Archives December 2023

Bangalore, 4th December 2023 Motherhood Hospitals organized a highly successful Continuing Medical Education (MED – CON) event focused on the escalating prevalence of recurrent pregnancy losses. The conference showcased esteemed global experts, Prof. Robert John Aitken, Emeritus Laureate Professor at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, and Prof. Henriette Svarre Nielsen, Chair Professor OBGYN, Dept of Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The event, held on December 3rd 2023, at the Chancery Pavilion Bengaluru, witnessed the participation of 160 healthcare professionals.

The MED-CON commenced with a warm welcome speech by Dr. Rashmi Patil Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgery and infertility Specialist Banashankari, Bangalore illuminated the complexities surrounding Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL), underscoring its profound implications for the physical and mental well-being of women.

Dr. Mirudhubashini Govindarajan, Clinical Director, Women’s Center by Motherhood, Coimbatore, stated, “Recurrent pregnancy loss profoundly impacts women’s well-being, but new research brings hope. Breakthroughs in understanding microbiomes and advancements like the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) test offer targeted interventions and personalized care. We are committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, empowering women, and increasing the chances of successful pregnancies. We aim to push the boundaries of knowledge, explore new frontiers, and offer renewed hope to those affected by recurrent pregnancy loss.”

A pivotal moment during the event was the presentation by Prof. Henriette Svarre Nielsen, where she shared groundbreaking research on the role of microbiomes in female reproduction and their potential connection to recurrent pregnancy losses.

Dr Henriette Svarre Nielsen, Chair Professor OBGYN, Dept of Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark further adds, the altered microbial community in the uterine cavity and how it affects the entire reproductive process. Research hints that these microorganisms might affect the immune system locally and influence the chances of having a baby. Exploring how the uterine microbiome and endometrium interact could reveal important information about women’s reproductive well-being and lead to better treatments. “Dr. Nielson emphasized that alterations in the composition of microbiomes within the human body can significantly affect fertility, pregnancy, and ultimately lead to recurrent pregnancy losses.

Addressing the virtual audience, Prof. Robert John Aitken, delved into the impact of male factor on recurrent pregnancy losses in women. He highlighted the effects of male reproductive aging and the decreasing fertility rate among men aged 37 and above, underscoring that age-related fertility issues in the male remains a significant challenge, requiring immediate attention.

The MED – CON also spotlighted technological advancements, including the Sperm DFI Test, offering hope for individuals grappling with recurrent pregnancy losses. This test evaluates the extent of DNA damage in sperm, a crucial factor in male fertility and embryo development. By identifying potential sperm damage and assessing semen quality, the Sperm DNA fragmentation index DFI test has become a vital diagnostic tool, opening new avenues for research and treatment.

Dr. Asha Baxi, Senior Lead Consultant – Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vice President FOGSI – West Zone, Treasurer – ISAR addressed “the APLA/ Auto-Immune Factor within the intricate landscape of immunology, the presence and implications of APLA (Antiphospholipid Antibody) stand as both a challenge and a key to unlocking deeper insights into autoimmune dynamics, shedding light on the nuanced facets of health and well-being”.

Dr. Ramya Jayaram added, “Abnormalities in the uterus can pose significant challenges to conception and carrying a pregnancy to term. However, with advancements in technology, medical and surgical procedures we have powerful tools to overcome this condition. By leveraging cutting-edge techniques, personalized treatments, and comprehensive counseling, we can empower individuals and couples to beat uterine factor infertility and increase their chances of successful pregnancies. At Women’s Center by Motherhood, we are committed to providing the latest advancements and comprehensive care to help individuals overcome the hurdles of uterine factor infertility and achieve their dreams of parenthood.”

The MED-CON provided a dynamic platform for experts to exchange knowledge, discuss groundbreaking research, and explore potential treatment solutions for recurrent pregnancy losses. Women Centre by Motherhood remains steadfast in advancing reproductive healthcare and supporting individuals and couples facing the challenges of recurrent pregnancy losses.

As the event concluded, Dr. Rashmi Patil Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgery and infertility Specialist Banashankari, Bangalore addressed the audience on the topic of about uterine factor infertility, emphasizing how irregularities in the uterus can hinder the process of conception and pose a significant obstacle in maintaining a pregnancy to full term.

