Exhibition. A distinguished personality, an innovative leader, and an advocate for interdisciplinary learning, Ms. Prasad’s presence was indicative of the significance of the TOK exhibition to students and their parents alike. It further strengthened their belief in promoting intellectual discussions and nurturing young minds to become well-rounded thinkers and future leaders.

The TOK Exhibition incorporated various avenues of knowledge, including ethics, perception, and language among many others. IBDP1 students also got a chance to engage themselves in deep discussions, explore projects, and received valuable insights into the journey of self-discovery and learning.

Dr. Kalai Rajan, Head of School, Knowledgeum School said, “We are very happy to host a successful TOK exhibition for the very first time. The exhibition helped our students to grow intellectually and engage themselves with diverse ways of knowing. Theory of Knowledge is not just a subject but a philosophy that empowers students to think and examine things critically and appreciate the complexities of knowledge in an interconnected world.”

Ms. Aparna Prasad, Founder of Knowledgeum said, “I am delighted at the way the TOK exhibition has been conducted. It has given everyone a glimpse of what Knowledgeum Academy stands for and how the quest of knowledge is a never ending process. Events like these play a very important role in shaping young minds into informed and responsible global citizens and are the stepping stones towards success for any self-motivated learner.”

Mumbai, 14th August 2023  In its368th meeting held on 11^th August 2023, ONGC Board approved the results for First Quarter (Q1) of FY 2023-24.

Details are as under:

1. Financial Performance (Consolidated)

2. Financial Performance(Standalone)

 3 Production Performance (Standalone)

The reduction in ONGC’s production output in Q1 FY 2023-24 was due to:

1. Shutdown in Panna-Mukta offshore platforms for commissioning of new crude oil pipeline to modernise its evacuation facilities, post taking over from JV Partners.
2. Cyclone Biparjoy (June 2023) disrupted offshore and onshore production.
3. Crude oil wells in southern India had to be stopped as a refinery there stopped receiving oil, following a leakage in their pipeline.

To counter the decline in production from some of the matured and marginal fields, ONGC is taking proactive steps by implementing well interventions and advancing new well drilling activities.The current decline in production is temporary. The same will be compensated in upcoming quarters with commencement of additional production from new projects; especially by crude oil production commencement from KG 98/2 in Q3 2023-24.

4. Exploratory Success:

• ONGC has declared total 4 discoveries (1 in onland and 3 in offshore) during 1^st Quarter of FY 2023-24 in its operated acreages. Out of these, 3are prospect (offshore) and 1 pool discovery(onland).

Out of 4 discoveries notified till date during FY 2023-24, 1 discovery viz. Gopavaram-21 hasalready been monetized by ONGC.

The details of the latest discoveries notified since last press release in this regard on 26.05.2023 are as under:

2021. The Exploratory well, ST-6 was drilled in Mid and South Tapti PML area in Mumbai Offshore (Shallow water). The well has flowed gas both from Mahuva and Daman Formations. This is the first well drilled in the Mid-South Tapti ML since it was re-granted to ONGC in July’2021.. The well has opened up a new area beyond the established limits of the Mid Tapti-South Tapti fields. This prospect discovery has been named as “Pukhraj”.

1. The development well Gopavaram-21 was drilled in Srikattapalli-Pasarlapudi (24) & Gopavaram PML area in KG onland basin.This success has been notified as Zone of Potential Commercial Interest (New Pool) as this new pay zone for the first time has proved hydrocarbon in the area.

5. Awards/Recognitions/Other highlights:

2022. ONGC secured an impressive 158^th ranking on the Fortune Global 500 list in 2023, climbing an astounding 32 places from 2022.

1. ONGC Videsh was granted the Navratna Status by Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance and became 14th Navratna amongst the CPSEs.

• ONGC set new benchmarks in gas trading with its gas sales through Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) reaching milestone of Rs 508 crores by June 2023. ONGC has ramped up gas sales through IGX to 25,700 MMBtu/day (approx. 7.0 LSCMD). About 169 buyer ship-to-parties have chosen ONGC as their trusted gas supplier through IGX, with a significant number of them being new buyers.

2023. ONGC connected the Panna Process Platform with subsea pipelines, nearly 70 km offshore, amidst depths of around 65 m on 10 June 2023. ONGC achieved a significant milestone with the successful linkage of Panna Process Platform with subsea pipeline, a part of ONGC’s Bassein & Satellite (B&S) Asset. This will lead to significant cost reduction and also minimize the production downtime associated with tanker changeovers.

1. ONGC signed three “Hook up Agreements” with Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) to connect its gas fields with the North East Gas Grid (NEGG) to foster a major milestone in energy connectivity and growth in the North East region.

1. Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Lt. Governor of J&K laid foundation stone of ONGC-funded Yatri Niwasin Sidhra, Jammu.ONGC is funding the construction of National Disaster Mitigation Centre and Yatri Niwas to bring about favorable changes for the local community, while the surge in visitor numbers will catalyze prospects for economic advancement.

• ONGC features in ‘Great Place to Work’ list of India’s Best Employers among Nation-Builders. ONGC has been featured in GPTW “Wall of Fame” for its commitment towards maintaining the energy security of the nation.

• ONGC has been conferred with the “Energy Company of the Year” & “The Social Changemaker Award” in Oil & Gas category by Economic Times on 20 June 2023.

1. ONGC’s Institute of Drilling Technology was honored with the prestigious Golden Peacock Eco Innovation Award 2023 by the Institute of Directors (IOD) on 22 June 2023 in acknowledgement of its sustainable drilling practices.

