Archives March 2024

Cleartrip returns with the biggest summer travel extravaganza – #NationOnVacation

National, 12 March 2024: With summer just around the corner, Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, announced the second edition of its highly anticipated marquee travel sale #NationOnVacation. The 9- day travel extravaganza starts on 14 March 2024 and is set to revolutionise the travel experience by presenting attractive deals on hotels, flights, buses, and packages. Amidst high demand, airfares are likely to go up for the summer season. With #NationOnVacation, Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel are providing an opportunity for their customers to take advantage of the best offers on their platforms and book their dream holidays. In line with its customer-centric values, Cleartrip, under the umbrella of ‘ClearChoice’, is offering greater flexibility for its users. With ClearChoice PLUS and ClearChoice MAX, travelers can cancel or modify their bookings and get a full refund as opposed to the standard airline changes ranging from INR 2500 onwards. Myntra and Flipkart Loyalty customers can look forward to special offers and discounts on the Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel platforms.

Speaking on the occasion, Ayyappan Rajagopal, CEO, Cleartrip, said “#NationOnVacation was built with the idea of instilling a sense of planning travel way in advance in the minds of travellers. We were thrilled with the response to NationOnVacation last year and are excited to bring it back with offerings that will make summer a memorable holiday for all. Fares are expected to jump by 20-25% for bookings that will be made later in April and May when compared to planning in advance and booking now. With curated and customer-centric deals, we wish to celebrate India’s love for summer travel by making it more affordable than ever before. With ClearChoice fares, travelers can eliminate anxieties related to last- minute planning and ensure great value for money. Book now to lock in the best deals, get ahead of potential spikes in fares and enjoy a superior travel experience.”

Key offers include:

● Domestic flights starting from INR 999
● International flights starting from INR 4999
● 4- & 5-star hotels starting from INR 2499
● Up to INR 500 off on bus bookings
● ClearChoice MAX on Domestic flights at a flat 599
● 30-80% off on hotel bookings
● ClearChoice plus at Rs.49 + Up to 10% additional discount on hotels
● ClearChoice MAX at Rs.1 + Up to 15% additional discount on hotels
The above are subject to availability & for a Limited period only.

Last year’s #NationOnVacation witnessed an incredible success, with a 60% increase in bookings across categories compared to the same period in 2022. Cleartrip remains dedicated to investing in industry- first and customer-centric propositions throughout the year to make travel accessible to a broader demographic.

Lexar conducts an extensive Pan India channel roadshow to boost it’s retail network in India

National, 12th March 2024: Lexar, a leading global provider of memory and storage solutions, in collaboration with its national distributors Redington Ltd, Creative NewTech Ltd, and New Color India Films, organised a massive channel pan-India roadshow, including metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, to further strengthen and expand the Indian distribution network and to bring their innovative product portfolio in India. This series of roadshows aimed at meeting the partners, building bridges, forging new partnerships, and to also ensure consumers are getting zero data loss protection, no counterfeit but genuine storage solutions with blazing speeds and massive capacities, and the best customer service with no limitations in India.

Lexar India Channel Roadshow

The memory solution industry in India is currently witnessing a significant growth, mainly driven by the factors such as rising demand for data storage & security, rise in content creation industry and the adoption of cloud computing. Furthermore, the government’s push for digitalization and internet penetration have created a favorable environment for the memory solutions provider in the market. With the increasing popularity of gaming, multimedia content, and data-intensive tasks has fuelled this growth.

Lexar is all set to bring its comprehensive range of Portable SSD, next-gen gaming RAM, Micro SD cards and Gen 5 NVMe SSD in the Indian market, to cater to an increased demand of high-speed, high-capacity memory solutions in the industry. The company’s latest portfolio is designed by over 1000 R&D engineers and tested on more than 2000 devices, ensuring no data loss or counterfeit products in the market.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Fissal Oubida, General Manager of Middle East, Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent, Lexar, said, “Lexar’s market share is steadily expanding across India, this clearly reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our Indian clientele. We are actively establishing a strong position in components, SSD, and DRAM segments. The market dynamics and evolving technology landscape suggest a promising future for our innovative solutions. As India continues to embrace digital transformation and technological advancements, we are excited about the potential for Lexar to make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indian consumers and businesses alike.”