Bengaluru, 4th December 2023 Labonel, the revered fine baking brand with a 25-year legacy, announces the inauguration of its flagship Gourmet Patisserie in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. In a strategic evolution, Labonel introduces its first-ever sit-down concept, transcending its traditional takeaway model. This marks a significant milestone for reflecting Labonel’s commitment to provide an unparalleled, immersive dessert experience for its connoisseurs.

Founded in 1995 by a French visionary, Labonel’s journey began with a commitment to offering authentic French finesse dessert experience with its freshly made, homestyle cakes and brownies in Hyderabad. Mehnaz Hussien, a self-taught baker, is the current custodian of the brand who has transgressed the growth of Labonel from a humble home kitchen into a sought-after fine dessert experience. The brand stands as a family-owned chain with seven stores across Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The flagship patisserie in Bengaluru promises to provide unparalleled freshness with unhurried moments of dessert bliss with its sit down concept. The carefully curated menu offers a symphony of flavors, from signature brownies and cookies to desserts, all freshly made with the finest ingredients and no preservatives. As a perfect paired accompaniment, Labonel has also pioneered the introduction of the TopBrewer Machine in its premises, a first in the country, which promises the finest brews.

Founder Mehnaz Hussien envisions Labonel as not merely a dessert destination but an ode to moments and experiences. Her continuous experimentation with recipes, coupled with staying abreast of global baking trends, ensures that Labonel continues to be a market leader. With plans for nationwide replication and international presence, Labonel is poised to continue its journey as a symbol of artisanal dessert excellence.

Commenting on the launch, Mrs. Mehnaz Hussain, Founder, Labonel Fine Baking, said, “Labonel’s journey began with a passion for creating exceptional baking experiences as a home-style kitchen, and now, we are all set to take the next step. It’s a momentous occasion for us, and we couldn’t be happier to bring the warmth and savor of Labonel to the people of Bengaluru. This venture is a testament to our commitment of providing the finest gourmet baked goods, and I’m excited to embark on this new chapter. We eagerly anticipate expanding Labonel to numerous more cities.”

Labonel is a masterpiece of freshness and individual kitchen artistry. The commitment to small-batch production ensures that each dessert creates a consistent and exquisite dessert experience. With robust expansion plans on the cards, Labonel will be replicating the Bengaluru model across the country and has plans to go international in the times to come.

Hyderabad,4th December 2023 Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS) Hyderabad today had the esteemed privilege of hosting Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis, an Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus Medical School, Greece. Dr. Farmakis engaged in insightful discussions centred around the prevention of thalassemia. The programme also featured an enlightening presentation on the Complications of β-Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Anemia – Heart disease by Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis and also a panel discussion encompassing various critical aspects. With the efforts of people like Dr. Dimitrios Framakis and many other medical professionals, now the country Cyprus has become the Thalassemia free country, with zero Thalassemia cases.

The sessions traced the origins of thalassemia prevention efforts, and the initial impetus behind addressing this critical health concern. Addressing the challenges faced in the nascent stages of this journey, the discussion reflected on the obstacles encountered and the strategies employed to overcome them. An in-depth analysis of the governmental approach towards tackling thalassemia and the collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing preventive measures.

Highlighting the impactful outcomes and tangible results achieved through concerted efforts, the discussions underscored the positive changes brought about in the realm of thalassemia prevention. A comprehensive overview of the current scenario regarding thalassemia prevention, assessing the strides made, and identifying potential areas for further enhancement.

Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis had a tour around TSCS society and appreciated them for providing their free services to such a large number of patients. He also appreciated TSCS saying it’s the biggest Thalassemia society in the world. Later, he also said he would recommend Thalassemia International Federation (TIF) to join hands with TSCS, so that together they can do miracles in Thalassemia prevention

Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis, Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus Medical School, Greece, has expressed his enthusiasm and said “I am so happy and excited to be part of this incredible moment, where all the expertise has gathered to discuss the eradication of Thalassemia. TSCS is doing really great work which is highly appreciative and the team here should reach their goal to eradicate thalassemia. We will definitely help to take preventive measures to make Thalassemia free country.”

Dr. Chandrakant Agarwal, President of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society, said “TSCS team is delighted to host Dr. Dimitrios for his contributions to eliminate Thalassemia from their country are incredible, with his suggestions and help we are planning to prevent Thalassemia in Telangana & India. TSCS is always in the forefront to bring unique expertise from other cities & countries to put an end to thalassemia”.

Dr. Dimitrios Farmakis, renowned for his expertise in the medical field, shared invaluable insights and perspectives drawn from his extensive experience, contributing significantly to the discourse on combating thalassemia.

