Archives August 2023

Guwahati,4th August 2023 HelpAge India, a non-governmental organization addressing the needs of vulnerable elders, today launched a Mobile Healthcare Unit (MHU) in Guwahati district in partnership with Procter and Gamble Health Limited under their CSR initiative – SEHAT committed to contributing towards building a healthier India.

“The newly launched Guwahati MHU will enable us to provide quality healthcare support to vulnerable and disadvantaged elderly at their doorstep, a much-needed service in the district. Approximately, over 40,000 treatments will be provided every year to senior citizens and their communities. P&G Health Ltd. has been a long-standing partner with HelpAge India through its SEHAT initiative and extends continued support for our eldercare projects, including our healthcare projects in Puri (Odisha) and Khandwa (Madhya Pradesh). We greatly value this partnership with P&G Health,” said Rohit Prasad, CEO, of HelpAge India.

Mr. Milind Thatte, Managing Director, Procter and Gamble Health Ltd., along with Sharmila Majumder, Territory Head – West Bengal and North East were present at the launch event and flagged off the MHU from Gobardhan Grant village in Kamrup Metropolitan District.

Speaking about this initiative Milind Thatte, Managing Director, Procter & Gamble Health Limited, said, “We believe that every individual, regardless of age, deserves access to quality healthcare. We have partnered with HelpAge India since 2020, when we first started supporting their Mobile Healthcare programs in Mumbai to offer essential primary health services to disadvantaged elderly at their doorstep. By launching the Mobile Healthcare Unit in Guwahati today, we reaffirm our commitment to improve the well-being of the disadvantaged elderly in the rural areas around Guwahati. We will continue our interventions through SEHAT thereby facilitating more people live healthier lives across all levels of the society.”

HelpAge operates one of Asia’s largest mobile healthcare programs. With these additions, the total strength of HelpAge India’s MHU network throughout the country is now 160. Each year, the MHUs provide medical relief and treatment to more than eight lakh disadvantaged elders and their communities, covering some of India’s most remote regions, where basic healthcare is virtually inaccessible.

The mobile healthcare programme saves poor elders from long queues at hospitals, along with transportation and medicine costs. With the support of partners like Procter and Gamble Health Limited, it provides free medication on a weekly basis. The MHU team keeps a constant monitor of the health of the poor elder beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are provided health cards and records of their treatment are maintained. Along with this, it also undertakes basic diagnostics, home visits by doctors (in the case of bedridden patients), and counselling of patients, the elderly, family members, and caretakers.

As part of Shriram Properties Ltd’s (SPL) dedication to preserving the environment and contributing positively to the planet, SPL has successfully planted approximately 1000 tree saplings across all premises of Shriram Properties Ltd. This tree plantation drive not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings but also plays a crucial role in combating climate change and promoting a greener future for generations to come. Also, recognizing the importance of engaging each member of the Shriram family and the positive role that each one can play, SPL has distributed seed balls to all employees. These seed balls are not just small bundles of potential; they represent the collective effort to nurture and grow a healthier ecosystem. By planting these seed balls and nurturing them under their care, they have participated in a meaningful act of environmental stewardship, making a direct impact on the local biodiversity. This marks a significant and memorable day at Shriram Properties Ltd as they come together to celebrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate consciousness.

Gurugram – Gang of Thars, the world’s largest community of off-roading enthusiasts, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated annual event, The Grand Freedom Drive, in honor of India’s spirit of freedom and patriotism. This year’s event promises to surpass all expectations, bringing together a convoy of over 150-200 Thars for a momentous journey on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.

On 15th August 2023, marking India’s 76th Independence Day, participants from Delhi NCR and across the nation will join forces in this spectacular celebration of unity and freedom. The event will kick off early in the morning with the assembling of all Thars, followed by a flag-off for an exciting 120 KM long drive. The journey will culminate at a designated location, where a grand event will be held to commemorate the start of this extraordinary occasion. Attendees will be treated to live music, delectable food, and engaging games, adding to the excitement and camaraderie of the event.

The Grand Freedom Drive has become an annual tradition for the Gang of Thars community, signifying the historic significance of Independence Day and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among off-roading enthusiasts. Last year, the community achieved a remarkable feat by hosting a drive of 112 Thars in a Single Convoy in Gurgaon, establishing a national record and spreading the message of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with pride.