He further added, “Our innovative product lineup, offering high speeds and large capacities, is a testament to this commitment. We are thrilled about Lexar’s potential to significantly influence the lives of Indian consumers. Our interactions reaffirmed our commitment to understanding the unique needs and aspirations of our Indian clients. We are dedicated to forging strong partnerships, delivering exceptional value, and contributing positively to the dynamic Indian market. Each interaction inspires us to embrace future opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve.”

In addition to the roadshow, Lexar will be conducting energized digital campaigns and channel strategies to educate customers about the innovative use of Lexar products through authorized distributors in India. The company is committed to launching localized customer support channels in both Tier 1 & Tier 2 cities to provide comprehensive after-sales service. To enhance its recall value, Lexar also plans to brand itself in more than 200 retail shops in each metropolitan city in India.

Lexar remains committed to ensure its products are readily available across India. The company assures its channel partners a seamless product replacement with no limitations and the best customer service. As a testament to this commitment the company will be expanding its professional team in India to a 12-member team by the end of Q2 this year.

All Lexar products will be available in all major retail and e-commerce outlets, including Croma, Reliance Digital, Amazon, and Flipkart, ensuring wide availability to consumers.

ICAI announces Major Changes in Examination System shaping the Future of Accountancy Profession

Kolkata, 12 March 2024: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is hosting an All India Managing Committee Members Meet (AIMCMM 2024) under the theme ‘DRISHTI’ – the vision for the Profession’ on 9-10th March, 2024 in Kolkata. More than 1200 members from over 180 cities are expected to converge for over 2-day enlightening session aimed at aligning the activities of its Regional Councils, Branches, Study Circles & Chapters with the overarching vision of ICAI.

On this occasion, thePresident of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, interacted with the media and shared major highlights. In a historic decision taken by ICAI, Intermediate & Foundation course examinations will now be held thrice a year, in the month of January, May/June and September. Earlier both the examinations were held twice in a year. Meanwhile, the CA Final exam will continue to follow the traditional biannual format.

In a landmark move by ICAI, Intermediate & Foundation course examinations will now be held thrice annually in January, May/June, and September, as opposed to the previous schedule of twice a year. Meanwhile, the CA Final exam will continue to follow the traditional biannual format.

CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President, ICAI said, “The decision taken by the ICAI will benefit the students who had completed their study period to appear in the exam without waiting for 2 months. Globally frequency of examination is more so that Students can get more opportunities to sit in the exam. Considering this, ICAI has aligned itself with Global best practices. I am sure that this decision, would be a great step forward towards encouraging the young aspirants who wish to pursue their dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant.

He further added, “Since the launch of new scheme of education and training on July 1st 2023, there has been substantial increase in student registrations. For the May / June, 2024, almost 4, 36, 500 students have enrolled, which is highest so far.”

In anothersignificant move ICAI collaborated with Comptroller and Auditor General of India to jointly conduct a Certificate Course for Accountants of Panchayats and Municipal Bodies. The course is developed to make available skilled & trained accountants at grassroots level to improve the accounting of Local-self Government in India. To make the course inclusive, the eligibility is 12th Pass and can be completed in 4 Months. The online course will create pool of qualified accountants and provide opportunities to work as accountants in the panchayats and municipal bodies.

In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of establishing of big Indian accounting firms, ICAI has constituted a Committee for Aggregation of CA Firms. The Committee will be making concerted efforts in reviewing and revising guidelines pertaining to firms, viz., domestic and overseas networking guidelines, merger and demerger rule and guidelines, MDP guidelines, on Management consultancy Service (MCS) in corporate form guidelines incognizance with the dynamic operating environment, towards fostering collaboration within the professional community to increase global professional opportunities.

The Institute has also formed a committee on “AI in ICAI” to explore how AI can be leveraged for the professional development of students, member and employees.

ICAI, in its endeavour to make its regulatory and disciplinary mechanism more robust and responsive, has made Peer Review process mandatory for certain categories of Audit Firms rendering attestation services and having specified number of partners in a phased manner before accepting any statutory audit. This pro-active move of ICAI will further boost the quality of attestation services and enhance trust of stakeholders on the profession.