Dr. Suman jain, CEO & Secretary, Mrs. Ratnavali, Vice President, Mr. Naresh Rathi, Chief Patron, Mr. Aleem Baig, Jt. Secretary, Mr. Manoj Rupani, Treasurer, Dr. Ramana D., Past President, Board members: Shiv Ratan, Amin, Rajeshwer and doctors, Sr. Staff and adult patients were also present.

Bengaluru, India – 4th December 2023: JLR India today announced their annual holiday service camp will be held from 4th to 9th December 2023, across all authorized retailers in India. At the camp, clients can benefit from comprehensive vehicle check and exclusive offers on Branded Goods, Accessories and Value-Added Services. All vehicles will be attended to by highly trained technicians and receive the assurance of JLR Genuine Parts, where necessary.

The camp will offer a 32-point Electronic Vehicle Health Check-Up, Brake and Wiper check, Tyre and Fluid Level check, as well as a comprehensive Battery Health check, ensuring every journey is made safe and secure.

Mr. Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said: “Amidst the excitement of the holiday season, ensuring your vehicle is in top condition becomes paramount. Our holiday service camps offer more than just convenience; they’re a lifeline for a smooth and worry-free journey. From ensuring safety on winter roads to maintaining peak performance for those memorable road trips, investing in our tailored services guarantees complete peace of mind.”

For customers with chauffeurs, the service camp will also include a specially curated Chauffeur Training Program* that will cover all aspects of driving and vehicle maintenance.

To avail these services, customers can schedule an appointment with the closest authorised retailer between 9:30am and 4:30pm from 4th to 9th December 2024.

Bengaluru 4th December 2023: Scottie Scheffler showed no signs of having been away from golf since the Ryder Cup, but Tiger Woods showed better touch in the second round of the Hero World Challenge.

Woods improved upon his first round 73 with a 2-under 70 and is now 1-over for 36 holes. He is 10 behind co-leaders Scheffler (69-68) and Jordan Spieth (68-67). Woods sounded a warning, “Unfortunately, I just haven’t finished off my last two rounds the way I would like to and I’ve got two more days to improve.”

Runner-up last two times Scheffler, who has been on the ball literally this season, was 7-under for the day through 17 holes. On the last Scheffler went into the right off with his drive and then hit into the rough again and finally got his third shot to 11 feet for a par and missed it. It was his second dropped shot after a messy bogey on the Par-3 eighth.

Twice winner this season, Scheffler’s 6-under moved him to 9-under, where he was joined by Jordan Spieth, who after his adventurous first round 68, had a squeaky-clean bogey free 67.

The duo was followed by one of the first-round co-leaders, Brian Harman, who turned around his disastrous start of three bogeys in first four holes with a blazing 5-under over last five holes to get to 8-under.

Justin Thomas carded a 5-under 67 despite back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and 12th. He was 7-under and fourth, Tony Finau (71), Matt Fitzpatrick (68) and Collin Morikawa (69) were bunched at 6-under in tied fifth spot.

Two-time defending champion, Viktor Hovland, continued to struggle to a second straight 73 and was tied 16th.

Scores apart, Woods was walking better and showed flashes of his brilliance, too. He found 10 of the 13 and drove over 370 yards on the 15th.

If the first day’s front nine saw decent beginning, the second round saw a very fast start with four great birdies on the first seven holes.

Woods seem to have everything going for him. His walk was better, the driver listened to him better and the wedges and irons were doing his bidding. The putter, too, was hot, but only at times and on other occasions, he missed short ones.

“I cleaned it up a little bit from yesterday,” said Woods. “I didn’t quite have the finish I would like to have. I missed a couple putts coming in and made a couple little mistakes. Overall, it was a better start … better commitment, I kept it going with that today. I just wish I made a couple more putts to keep the round going.”

After drilling his drives and irons to inside five and six feet and gobbling up birdies four times on the front nine, he turned in 4-under, but could not consolidate the gains. He had back-to-back birdies on the first and second and again on the sixth-seventh, but dropped shots on 13th, 15th and 16th took away that gloss. On 17, he birdied with a massive putt from nearly 30 feet. The ball circled the entire cup before dropping in.

From the eighth, five straight pars followed. Those included pars on the par-5 9th and par-5 11th. The mistakes began on the 13th.