“The Grand Freedom Drive is more than just an event; it embodies our deep love for the country and our shared values,” said Amarjit Singh, Admin of Gang of Thars. “We extend a warm invitation to all Thar Owners who are patriots and adventure seekers to join us in this spectacular celebration of unity and freedom.”

This year’s edition promises to elevate the celebration to new heights, showcasing the participants’ passion and love for the nation as they embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of India. The event offers multiple sponsorship opportunities, enabling businesses to align themselves with this noble cause and gain significant brand visibility. Sponsors will benefit from exposure in promotional materials, media coverage, and recognition during the event.

Join us in igniting the spirit of patriotism and embarking on this remarkable journey as we celebrate India’s Independence Day with fervor and unity.

4th August 2023: Mensa Brands, India’s biggest digital House of Brands, is excited to announce its integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This integration begins with three of its prestigious brands, namely Villain, MyFitness, and Priyaasi. Villain is a men’s lifestyle brand that has a range of perfumes, personal care, apparel, and accessories. Priyaasi is a jewelry and accessories brand under Mensa’s lifestyle portfolio, while MyFitness’ peanut butter falls under Mensa’s FMCG portfolio.

This integration with ONDC allows Mensa Brands’ extensive portfolio of brands to be showcased on all the consumer apps within the rapidly developing network. The three brands can now be easily accessed on various buyer apps within the ONDC network, such as Paytm, Phonepe, Spicesmartshop, Eunimart, Craftsvilla, and Mystore.

The three brands have a robust direct-to-consumer website and are available on popular online platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, and Nykaa, with MyFitness also available on quick commerce platforms like Zepto and Blinkit. In addition to their strong online presence, Villain, MyFitness and Priyaasi are widely available offline, with their products being sold in both GT (General Trade) and MT (Modern Trade) outlets. This diverse distribution strategy ensures that customers can conveniently access these brands through various channels. The association with ONDC is expected to open new avenues for growth, collaboration, and an enhanced digital experience for customers.

The inclusion of Villain, MyFitness, and Priyaasi is just the beginning of Mensa Brands’ commitment to delivering exceptional products and experiences to customers through the ONDC Network. This strategic move empowers these brands to extend their reach and cater to a broader customer base by making their exceptional products easily accessible to buyers on the ONDC platform. Leveraging the immense potential of this new technology, Mensa’s brands aim to create a significant impact in their respective market segments.

Notably, MyFitness recently appointed the Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as the face of their brand, while Villain has renowned cricketers Yash and Hardik Pandya as their beloved brand ambassadors. Priyaasi has roped in Dia Mirza as their brand ambassador for the second time.

Mr. Ananth Narayanan, Founder and CEO of Mensa Brands, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with ONDC and introduce our leading brands, Villain, Priyaasi and MyFitness, to a vast audience of digital shoppers. Our collaboration in the initial stage of the network allows us to form deep partnership with the various stakeholders and expand our presence across the country. We are excited that consumers in India will be able to experience our products with a best-in-class experience that the network is building to enable.”

T Koshy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at ONDC commented, “We are delighted to have Villain join the ONDC Network, showcasing their distinctive range of products. As we continue to expand, we look forward to the potential inclusion of more brands from Mensa Brands, offering customers more options within the diverse and enriching shopping experience provided by applications and sellers on the ONDC Network.”

Looking ahead, more brands across Mensa’s fashion, electronics, and home & gardening portfolios are expected to join the ONDC platform, starting with Pebble. This move reflects Mensa Brands’ commitment to leveraging the power of digital commerce to reach more customers and expand its brand presence in the market.

India, 4th August 2023 – Geetanjali Homestate, a renowned name in the real estate industry, is delighted to announce the highly anticipated second season of GALA Expo, a premier property carnival. This grand event provides a unique platform for real estate enthusiasts and investors to explore the finest properties in Gurgaon and beyond. Scheduled to take place at the renowned Westin Gurgaon on August 6th, 2023, the GALA Expo will be graced by the presence of renowned celebrities, adding to its allure and prestige.