These decisions mark ICAI’s commitment towards nurturing talent, fosteringprofessional skilland supporting the economic growth of the country and as a true partners-in-nation-building.

Tessolve embarks on strategic collaboration with Keysight to accelerate time-to-market for high-speed designs

Mumbai, India. 12 March 2024: Tessolve, a leading global provider of semiconductor engineering solutions, is pleased to announce a collaboration with Keysight Technologies to enable customers to drive semiconductor innovation, through improved testing capabilities at Tessolve’s newly established HSIO Lab. The HSIO Lab will serve as a crucial resource for semiconductor companies, enabling the optimized performance of devices in demanding applications. Through advanced test methodologies, bench characterization, and access to Keysight’s innovative test solutions, customers will benefit from improved time-to-market, enhanced product quality, and reduced development costs.

Keysight’s industry-leading test and measurement solutions automate the calibration, setup, execution, and documentation of compliance tests. As part of the collaboration, Tessolve will leverage Keysight’s High-Speed Semiconductor Test Solutions to deliver comprehensive support throughout the semiconductor workflow, from early prototyping, development, and design verification to compliance testing for various Interconnect standards. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage the collective expertise of both companies to provide the full benefits of Signal Integrity (SI) analysis and board design expertise, to advance semiconductor test solutions and accelerate time-to-market for high-speed designs. The collaboration will enable Tessolve to provide comprehensive validation services for a wide range of high-speed interfaces, such as the latest specs of PCIe, USB, DDR, and MIPI at the newly established HSIO lab, located at the Electronic City Campus in Bangalore, India.

Huzefa Cutlerywala, Sr. VP Sales & Marketing, Tessolve, added, “This collaboration with Keysight aligns perfectly with Tessolve’s mission to provide semiconductor and systems companies with end-to-end test, characterization, and validation services. By establishing the HSIO Lab, we aim to offer our customers a comprehensive validation ecosystem that enables them to meet the stringent performance requirements of high-speed designs. Together with Keysight, we are well-positioned to serve the industry with the best-in-class solutions and drive innovation.”

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager, Keysight’s Wireless Test Group said: “Keysight is committed to empowering innovation, speeding up time to market, and offering comprehensive testing capabilities. The collaboration with Tessolve is bringing this one step closer for customers worldwide, combining our expertise to speed up the development and deployment of high-speed, reliable, and secure semiconductor technologies.”

Towards this, Tessolve has invested in 70 GHz test instrumentation and collaborated with Keysight to provide cutting-edge test solutions to customers on HSIO interfaces like LPDDR/DDR5, USB 4.0, PCIe Gen 6, etc.

GOI & Maharashtra Government Social Justice Departments Partner with ASDC to Empower 50,000 Weaker Sections of Women Pan

MUMBAI – The Automotive Skill Development Council, which is backed by SIAM, ACMA and FADA and is supported by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has formed a dual strategic partnership with the Government of India and the Social Justice Department of the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership aims to provide training to nearly 50,000 women across India as part of the PM EV2Solar Project for Social Justice.

This initiative aims to provide access to PM Suryaghar and Electric Vehicles (EVs) to socially disadvantaged individuals at a remarkable 30% of the vehicle cost, with funding support close to 70% through state schemes.

During the event held in Mumbai, in the presence of the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice, a strategic partnership was established with ASDC as a precursor to International Women’s Day on March 8th. The Honorable Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, who inked the partnership with ASDC, said that skill training is the need of the hour for women from socially disadvantaged groups of society.

To facilitate this initiative, individuals first need to undergo skill training, which may encompass essential aspects such as personality development and road safety awareness. Furthermore, ASDC’s fundamental grasp of technology, especially in utilizing electric mobility products, has expedited the adoption of electric vehicles. This approach is expected to create nearly 10,000 new jobs in the state of Maharashtra, as informed by ASDC officials.

Flagging an all-women’s car rally, Minister Athawale remarked: “Such vehicles will be distributed to socially disadvantaged women through Government of India and Government of Maharashtra schemes, empowering them with mobility and economic opportunities.”

