Archives February 2024

By Dr Sangita Reddy Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group.

Cervical cancer is a severely overlooked issue for women, leading to high rates of mortality and morbidity. We wholeheartedly embrace this budget and appreciate it. It emphasizes the necessity of cervical cancer vaccination, representing a significant stride in women’s healthcare by the government. Maternal health is of equal importance and must not be overlooked. The budget promotes the vaccination of girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer for disease prevention. This will surely motivate girls to get vaccinated on time and prevent cervical cancer. Additionally, we plan to raise awareness about cervical cancer vaccination through various campaigns and programs to ensure woman’s well-being. There will surely be a boost in cervical cancer screening and vaccination now which has been lacking earlier due to the lack of awareness. We express our approval of this budget and extend congratulations to the government.

start with this point – Total increase in health outlay, from 23-24 RE (80516) to 24-25BE (90657) is 12.59%; pl ref table below.

Source: Mof- Demand for grants (HFW & health research)

Hyderabad, 2nd February 2024 Navratna mining company, NMDC produced 4.54 million tonnes and sold 4.56 million tonnes of iron ore in January 2024. With an 8% growth in production and 19% uptick in sales from January 2023 volumes, NMDC has achieved its best ever January month sales since inception.

Foraying towards historic volumes this fiscal, the cumulative production and sales stood at 36.32 MnT and 36.49 MnT respectively, up to January 2024. From the corresponding period last year, the cumulative production is 17% higher while the cumulative sales figure climbed by 23%. This also marks the highest-ever cumulative production and sales in company history during ten months.

Congratulating his team on the stellar growth run, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge) said, “In its standing as the largest iron ore producer of India commanding one-sixth share of the domestic market, NMDC’s sustained growth tells of the booming iron and steel sector. As the Economic Budget for next fiscal continues to lay emphasis on infrastructure development, we are heavily investing to build up our production and evacuation infrastructure, while enhancing our technical and digital strength. NMDC has aligned its targets to meet the escalating demand for iron ore and is headed for milestone production in FY24.”

By Mr. Rahul Ranjan, Director of Mrig Sight Media-

I appreciate the government’s commitment to ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform,’ foreseeing a promising trajectory. The collaborative efforts with states and stakeholders resonate with the essence of startups, emphasizing innovation and growth. The targeted support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is particularly commendable, as it provides startups with the necessary financial backing, technological empowerment, and essential training. The streamlined regulatory approach underscores a keen understanding of the pivotal role bureaucracy plays in nurturing entrepreneurship.

The alignment with ‘Panchamrit’ goals and the dedication to ensuring energy security directly addresses challenges faced by startups, showcasing a government attuned to our industry’s needs. The proactive measures to prepare the financial sector for investment needs signal a government actively supporting the intricacies of the startup ecosystem. In conclusion, this forward-looking approach fosters an environment where startups can not only survive but thrive, contributing significantly to both economic growth and innovation in the country.

Hyderabad, 2nd February 2024 …….. The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) is to organize a “Conclave on GST and Globalization” on Saturday, 10th February 2024 at Marigold Hotels (Green Park), Greenlands, Begumpet, Hyderabad. It will be a full-day Conclave.

Sri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Department of Finance and Planning, Energy, Government of Telangana & Sri Duddilla Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries & Commerce, IT, E & C and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana were invited as Chief Guests; Dr T K Sreedevi, IAS, Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Government of Telangana; Sri Sandeep Prakash, IRS, Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Tax, Hyderabad Zone as Guests of Honour.

The sessions and panel discussions will be handled by CFOs & CEOs of Prominent Organizations from different business sectors.

CEOs, CFOs, Directors, Managers, Budding Entrepreneurs, and other delegates are expected to participate.

GST was implemented in India, as part of the “One Nation One Tax” idea and to increase tax system transparency. GST is a single tax system that many nations throughout the world have embraced. The subsumption of numerous indirect tax levies in the GST in India has helped firms become more globally competitive. This program examines the evolution of this idea following the implementation of GST in the year 2017.

PFB the quote by Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director at Recyclekaro on the Post Budget 2024:

“The union budget’s “Panchamrit” targets, as highlighted by the finance minister, aim to support sustainable economic growth with a focus on using resources efficiently. This is expected to boost India’s raw material capacity, especially in the manufacturing of Li-ion batteries. The commitment to strengthen the e-vehicle ecosystem through support for manufacturing and charging infrastructure shows a proactive approach to environmentally-friendly growth. By embracing economic policies for ongoing growth, the government is setting a path for a circular economy, emphasizing environmental responsibility and smart use of resources. This approach not only tackles challenges in the lithium-ion battery industry but also contributes to building a resilient and sustainable future for our nation.”