GALA Expo aims to bring together real estate developers, investors, homebuyers, and industry professionals to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and developments in the real estate sector. Attendees can explore a comprehensive showcase of premium residential and commercial properties, providing them with a wide range of options to choose from.

Season 2 of GALA Expo offers attendees an exclusive opportunity to secure their dream property at unbeatable prices, including luxurious apartments, SCO Plots, or DDJY plots, making it an unparalleled chance to invest in a property that suits their preferences and requirements.

Sunil Sisodiya, Founder of Geetanjali Homestate, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are excited to bring back GALA Expo for its second season. This event showcases the best real estate offerings in Gurgaon and provides a platform for buyers, investors, and industry professionals to connect. We have curated an exceptional line-up of properties and look forward to welcoming attendees, along with renowned celebrities, to this prestigious event.”

Leading developers such as DLF, Adani Realty, Lodha Group, Oberoi Realty, Tata Housing, Godrej Properties, M3M, Raheja Developers, Emaar, Hiranandani, 3B Homes, Orris, Vatika, ROF Group, Migsun, Sawasdee Group, Yashika, Bhutani Infra, 32nd Avenue, Landmark, Tarc, Royal Green Realty, SV Housing, WTC, Reach 3Roads, Pyramid, Navraj, Tulip Monsella, Ambience, Paras Buildtech, Bestech, Unity Group, Omaxe, Satya Group, Breez, Mapsko, Spaze, Signature Global, Capital Developers, Silverglades, BPTP & many more will showcase their exceptional projects. This diverse range of developers ensures that attendees have access to a variety of options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their property investments.

4th August 2023 As the country witnessed heavy rainfall and flooding over the past few weeks, MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, has reported a significant increase in the number of conjunctivitis and eye flu-related cases. According to the data, there is an increasing trend in patients seeking medical advice for various eye-related problems. The most frequently reported issues include conjunctivitis, red eye with watering, discharge, and sticky lids in the morning. The platform reported a substantial increase in overall Ophthalmology consultations, surging from 1% last year to 2.6%, marking a significant 137% rise. Most cases are linked to conjunctivitis among young adults aged between 25 and 35 years, with an increase of 49%.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as ‘pink eye,’ is an eye infection caused by viruses or bacteria that lead to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the eye’s white part and the eyelids’ inner surface. The condition can be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated objects, or respiratory droplets. It can also have seasonal patterns, with some types more prevalent during specific times of the year. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness and inflammation of the eyes, itchiness and irritation, crusty eyelids – particularly after waking up, and a gritty sensation.

Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations, MediBuddy says, “With the onset of the rainy season, we have seen a significant increase in consultations for conjunctivitis. Individuals need to stay vigilant about the symptoms and seek immediate doctor consultation. Conjunctivitis, though typically resolving independently, can be caused by different factors, and accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent its spread and potential complications. I advise everyone experiencing conjunctivitis symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to manage the condition effectively.”

In light of the current situation, MediBuddy urges individuals to adopt preventive measures to curb the transmission of conjunctivitis. Frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes with unwashed hands, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces are essential practices that can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

In addition to the surge in ophthalmology consultations, MediBuddy has also observed increased consultations in other medical specialties. A rise of 56% in weight management consultations for individuals seeking assistance in managing their weight to adopt a healthy lifestyle and overall well-being. Endocrinology consultations continue to rise and have increased by 67%, indicating a growing awareness of hormonal imbalances and their impact on overall health. Consultations related to pain management have witnessed a notable surge, soaring by 748% from 0.08% in 2022 to 0.74% in 2023. This is attributed to the growing demand for addressing pain-related problems from individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions and those seeking relief from acute pain.

The spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, has shown only too well how quickly infectious agents can move around the world. Although increasing antibiotic resistance and Covid-19 are not directly linked, there is a serious consequence for human health, since many of our last-resort antibiotics are critical to saving patients with secondary infections that can cause death.

This may drive the next major pandemic, as it exemplifies the significant chance that our suite of current antibiotics will fail to combat many new biological infections, including ones that might spread globally.