“As we embark on the Solar2EV journey, we envision a future where innovation and opportunity intersect to uplift the marginalized. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development, empowering communities across Maharashtra and beyond.” – added Union Minister, Ramdas Athawale.

On Behalf of Maharashtra Government Social Justice Commissioner Om Prakash Bhakoria said, “Initiatives of this nature are essential for ensuring equitable distribution of opportunities among socially and economically disadvantaged groups in society. By aligning with the benefits of electric mobility and the anticipated progress in the solar economy, these efforts are set to play a pivotal role in the country’s advancement.”

Bhakoria will be leading a task force for the same which will have the MD of all state corporations and solar2Ev project of social justice participants who will showcase their solutions and create products that will be socially sustainable through skill development provided by ASDC

“I have called a meeting of all such stakeholders during the 2nd week of March 2024 in Pune where the state department under a special task force will go into minute details of leveraging benefits of both the electric and solar world to the socially and economically weaker sections of society” he said

Speaking on behalf of the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), a Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President, ASDC said, “ASDC is at the heart of empowering societal change, particularly for women, through our dedicated efforts in the Solar2EV initiative. By focusing on skill development and corporate engagement, we’re not just opening up opportunities in Maharashtra’s growing EV and solar sectors; we’re ensuring that women are at the forefront of this transformative journey. Our commitment extends beyond mere participation—our aim is to cultivate leadership, entrepreneurship, and empowerment among women, firmly believing that their advancement is integral to sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity. This approach underscores the essence of our collaboration across government, industry, and NGOs, demonstrating how strategic investment in women’s skills and potential leads to broader societal benefits. As we move forward, ASDC remains dedicated to breaking barriers and creating an ecosystem where women can excel and lead in shaping a greener, more equitable future.”

The Solar2 Womens EV car rally which had a god mix of two,, three wheelers dhowcased a vibrant Women’s Day rally, marking the commencement of the Solar2EV initiative with an array of iconic vehicles such as the Kinetic Luna, Omega Seiki, Sara Keto, and Citroen C2 fleet cars.

These vehicles serve as poignant symbols of the integration of the Solar2EV project into diverse government social justice schemes, fostering enhanced accessibility and inclusivity. On the other hand, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provided valuable insights into the development of Solar2EV products, showcasing their dedication to innovation and sustainability.

Speaking about the initiative Randheer Singh, Ex-Niti Ayog, Mobility Expert, Founder, Forsee Consulting said “Cargo delivery powered by EVs marks a seismic shift, empowering gig workers while heralding a new chapter in sustainable urban mobility. This transformative synergy not only fuels economic empowerment but also catalyzes our collective journey towards a greener, more equitable future. Through strategic investments in EV infrastructure and training programs, we aim to create a ripple effect of prosperity, fostering job creation, and economic growth in communities nationwide.”

Essential to the Solar2EV initiative is its commitment to providing a transformative pathway for disadvantaged youth and women. Through this innovative program, individuals have the opportunity to lease electric autos, with the ultimate goal of ownership within a three-year timeframe. This visionary approach not only aims to create 50,000 new jobs within the dynamic EV and solar economy but also serves as a powerful engine for driving sustained economic growth and fostering upward social mobility.

The Solar2EV initiative marks a significant leap toward empowerment and inclusivity, highlighting the unwavering commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra to elevate the less privileged sectors of society. As industry giants such as Forsee Consulting, PMI Electromobility, Saera Auto, OSM, Sun Mobility, and Kinetic come together, their collective participation emphasizes a united dedication to sustainable development and inclusive growth. This collaboration propels us forward on a journey lit by clean energy, fostering economic empowerment and social inclusion, and paving the way for a future where everyone has the chance to prosper and contribute to our collective well-being.

India’s leading skill development firm, specializing in the automotive sector, will now have access to a broad pool of resources through the Solar2EV project partners, including Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Saera Keto Auto, Omega Seiki Mobility, Stellantis, Kinetic Green, and the premier health management firm, Wockhardt Group. This initiative not only enables the premier training and development agency to tap into their CSR funds to help fund the implementation of the PM Suryaghar scheme but also supports skill development initiatives aimed at fostering women’s entrepreneurship.