Satish Reddy Chairman, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited

“The interim budget announced by the Finance Minister today envisions an India that is modern, innovative, resilient, with a strong focus on sustainability and empowerment as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. Its emphasis on ease of doing business and local manufacturing are welcome. In particular, the Rs. 1 lakh crore R&D allocation for sunrise sectors can potentially act as a catalyst in our innovation journey as the Indian pharma industry aims to reach USD 120-130 billion by 2030. Apart from innovation, there is clear and welcome impetus to green initiatives (such as the new scheme of bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry to transform the current consumptive manufacturing paradigm) as well as empowerment and inclusion (e.g., the cervical cancer vaccine to girls between 9 to 14 years, extension of the Ayushman Bharat scheme to ASHA and anganwadi workers, and women in STEM).”

By Arun Alagappan, President, SICCI

The Union Budget presented by Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Finance Minister prioritised growth-oriented measures while carefully balancing the fiscal considerations.On behalf of SICCI, we welcome the budget proposals, containing much-needed measures to accelerate growth in infrastructure, blue economy, agriculture& aerospace, defense and green energy sectors.

SICCI would like to commend the government’s commitment to Agriculture. The budget proposal to promote private and public investment in post-harvest activities including aggregation, modern storage, supply chains, primary and secondary processing, marketing, and branding is a step in the right direction. Also, the initiatives of promoting new-age technology products in agriculture such as Nano-DAP will play a pivotal role in bringing down the fertilizer subsidy bills and improving the farm economy.

Rightly highlighting the need for bolstering innovation in the country, the initiatives proposed in the budget for promoting research and innovation & deep technologies in the private sector are welcome. SICCI would also like to welcome the proposal for promoting climate-resilient activities for blue economy 2.0, a scheme for restoration and adaptation measures, and coastal aquaculture and mariculture with an integrated approach and the plan to set up 5 integrated aqua parks. SICCI requests for at least 2 of these parks to be set up in Tamil Nadu, which boasts of the 2nd longest coastline in India.

Infrastructure projects rightly received the needed priority under the PM Gati Shakti program for enabling multi-modal connectivity. The focus on multi-modal logistics is the need of the hour as it will improve logistics efficiency and reduce cost. Also, the PM Awaas Yojana-Grameen would help in expanding the housing program for poor and middle-income groups.

The move to target one crore households for up to 300 units of electricity every month with rooftop solarisation will greatly catalyze the renewable energy transition in India. We would like to welcome the extension of benefits of Ayushman Bharat to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers, the incremental increase of the defense outlay, and the 34 crore Mudra Yojana Loans for Women Entrepreneurs. SICCI believes these initiatives will have a transformational impact on the economy.

On the whole, this budget is growth-oriented focusing on sunrise sectors and social impact, thereby catering to the aspirations of businesses and the common public.

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Bangalore: 1.2.2024 – Introducing a revolutionary advancement in personal air purification, Nano Aerpod, India’s first and only Personal Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) certified for medical use, is now available to empower individuals to take control of their respiratory health. Packed with cutting-edge technology and rigorous safety standards.

Nano Aerpod stands out from the crowd. Its medical-grade HEPA filter effectively captures 99.97% of harmful airborne particles, including viruses, bacteria, dust, and allergens, offering superior protection compared to standard air purifiers. This enhanced filtration is backed by IEC Test with International safety standards for home medical devices, ensuring users breathe the cleanest air possible.

Tailored Solutions for Respiratory Challenges

Nano AerPod’s cutting-edge filtration technology is engineered to target and eliminate microscopic particles, including airborne irritants known to trigger respiratory problems. For individuals dealing with asthma or chronic respiratory issues, this revolutionary air purifier acts as a safeguard against pollutants, providing a constant supply of clean, fresh air.

Innovation doesn’t stop there. Nano Aerpod boasts several unique features that elevate its user experience:

• Patent-protected technology: This ensures you’re getting a truly innovative product with cutting-edge design and functionality.

• ISO 9001 certification: Underscores the company’s commitment to quality management and consistent excellence.

• STQC NABL testing and certification: Provides independent verification of the product’s safety and efficacy.

Beyond technical prowess, Nano Aerpod prioritizes health benefits:

Improved respiratory health: By filtering out harmful pollutants, it can alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.

Enhanced cognitive function: Cleaner air intake can lead to improved concentration, memory, and overall mental well-being.