He bogeyed 13th and missed for birdie on 14 but with the par-5 15th lurking, there was still a good chance. After a double bogey on Thursday with a wayward drive, Woods split the fairway and then attacked the tucked left pin with 9 iron. He could not get close and then putted off the green with fourth and went back into the greenside bunker from which he had just came down. He was lucky to get away with a bogey. Woods bogeyed 16, birdied on 17 and parred the 18 for a 70.

“I’ve played two tournaments all year. I’m rusty,” said Woods. “This golf course will bring that out of you a little bit. Some of the pin locations … you can run the table here or you can go the other way very quickly.”

Scheffler was happy despite two bogeys, as he commented, “I drove it well, gave myself a lot of chances. Yeah, that’s probably the thing I did best. Then for the most part I kept a clean card. I got a bad break on No. 8, made a bogey, and then got in a weird spot there on 18, but outside of that I played pretty solid.”

Harman had three bogeys in first four holes. A birdie on sixth was negated by a bogey on 10th at which stage he was 3-over for the day. Harman, who showed himself to be a fighter and tenacious, while winning The Open in July, brought those qualities to the fore yet again.

He birdied 11th and then holed a difficult second shot for an eagle on Par-4 from the edge of the bunker with the ball low at his feet.

He celebrated that with two great shots to get to the green on the Par-5 15th. He had a 35-footer for another eagle, and he gave it all, but went past just under four feet, which cleaned up. He maintained that momentum he hit his tee shot to under five feet on Par-3 17th and two more fine shots on 18th, a good drive and a perfect iron shot gave him a birdie chance from under seven feet and he gleefully grabbed it.

Spieth was happy with the day’s work, saying, “Yeah, shot selection. I was really diligent about where I was lined up, the intent on the shot, not trying to squeeze stuff in certain places. I got a couple of balls on the green off the tee on the two drivable holes, which was obviously a bonus, especially on seventh.”

“Yeah, yesterday maybe I had felt a little hesitation off the tee, I just have not played a lot of rounds and having some toes and heels, just not finding the centre of the face. Today I hit a couple good ones early and I just decided to continue to trust and focus.”

Scores after ROUND 2:

135: Scottie Scheffler (69-66), Jordan Spieth (67-68)

136: Brian Harman (67-69)

137: Justin Thomas (70-67)

138: Matt Fitzpatrick (70-68), Collin Morikawa (69-69), Tony Finau (67-71)

139: Sepp Straka (73-67)

140: Cameron Young (69-71) and Jason Day (71-69)

142: Lucas Glover (71-71), Max Homa (69-73)

143: Justin Rose (72-71)

144: Rickie Fowler (74-70)

145: Tiger Woods (75-70)

146: Viktor Hovland (73-73), Keegan Bradley (72-74)

147: Sam Burns (71-76)

149: Wyndham Clark (76-73), Will Zalatoris (81-68)

ROUND 3 PAIRINGS: From Tee 1:

11:21 am: Wyndham Clark (76-73), Will Zalatoris (81-68)

11:32 am: Keegan Bradley (72-74) and Sam Burns (71-76)

11:43 am: Tiger Woods (75-70) and Viktor Hovland (73-73)

11:54 am: Justin Rose (72-71) and Rickie Fowler (74-70)

12:05 pm: Lucas Glover (71-71) and Max Homa (69-73)

12:16 pm: Cameron Young (69-71) and Jason Day (71-69)

12:27 pm: Tony Finau (67-71) and Sepp Straka (73-67)

12:38 pm: Matt Fitzpatrick (70-68) and Collin Morikawa (69-69)

12:49 pm: Brian Harman (67-69) and Justin Thomas (70-67)

1:00 pm: Scottie Scheffler (69-66) and Jordan Spieth (67-68)

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Bengaluru, 4th December 2023: Centre for cGMP at Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), MAHE Manipal achieved a significant milestone of being awarded the prestigious INDIA PHARMA AWARDS 2023 on Day 1 of CPHI-PMEC India at India Expo Center, Greater Noida thus making it the only academic Institute to have received this award for the first time.

A proposal was submitted by the Centre for cGMP, MAHE, Manipal, for the unique initiative and conceiving the idea of celebrating “National cGMP Day”. The Centre for cGMP had submitted nomination documents, a quality assessment report, and an evidence report of the measurable impact, testimonials, etc. Amid very high competition, the Centre for cGMP’s proposal was selected for the final jury meeting. The selection process involved due diligence and a thorough review process by 12 jury members.