ASDC intends to leverage Corporate India’s, and particularly the Automotive Industry’s, CSR contributions to establish solar-to-EV connections across the state. Their goal extends to facilitating job access in the first-mile and last-mile mobility sectors for the e-commerce industry. The Solar2EV partnership will enable ASDC to merge the advantages of solar energy and electric vehicle economies, thereby creating new job opportunities with last-mile mobility entities and e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, ride-hailing applications, and even battery swapping leaders. These stakeholders are encouraging the Maharashtra state government to employ their social justice funds in offering innovative solutions.

Daikin, Sumitomo Rubber, and Aviva Insurance Named Winners of the 2024 Findability Sciences Global AI Awards

India, 12 March 2024 – Findability Sciences, a leader in artificial intelligence solutions, is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Findability Sciences Global AI Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates the innovative use of AI by Daikin, Sumitomo Rubber, and Aviva Insurance, setting new benchmarks in their respective industries.

FS Image Award

The awards were presented at the 2nd edition of the Findability Sciences Global AI Awards ceremony, a grand event attended by industry stalwarts, esteemed guests, and the Findability Sciences team along with their families. The ceremony underscored the transformative power of AI, bringing together over 200 participants from five countries and more than 30 cities worldwide.

Daikin Comfort Technologies, North America, under the leadership of Tomotaka Kawabata, General Manager, and Joey Land, Vice President, was honored for the Best AI Project in the U.S. Tomotaka Kawabata expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m very happy to receive this prestigious award… We look forward to continuing to work with you to improve the accuracy of our sales forecast while leveraging the latest technology.” Echoing this sentiment, Joey Land added, “It is our honor to have our project selected for this award… We value the partnership and look forward to more good things to come in the future.”

Sumitomo Rubber was recognized for its exceptional use of AI in enhancing business operations, with General Manager Shimaya-San stating, “Thank you very much for giving us this wonderful opportunity today… Your valuable feedback and insight have greatly helped improve our services and products.”

Aviva Insurance received acclaim for its six-year collaboration with Findability Sciences, leading to significant advancements in their operational efficiency. Vinit Kapashi, Executive Vice President at Aviva, expressed excitement over the award, highlighting the fruitful partnership with Findability Sciences.

The ceremony was attended by industry stalwarts, signifying the importance of cross-industry collaboration in the AI revolution. Esteemed guests Vidur Bhogilal, Chairman of CIGNEX, Mahesh Zurale, Global Lead – Advanced Technology Centres Global Network, Manish Modi, President – Business Resources, PIDILITE, Ram Panickar, Chief Financial Officer, Intelenet Global Services Pvt, TN Radhakrishnan, Consulting Partner at FinGig.Pro I Global Experts on Demand , Datta Kadam,  AgriNexus Group Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Divya Kumat, EVP-Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary, Datamatics and Indrajeet Kakade, CEO AgriNexus who came forward to honor this year’s winners.

Kavita Rao, CMO of Findability Sciences, remarked, “Tonight, we celebrated not just the achievements of our winners, but the endless possibilities AI holds for the future.” Anand Mahurkar, Founder and CEO of Findability Sciences, added, “Their achievements inspire a future where AI is at the heart of business transformation.”

The Findability Sciences Global AI Awards 2024 not only celebrated the winners but also highlighted the transformative power of AI in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. The company looks forward to continuing this tradition, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence.

Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road Introduces FRIEND: A Support Group for Endometriosis

Bengaluru, 12 March 2024: Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road is proud to announce the successful launch of FRIEND, a dedicated support group aimed at providing guidance and support to those affected by endometriosis. Led by Dr. Gayathri Kamath, Additional Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, FRIEND seeks to create a nurturing space where individuals can share their experiences, seek solace, and access expert advice.

Endometriosis is a challenging condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing chronic pain and impacting their quality of life. Recognizing the need for a supportive community, Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road has taken the initiative to establish FRIEND.