Reduced risk of infections: The medical-grade filtration helps protect against airborne viruses and bacteria, boosting your immune system.

Particle Size Precision: Nano AerPod’s ability to capture particles as small as 0.1 microns ensures that even the tiniest pollutants, such as dust mites and allergens, are effectively removed. This level of precision is crucial for individuals with asthma, as it minimizes triggers that could lead to respiratory distress.

Portable Solution: The compact and lightweight design of Nano AerPod makes it a portable solution for individuals who may need respiratory support in different areas of their homes or while traveling.

Improving Quality of Life for Older Adults

For the elderly, especially those dealing with age-related respiratory challenges, Nano AerPod represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the quality of life. The device’s ability to provide a constant supply of clean air can alleviate the burden of respiratory distress, promoting better overall health and well-being.

Benefits for Asthma Sufferers and the Elderly

Particle Size Precision: Nano AerPod’s ability to capture particles as small as 0.1 microns ensures that even the tiniest pollutants, such as dust mites and allergens, are effectively removed. This level of precision is crucial for individuals with asthma, as it minimizes triggers that could lead to respiratory distress.

Testimonials and Success Stories:

Early users of Nano AerPod have reported noticeable improvements in their respiratory health, citing reduced symptoms, increased energy levels, and improved sleep quality. These testimonials underscore the potential life-changing impact Nano AerPod can have for those grappling with asthma and respiratory issues.

A Beacon of Hope:

As Nano AerPod takes center stage in the fight against respiratory challenges, it stands not only as a technological marvel but as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking relief from asthma and respiratory issues. The future of air purification is here, and it breathes with the promise of a healthier tomorrow.

Ready to experience the difference?

Nano Aerpod is now readily available online platforms, including:

• Official website: www.aerpod.in
• JioMart: A leading e-commerce platform (Nano Aerpod personal air purifier)
• Amazon India: The nation’s largest online marketplace (Nano Aerpod personal air purifier with HEPA filter APNFH100-H)

Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Unfortunately, the interim budget 2024 didn’t directly include any major positive changes for India’s housing industry. While the expectations included industry status, tax benefits, affordable housing boosts, and easing liquidity issues for developers, none of these materialized in the interim budget.

However, there are a few ways we could interpret the situation cautiously optimistically:

– Indirect benefits: The focus on infrastructure spending might indirectly benefit the housing industry by improving connectivity and boosting overall economic activity, potentially leading to increased demand.
– Focus on affordable housing: While lacking specific budget allocations, the government’s recent emphasis on “Housing for All” and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) could translate into concrete measures later.
– Uncertainty avoided: The absence of negative changes may be seen as a positive in an environment where economic headwinds exist.

This is only the interim budget, and the main Union Budget in February will hold more substantial announcements. Even without direct intervention, government policies impacting interest rates, inflation, and economic growth can significantly influence the housing industry.

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.

February 1st, 2024: After having cemented market dominance in the Agri Drone Segment with a staggering 55% share, India’s largest drone start-up Garuda Aerospace now launches Droni. Droni is the company’s first product into the consumer photography and cinematography drone sector which has been dominated by the DJI drones for several years. Currently available on Amazon for purchase in India and across the globe, Droni was also launched on the social handles of investor Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings.

“This launch is an exciting one for us. Besides being out first B2C product in the market, it is a product that is cutting-edge, and purposefully designed for convenience and quality. Moreover, it strengthens our partnership with our brand ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni and offers consumers an opportunity to own a product that is created in association with him. The product is a game-changing one in the aerial photography and videography market and we are confident that it will empower users to push creative boundaries.” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace.

Launched as India’s smartest personal drone, Droni is a compact small-sized foldable quadcopter nano drone weighing under 250 gms which can effortlessly fit into ones pocket. The drone is integrated with 11 intelligent flight modes including intelligent follow-me features, circling, fading, soaring, time-lapse, tail flicking, broad and straight forward shooting, etc. It is also integrated with target management, level 7 wind resistance and has intelligent voice somatosensory control making way for one hand control when required. Its three-axis mechanical stabilized pan tilt ensure perfect stable shots.

Droni boasts of a high-quality 48 MP camera with wide angle lens optical flow positioning and delivers an impressive 60 minutes of flight time, thus elevating the overall user experience Despite being feature rich, Droni is easy to use, and has a seamless user interface.

Priced at a MRP of Rs 1,40,000, Garuda Aerospace’s Droni Drone is available at an introductory price of Rs 85,000, exclusively on Amazon. To support the launch of Droni drone is an integrated marketing campaign including an ad film featuring MS Dhoni .