Centre for cGMP received the invitation from EY LLP to present the concept of “National cGMP Day” in person at Le Meridian, New Delhi. EY was appointed as the Process Advisors for the INDIA PHARMA AWARDS 2023 – CPHI – PMEC. The final Jury Round for the awards was held on November 27, 2023, at Le Meridian, New Delhi.

“As the coordinator of cGMP at MAHE, receiving the prestigious INDIA PHARMA AWARDS 2023 is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our team,” Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh,

Vice Chancellor Manipal Academy of Higher Education says, speaking about the institute’s remarkable accomplishment. “This award confirms our commitment to quality assurance excellence and our ongoing efforts to raise the bar for pharmaceutical standards. It’s more than simply a recognition; it’s a testament to our shared enthusiasm, diligence, and quest of excellence in improving pharmaceutical procedures. We are motivated by this honor to keep pushing the boundaries of the pharmaceutical sector and to innovate even more.”

From MAHE, Dr. Girish Pai K, Coordinator of Centre and Dr. Muddukrishna BS, Co-Coordinator of the Centre, were nominated to represent the Center for cGMP and make a three-minute presentation to the jury. Dr. Girish presented to the Esteemed Grand Jury Panel. Jury members also interacted with Dr. Girish Pai and Dr. Muddukrishna during the Q & A session.

The award was received by Dr Girish Pai K and Dr Muddukrishna from Christopher Eve, Senior Vice President, Informa Markets in the August presence of Industry leaders, pharmaceutical entrepreneurs, executives from companies of high repute, and exhibitors of the CPHI PMEC 2023 event.

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Kolkata, 4th December 2023: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) organised the 17th Regional Conference of Practising Company Secretaries in Fairfield by Marriott, Kolkata. This year’s conference vision is ‘To be a global leader in promoting good corporate governance’ and mission is ‘To develop high caliber professionals facilitating good corporate governance’.

The topic for the Second Technical Session was “Building the Future – How SME IPOs are shaping India”. The panelists were: CS (Dr.) Mamta Binani, Past President ICSI & President of MSME Development Forum WB; CA Aman Singh Bhadoria, Manager, GYR Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd.; CS Bharat Sahu, Dy Company Secretary, NALCO and was attended by: CS B. Narasimhan, ICSI Vice President.

On this occasion, CS (Dr.) Mamta Binani, Past President ICSI & President of MSME Development Forum WB said, “While the world is witnessing wars, severe illness and few anti-incumbency issues, the resilience and charm of the Indian Economy is not escaping the attention of the industrialists, businessmen and especially has been a talking point for the small and medium enterprises. The MSME sector which contributes to around 40 percent of the GDP of the country and a very significant part of each state’s GDP is riding this high. The Country has had separate platforms for the MSME companies in order to encourage their listing and given their size, this measure lends more visibility and flexibility. Today, MSME raising funds through Initial Public Offers are finding it exciting to go public and leave an indelible mark for itself. It is creating wealth for its stakeholders and is etching its own history for generations to come. Good Governance and proper business management is the key to success and the adaptability factor proves to be the xfactor. This adds immensely to jobs and helps in negating the adversarial narrative for small business.”

New Delhi, 4th December 2023: Sattvik Certifications, a leading standard-developing organisation specifically for Vegetarian and Vegan standard certifications, is proud to announce that Farmley, has been awarded the prestigious Vegetarian and Vegan Certifications in recognition of its commitment to producing vegetarian and plant-based products and maintaining a cruelty-free manufacturing process.

Sattvik Certifications, noted for its strict standards and extensive review procedure, has awarded Farmley the Vegetarian and Vegan Certificates following a thorough inspection of its facilities, ingredients, and manufacturing practices.

Mr. Abhishek Agarwal, Co-Founder of FARMLEY, expressed enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “We are honored to receive the Vegetarian and Vegan Certifications from Sattvik Certifications. This acknowledgment aligns with our dedication to offering high-quality, vegetarian, and vegan products while upholding ethical and sustainable practices in our manufacturing process.”

Sattvik Certifications assesses a variety of criteria, including as ingredient sourcing, production procedures, and cross-contamination prevention measures, to verify that a manufacturing unit meets the stringent requirements for Vegetarian and Vegan Certifications.

“We are pleased to grant the prestigious Vegetarian and Vegan Certifications to Farmley. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Farmley exemplifies the values that Sattvik Certifications and the Sattvik Council of India champion – a dedication to quality, compassion, and the well-being of both consumers and the environment.” said Abhishek Biswas, Founder of Sattvik Certifications and Secretary General, Sattvik Council of India.