Tackling antibiotic resistance

Newcastle University’s Professor David Graham, an environmental engineer who has spent almost 20 years studying the environmental transmission of antibiotic resistance around the world, has contributed to new recommendations for tackling the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance, published jointly in 2020 by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Local “hot spots” of antibiotic resistance are known to exist around the world, particularly in densely populated regions with inconsistent sanitation and poor water quality. The new guidance, which has since been translated into six languages, provides a framework for countries to create their own locally-driven national action plans.

It centers around growing evidence, including research at Newcastle University, which suggests the problem of increasing antibiotic resistance will not be solved by prudent antibiotic use alone and improving environmental quality around the world may be of equal or greater importance.

The research

Commencing with work analysing antibiotic resistance in water samples from the Ganges River near human pilgrimage sites, Professor Graham’s team and colleagues at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, extended their research to a range of other locations and environmental contexts, including solid waste landfills in China, aquaculture facilities in Thailand, soils near the North Pole, and wastewater treatment plants and networks in many countries.

This suite of work showed that not only does environmental resistance exist around the world, but that the main driver is local antibiotic resistance evolution and its spread differs from place to place. It highlighted that antibiotic-resistant genes can move fast between microbes and through many pathways, even to places where antibiotics functionally are not present, such as in polar regions, considered to be the last ‘pristine’ places on earth.

Finding a solution

“The only way we are going to win the fight against antibiotic resistance is to understand and block the environmental and other pathways that lead to spread,” explains Professor Graham. “Our work has shown that although the types and drivers of resistance are diverse and vary by region and country, there are common roots to its spread such as inappropriate antibiotic use in medicine and agriculture, industrial pollution, and inadequate sanitation, resulting in poor water quality.

“There is no such thing as a cookie-cutter solution – each country needs to have its own plan for preventing and addressing the spread of antibiotic resistance that considers that country’s particular situation.

“This means rapidly improving waste management, sanitation, and water quality on local and global scales – especially in emerging and developing countries where the social impacts of resistance are often the greatest – otherwise antibiotic resistance will continue to increase, making the next pandemic even worse.”

Professor Graham’s recent work with the UN Environment Programme, which led to this final 2023 report “Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance”, shows the scale of the global problem. This report, in which Graham was a co-lead author, recommends prevention of antibiotic resistance at its root and increased integrated surveillance across sectors (a One Health approach) as the two critical actions needed to start winning the fight against antibiotic resistance.

This includes using antibiotics more prudently in every context but also encouraging governments and public health, and other authorities to move towards more locally suitable actions, such as local, low-cost, easily deployed, yet high-impact solutions for human waste management.

Central to this is the importance of greater international cooperation to bring about improved water, sanitation and health (WASH) provision as a way to prevent the next global pandemic.

“Once improved sanitation and hygiene exist at global scales, as well as fairer access to clean water, our reliance on antibiotics will decline,” says Professor Graham.

India 4th August 2023: Hungama Artist Aloud, a platform that supports and promotes independent content, and Khazana – an annual concert that celebrates the art of ghazals, today announced the 6th edition of Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt, India’s first and only talent hunt for Ghazal singers. The talent hunt will allow participants from around the world to participate in the contest, and see ghazal maestros, Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, Rekha Bhardwaj, and Sudeep Banerji reprise their roles as judges. Making for a fitting finale, the competition will culminate with its 2 winners performing alongside the above-mentioned Ghazal legends themselves.

Speaking about the talent hunt, Soumini Sridhara Paul, Senior Vice President, Hungama Artist Aloud said, “We are delighted to extend our long-standing association with Khazana for the 6th edition of the Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt. Right from the first edition, the talent hunt has celebrated the sheer brilliance of Ghazals and seen aspiring singers showcase their impeccable passion for them on a grand scale. Over the past three years, we’ve garnered an overwhelming response with more than <10,000+> participants from over <170> cities around the world. We are certain that performances of such talented Ghazal singers will inspire artists across the globe and give them the motivation they need to explore their talent further.”

Sharing his thoughts about the talent hunt, Pankaj Udhas said, “It brings me great joy to be a part of Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt for its 6th edition. As the years go by, we see more and more fresh talent participating in the talent hunt. Through this association of Khazana and Hungama Artist Aloud, we once again look to inspire budding young talent from all over the world to come forward and show their love for Ghazals.”

Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals was founded by legendary ghazal singer and President, of the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust, Pankaj Udhas, and Y.K. Sapru, Chairman and CEO, Founder and Director, of Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) with the support of ghazal maestros and Anup Jalota. Currently, in its 20th year, Khazana has excelled in preserving and promoting the exquisite art of ghazal singing by giving a platform to both, new and established ghazal singers. All proceeds from the festival go to the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT) and Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA).

Mumbai | 4th  August 2023 In a significant development, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has entered into a term contract with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for the sale of crude oil from the Mumbai region, cementing the strong partnership between the two esteemed companies.

ONGC Signs term contract with BPCL for sale of Mumbai Offshore crude oil

 The signing ceremony took place at ONGC NBP Green Heights, Mumbai, between ONGC ED- Chief Marketing Sanjay Kumar, and BPCL ED (IT) Manoj Heda, in the presence of ED-Western Offshore C Mathavan, Asset Managers of Mumbai region, Plant Manager- Uran and ED- Chief Commercial.

 The historic contract comes after the Government of India’s decision to grant marketing and pricing freedom for domestic crude oil, replacing the previous allocation mechanism. ONGC has swiftly adapted to the new regime and successfully initiated the first-ever e-auction of Mumbai Offshore crude oil.

A glimpse of the formal ceremony at ONGC NBP Green Heights, Mumbai

 BPCL Mumbai refinery has a longstanding association with ONGC, processing their crude oil since 1976. With the advantage of being connected by pipeline, BPCL offers seamless logistical operations for ONGC.

As the energy market dynamics continue to evolve, ONGC remains steadfast in its pursuit of innovation and excellence in the sector, reinforcing its position as a key player in India’s oil and gas industry.

Mumbai,4th August 2023 – On August 1, 2023, the application period for the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant 2024 began. The DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden supports up to four outstanding research projects in the field of stem cell transplantation or cell therapy each year. The grant is aimed at young scientists who have obtained a doctoral degree (PhD, MD or equivalent achievements) no more than 10 years ago. The grant amounts to €240,000 each and will be paid out over a period of three years. The application deadline is November 30, 2023.

DKMS is primarily known as the world’s largest stem cell donor center, with more than 11.5 million registered potential stem cell donors. However, the non-profit organization is also deeply involved in the medical and scientific field. “Every year, more than 1.2 million people around the world are diagnosed with blood cancer and, though a stem cell transplant can save the lives of many of them, not all patients are permanently cured afterwards,” explains Professor Dr. Marcel van den Brink, Chairman of the DKMS Medical Council. “Still, relapses and severe complications, most notably graft-versus-host disease, pose major challenges to medicine and science. We want to contribute to the continuous improvement of stem cell transplantation and other cellular therapies.” To this end, DKMS runs its own research projects and is committed to ensuring excellent research for the future. “It is a matter close to our heart and the DKMS John Hansen Research Grant enables talented young scientists to work on their promising projects for the benefit of patients worldwide.”

All information on the application modalities, as well as further details on the John Hansen Research Grant, are available on the DKMS Professionals’ Platform. If you have any questions, interested parties are also welcome to contact DKMS by email: grant@dkms.org.

DKMS – much more than a stem cell donor center

To date, DKMS has already given more than 105,000 blood cancer patients a second chance at life. In addition, the non-profit organization operates its own research unit in Dresden. With the DKMS Life Science Lab, it has the most powerful HLA typing laboratory in the world. DKMS research teams work on many different scientific studies around the topic of stem cell transplantation. One particularly successful example is the first DKMS clinical trial with practice-changing results. As a result of the trial, more patients worldwide may have access to transplantation in the future. If you would like to find out more about the scientific commitment of the non-profit organization, you will find detailed information on the DKMS Professionals’ Platform.

John A. Hansen – outstanding physician with a big heart

John A. Hansen, after whom the grant is named, was an outstanding oncologist and distinguished immunogeneticist at the renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. With his excellent achievements in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, this dedicated and empathetic physician made a significant contribution to increasing the efficacy and safety of blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantations – and thus helped in giving countless patients a second chance at life. As a long-standing member of the board of the DKMS Stiftung Leben Spenden and a member of the DKMS Medical Council, he was deeply connected to the DKMS family.