2023. ONGC received the “Gold Buyer Award” for Highest Service Procurement through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal in FY 2022-23 on 26 June 2023.

1. ONGC was recognized as one of the ‘Top Central Excise Taxpayers’ in the Mumbai Zone on the 6^th GST Day Celebrations. The Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra presented ONGC with a Certificate of Appreciation and a Plaque.

• ONGC becomes the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) in India to receive certification for its Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) by INTERCERT, an international accredited certification body on 10 July 2023.

• ONGC Energy Center was granted a patent for ‘Trapezoidal with Fin as Float Design of Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter’ from Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) on 18 May 2023. The patent is a promising step towards harnessing power from ocean waves in a clean and sustainable manner.

• ONGC signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iceland Geothermal Energy GeoSurvey (ISOR) on 7 June 2023. The MoU has been signed for exploring and developing Geothermal potential on Pan-India basis.

2023. ONGC signed MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. to explore downstream opportunities especially in petrochemicals, both greenfield projects and through acquisitions on 14 June 2023.

• ONGC signed a historic MoU with BPCL, GAIL, Indian Oil and HPCL prioritizing engineering and safety measures for pipeline protection, while streamlining the permission process on 19 June 2023 for pipeline crossing permissions.

• ONGC inks first-ever term contract in Marketing Freedom regime with BPCL for the sale of crude oil from the Mumbai region.

ONGC signed an MoU on ‘Microwave-Assisted Mobilization of Viscous Crude Oil for Improved Oil Recovery & Flow Assurance Applications’ with Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology to shape petroleum industry’s future, revolutionize oil recovery and ensure smooth flow assurance.

India’s first suspension wheels-driven technology, reducing spinal vibration by 60%, thereby enhancing the comfort of wheelchair users making it one the most innovative technologies today

Rut3 marks a monumental step towards independent living for persons with disabilities by collaborating with Rotary Club, and the Delhi Government,

This is the first ever made-in-India technology to be introduced to PWDs in this category

Rut3’s patented technology aligns with Indian infrastructure, aiming to reduce Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) by up to 11 years.

Delhi, August 11th, 2023: Rut3 Engineering Pvt Ltd, a technology driven startup, unveils its first landmark initiative in cutting-edge wheelchair driven technology. In partnership with Rotary Club and the Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi Rut3 have launched India’s first ever suspension wheels-driven technology at the General Disability Camp. This groundbreaking technology is poised to revolutionize the independent living of persons with disabilities in India.

Designed and patented with Indian infrastructure in mind, Rut3’s unique wheel design features suspensions within the wheel’s rim, significantly reducing the unwarranted vibrations impacting wheelchair users. Tested rigorously in partnership with IIT Madras innovation centre, this Made in India innovation reportedly reduces spinal vibration by an impressive 60% and can cut Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) by up to 11 years.

“At the heart of this innovation is a compassionate understanding of the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users, who often endure discomfort akin to truck drivers. Rut3’s technology focuses on reducing both the physical strain and the economic burden, significantly decreasing chronic medical expenses, maintenance costs, and the overall economic loss.” said Shubham Sutar, Co-Founder & CTO Rut3.

Rut3, the Delhi Government and the Rotary Club together distributed state-of-the-art wheelchairs to end users. Rut3 will be seeking real-time feedback from PWDs about their experience using the Rut3 wheelchairs in coming months. Shri Raaj Kumar Anand, Delhi Cabinet Minister for Social Welfare, Labour, Employment lauded Mitesh Rasal, Founder of Rut3 for his active participation and contribution towards PWDs and endorsed the company’s efforts towards the cause and the Make In India initiative undertaken by the Rut3 technology team.

Rut3 Founder, Mitesh Rasal, stated, “Wheelchair users face a tremendous amount of fatigue, stress, and discomfort due to the absence of suspensions, leading to chronic backache, spine injury, and issues with neck ache. Our unique suspensions help focus on the healthcare and mental state of the PWDs and on reducing out-of-pocket expenses for users. The Rut3 wheelchair is an innovative product which will help PWDs save precious income and also enable them to participate in many more in daily activities like a job, family events, etc. Thus alleviating both the family’s and the government’s health burden.”

The impact of this unique technological advancement extends far beyond mere comfort. One user at the event highlighted how inadequate last-mile infrastructure had restricted his movement, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and substantial economic loss. With the helps of Rut3 technology he will be able to overcome these challenges in the future.

Rotarian Mukesh G Gupta, speaking at the event, reinforced Rut3’s commitment to uplifting the lives of people with disabilities and the elderly; by allowing them to travel confidently across diverse terrains. “With the Rut3 aesthetic design, the wheelchair appeals to the end users. It is focused on encouraging PWDs to embrace life and use wheelchairs in public. Thus it helps PWDs bypass the social stigma around wheelchair use in society,” he said.

According to studies conducted by Rut3, the data collected paints a staggering picture, suggesting that an average person in an ill-suited wheelchair tends to lose 11 economic years, equivalent to a loss of 57 million years across India. Rut3 aims to turn this grim statistic around with its cutting-edge technology. Supported by the Government, Rut3’s product development involves extensive research, including inputs from over 200 users, rehabilitation centres, and wheelchair manufacturers.

Rut3 is one of India’s top startups and a winner of prestigious awards like the Atal New India Challenge 1.0 and the Prosus SICA Challenge 2022 (India), in partnership with Social Alpha. By marrying technology with empathy, Rut3 are crafting a path towards an inclusive and compassionate world.