The launch event, held at the hospital premises, was met with overwhelming support from the community. Nearly 60 attendees were treated to an insightful talk on mental health issues and stress management by Dr. Gayathri Kamath and Dr. Shubha Madhusudan, a clinical psychologist, respectively, who provided valuable insights into effectively managing endometriosis. Additionally, three patients bravely shared their personal journeys with endometriosis, providing inspiration and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

Dr Gayathri Kamath, Additional Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said, “Endometriosis can be a daunting condition to navigate alone. FRIEND aims to bridge the gap by providing a supportive community where individuals can find understanding, resources, and hope. Through regular meetings, workshops, and educational sessions organized by the members, one will have access to the latest information on endometriosis management, treatment options, and coping strategies. The support group will also facilitate connections with healthcare professionals at FORTIS, fostering collaborative relationships between patients and practitioners. Together, members of FRIEND will stand as a united front, championing for greater understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals navigating the complexities of endometriosis.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, said, ” At Fortis Hospital, we are committed to providing holistic care and support to our patients. FRIEND represents our dedication to addressing the unique needs of individuals affected by endometriosis and offering them a sense of community and empowerment. This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals, and we look forward to nurturing a supportive environment where strength, understanding, and healing prevail.”

Know the Steroid-induced Glaucoma: the silent thief of vision

Hyderabad, March 2024: L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) is observing World Glaucoma Week (WGW) like every year, by organizing campaigns, talks, and interactive patient forums to raise public awareness about glaucoma for early detection and prevention. Glaucoma Awareness Walk, was organised by L V Prasad Eye Institute from its Banjara Hills campus to spread awareness about Glaucoma, today. Chief guest and Film actress and producer Ms Niharika Konidela flagged off the walk. She appreciated the efforts of the doctors and medical professionals at LV Prasad Eye Institute, who work tirelessly to ensure
everyone can access good eye care.

Glaucoma is an eye problem associated with increased eye pressure and is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness. Glaucoma is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss. The global estimates predict that by 2040, the number of patients with glaucoma will rise from 76 million to 111.8 million, with a majority of these patients residing in Africa and Asia.

World Glaucoma Week (WGW) is a joint global initiative of the World Glaucoma Association
(WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patients Association (WGPA). This year, it is being observed from 10 to 16 March, focusing on Steroid-Induced Glaucoma.

Steroid-Induced Glaucoma: Understanding the Risks Steroids, commonly used in various medications to treat inflammation-related conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and eye allergies, can have detrimental effects on ocular health when misused. In particular, the prolonged use of steroids can lead to steroid-induced glaucoma, a condition that raises intraocular pressure and can result in irreversible vision loss.

“In a study published by LVPEI, out of 4062 children with ocular allergy, 2.2% had steroid- induced glaucoma, and more than 30% of these children were blind by the time they reached us. Most of these children were using steroids without any prescriptions or much beyond the time for which the original prescription was issued,” quoted Dr Siddharth Dikshit, Consultant Ophthalmologist at LVPEI, Hyderabad.

Steroids can be present in any medication, including eye drops, ointments, inhalers, tablets, and injections. Steroids are also found in many non-pharmaceutical products, legally and discreetly, without any documentation in creams for treatment of acne or itching and fairness creams. Some forms of medicines, which are not regulated, also add steroids in their formulations without permission or documentation.

How can steroids harm the eye?
Steroids, when misused, can have many adverse effects, mainly when used over a prolonged duration, repetitively, or in heavy doses. We will concentrate on the ocular effects of steroids. Steroids can cause cataracts—this happens more commonly with tablets—which can be treated with cataract surgery. Steroids also cause Glaucoma by raising the intraocular pressure, which, when uncontrolled, can cause irreversible visual loss.

Can steroids cause blindness?
Steroid-induced glaucoma can cause blindness. Unfortunately, children with eye allergies are most susceptible to this. Owing to the quick relief of red and itchy eyes, these steroids can be readily procured over the counter regularly, leading to unmonitored treatment. Additionally, unscrupulous, unregistered and quite often ignorant practitioners prescribing
steroids for nonspecific redness add to the problem.