The Farmley production Plant’s dedication to sustainability, animal welfare, and consumer health has established it as a food production industry leader. Sattvik’s Vegetarian and Vegan Certifications add to Farmley’s image as a responsible and conscientious market player. Providing labelling clarity and quality assurance to their loyal vegetarian and vegan customers.

The inaugural day of India’s illustrious food B2B intelligence event, India Food Forum, witnessed the celebration of persistent progression of food and grocery retailers at the 16th Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards.

The awards ceremony spotlighted the significant milestones achieved by the sector through collaborative yet distinctive initiatives aimed at enhancing competencies when servicing customers. The evening acknowledged excellence of brands in numerous dimensions ranging from marketing and promotions to employee practices.

Sharing his thoughts on the 16th Coca-Cola Golden Spoon Awards, Nikhil Behl, CEO — Food Business, IMAGES Group, shared “Indian retail and FMCG industry retailers are taking note of this shifting consumer landscape. The achievements of the evening stands as a testament to the collective drive of the industry towards further upliftment of operations and establishment of a sector which reflects the elements of trust, determination and adaptability.”

Hyderabad, India, 4th December 2023: Plastic accumulating in our oceans and beaches has become a global crisis. Recykal, an Indian Tech Leader for Sustainability and Circularity, believes that the problem and solution for ocean plastic lie on land. The ocean-bound plastic needs to be diverted from the oceans to recycling centres. Recykal also understand the value of plastic waste and consider it as a resource. Hence, Recykal has taken the initiative to beat the ocean-plastic pollution issue with its project ‘Samudramanthan’. This initiative is inspired by the Indian mythological tale of ‘Samudramanthan’ where the nectar came out from the ocean churning.

Under this initiative, Recykal has collected over 70 thousand metric tons of plastic from 207 districts from 19 states across India. Among these districts, 33 districts have coastal areas, and 173 districts are located on the banks of major rivers. A 10 km radius from the ocean and river coasts is covered in this activity. On the occasion of National Pollution Control Day, Recykal has revealed plans to scale up the ‘Samudramanthan’ project to cover all 66 coastal districts across India.

Here’s the detailed report of plastic collected through the pilot project:

(Coastal districts are written in bold and are also underlined)

Ocean-bound plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue with far-reaching consequences. When plastic waste enters the ocean, it takes hundreds of years to break down, posing a significant threat to marine life, ecosystems, and human well-being. Plastic debris is a vector for harmful substances, absorbing and accumulating toxic chemicals from the surrounding seawater. This leads to bioaccumulation through the food chain and ultimately affects humans who consume seafood. Coastal communities, especially those reliant on tourism and fisheries, experience negative consequences as their beaches and marine habitats become littered with plastic debris.

Recykal’s Samudramanthan Initiative combines modern technology and sustainable practices to combat ocean plastic pollution. Through this initiative, Recykal is empowering local ragpickers by providing them with access to a comprehensive network of recyclers across India. This not only offers financial security to the ragpickers but also enables them to expand their income by adding additional categories of plastic waste to their portfolio through specialised training provided by Recykal. As a result, their income has significantly increased.

Recykal emphasizes prevention and reduction by advocating for reduced single-use plastics, improved waste management, recycling practices, and raising awareness. This initiative highlights corporate responsibility and collaboration to conserve marine biodiversity and benefit coastal communities.

Following the collection efforts, the plastic collected through the Samudramanthan Initiative undergoes recycling processes. Recykal ensures that the extracted plastic is properly managed and sent for recycling. Through recycling, plastic can be transformed into new products, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and promoting a circular economy.

Abhishek Deshpande, Co-founder and COO, Recykal said, “The broader objective of this initiative goes beyond simply removing plastic debris from the environment. It encompasses the goal of regenerating and sustaining the natural balance of marine ecosystems by preventing further damage caused by plastic pollution. By collecting ocean-bound plastic, Recykal aims to restore the integrity of marine environments, protect biodiversity, and safeguard the well-being of both marine life and humans which depend on healthy oceans. With this initiative, we are giving back to nature by reducing the negative impact of plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem for future generations. Collecting ocean-bound waste has also contributed to the socio-economic development, particularly in coastal communities. This initiative has generated employment opportunities in waste management, cleanup operations, recycling facilities, and related sectors contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of the coastal regions.”