Risk of developing Glaucoma?
In a limited study spread over 4 to 6 weeks, 5% of the population who didn’t have glaucoma developed raised intraocular pressure, which can cause glaucoma. The numbers are much more likely to be higher if the use of steroids is prolonged or repetitive. If you use steroids in any of the above forms, you must get a comprehensive eye examination. If someone develops glaucoma due to steroids, the physicians can suggest alternative medications in place of steroids along with the necessary treatment for glaucoma.

When asked what else can be done to mitigate the risk of steroid-induced Glaucoma, Dr Dikshit says, “We must ask our doctors if the prescription contains steroids, get an eye check-up done if the use is prolonged or repetitive, and use medications judiciously and only under medical supervision. People who are on prescribed steroids, such as eye drops,
inhalers, ointments, or tablets, should also get their eyes checked regularly.”

Qdesq’s Hyperflex Capabilities Drive Workspace Evolution Amid Hybrid Work Trends

Delhi, NCR (12th March ’24): Qdesq, India’s leading marketplace for flexible workspaces, offers workspace solutions to freelancers, startups, MSMEs, and larger enterprises. With a track record dating back to 2015, the company has successfully catered to over 30,000 corporate clients. As part of its service portfolio, Qdesq is now focusing on expanding and strengthening its hyperflex capabilities.

Qdesq, Flexi for Enterprise, is a technologically agile and flexible desk booking platform that has played a crucial role in effectively addressing various challenges related to hybrid work models, proximity to home, and on-demand solutions in numerous locations across India.

Anil Tahlani, Vice President of Client Servicing at Qdesq, said “The importance of our hyperflex capability in empowering bootstrapped companies within the industry to attract enterprise clients and contribute to India’s growth trajectory. We are delighted to observe that operators, particularly from emerging cities, are effectively collaborating and leveraging our technological solutions to fortify their positions and capitalize on market opportunities.”

He further explains that the confidence instilled by their portfolio clients in their HyperFlex platform has been instrumental in expanding the capabilities and strengthening relationships with both occupiers and providers. Initially established as a cost center during the COVID-19 pandemic, their HyperFlex platform has now evolved into a fully profitable division, thanks to a remarkable 17% year-on-year increase in demand. A highly efficient and dedicated team now oversees the HyperFlex vertical, ensuring its smooth operation.

This growth is a testament to the positive sentiments among occupiers, as evidenced by a threefold increase in flexible workspace supply in Tier 2 cities and a twofold increase in Tier 1 cities from March 2020 to March 2023. The reasons behind this surge are clear when considering the optimized real estate operational expenses (OPEX).

According to market speculations, the penetration of flex office spaces is projected to reach 35% of the total office stock, which amounts to 1.4 billion square feet, by March 2030. This represents a significant increase from the current 20% penetration rate, which corresponds to 1 billion square feet, as of March 2023.

Furthermore, an intriguing trend that deserves attention is the substantial growth in meeting room bookings within hybrid work setups. In the second quarter of the 2023-24 fiscal year, these bookings have tripled compared to previous periods. Several factors contribute to this surge in demand, including seamless team collaboration, enhanced privacy, superior facilities, convenient scheduling, and centralized control.

Finally, technology has served as the foundation for ensuring flexibility in locating and reserving a workspace or conference room. Moreover, it provides a more efficient revenue generation system for service providers, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities, enabling them to capitalize on their underutilized resources.

Gulshan Group Receives Prestigious ‘Great Place to Work 2024–25’ Certification

Gulshan group, NCR’s prominent real- estate developer in the NCR region, proudly announced its certification as a ‘Great Place to Work 2024–25’. Recognized by Great Place to Work, India, the group completed a thorough audit, affirming its status as a great workplace in the category of ‘Mid-size Organizations’.

Expressing her delight at receiving the certification Ms. Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, said, “We are honored to be recognized as a Great Place to Work for the year 2024-25. This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to cultivating a workplace culture that values and nurtures our employees. We believe in creating an environment where every team member feels empowered, respected, and motivated to contribute their best. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated team, whose passion and dedication drive our success.”

Gulshan Group’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, along with its dedication to employee welfare and professional development, has earned it this prestigious honor. Gulshan Group remains steadfast in its mission to continue providing a conducive and enriching work environment, fostering growth opportunities, and ensuring employee well-being as it continues its journey towards excellence in the real-estate sector.