Archives April 2024

New Delhi, April 25, 2024: Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and agriculture, today announced its partnership with Gram Unnati and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)’s Common Service Center (CSC-SPV), a strategic cornerstone of the National e-governance plan which aims to usher rural India into a digitally empowered era and foster a knowledge-based economy. The strategic collaboration aims to provide Indian farmers with access to quality agri-inputs through digital capability building and strengthen rural livelihoods and farm incomes. The partnership will support farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and a few other states in the first phase of execution. Besides access to the entire range of Bayer’s agri-solutions from seed to harvest, farmers can also avail of crop-specific agronomic advisory through CSC’s online platform and market access through Gram Unnati.

As part of the MoU, Smallholder farmers will be able to access timely crop advisory, transfer of good agricultural practices, and access to premium Bayer products through CSC’s online portal. Gram Unnati will facilitate farmer mobilization and ensure market linkages. Together, Bayer, CSC-SPV & Gram Unnati aims to empower over 500,000 (0.5 million) smallholder farmers over the next two years. To facilitate easy access to quality inputs, and agronomic support, and encourage agri-technology knowledge transfer based on the latest practices, Bayer will also nurture agri-entrepreneurs by leveraging village-level entrepreneurs of CSCs from within the local communities.

Simon-Thorsten Wiebusch, President, Bayer, South Asia & Country Divisional Head, Crop Science Division of Bayer for India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. said, “Smallholder farmers are vital in ensuring food and nutritional security in the country and Bayer is dedicated to empowering them through the expansion of access to essential agricultural inputs and expert agronomic guidance, driven by digital innovation and collectivization. Our association with the Government of India’s Common Service Center and Gram Unnati will help bring us closer to our shared goal of empowering farmers as we bridge the gap to remote farming communities, promote financial literacy, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit leading to optimized resource utilization, and maximizing farm potential to enhance their livelihoods sustainably.”

Sanjay Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC-SPV said, “We are excited to collaborate with Bayer and strengthen our e-commerce platform to scale support to smallholder farmers through our technology-powered ecosystem. By leveraging our synergies with Bayer Crop Science Limited, we envision sustained enhancements in rural agriculture within the identified centers. This partnership will enable last-mile access to tailored solutions, to better support the rural community and agri-entrepreneurs.”

Aneesh Jain, Founder & CEO, of Gram Unnati, said: “We are extremely delighted to work with Bayer CropScience and CSC e-Governance to play the role of a key facilitator in this ground-breaking association. We are already developing a system with CSC e-Governance to enable farmers to sell their end produce through the VLE network. This collaboration will enable farmers to get timely access to high-quality agri inputs, thus further improving their crop quality and yields too.”

The CSC scheme, a collaborative e-governance platform, is part of the Digital India program. The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) aims to facilitate the delivery of government, private, and social sector services to Indian citizens through the CSC network. It supports linkages, connecting villages in India through high-speed internet and scaling the delivery of products & services to reach the last mile.

It also offers a robust project platform for the ‘Better Life Farming Alliance’ led by Bayer CropScience Limited, through which the company can further contribute to sustainable income enhancement while promoting market-oriented agriculture practices and services amongst smallholder farmers. Under the partnership, Bayer will also facilitate women-focused training on financial literacy, management, and agri-business practices. Furthermore, the company aims to strengthen the capacities of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in alignment with their needs to enhance business and financial management. The collaboration will also support the scaling up and increased adoption of Bayer’s digital interventions amongst smallholder farmers, across the country.

The newly announced partnership follows an ongoing pilot engagement project running between Better Life Farming centers and CSC in Jharkhand’s Lohardega district since late 2020.

Mumbai, April 25, 2024: Open Signal, the independent global standards for network and subscriber insights has awarded Bharti Airtel, the best video experience on a 5G network in the Mumbai telecom circle.

OpenSignal is the global standard for analyzing mobile experience and is a definitive guide to understanding true customer experience. Airtel has topped the chart for overall 5G video streaming experience both in live and on-demand video streaming offering customers an uninterrupted experience. The company also leads the game in voice app experience, providing seamless connectivity to its users while playing multiplayer mobile games and using over-the-top (OTT) voice services on mobile voice apps. Overall, Airtel remains the outright winner of the best 5G upload speed award across the country, with a winning score of 25.1Mbps

INDIA, 25th April 2024 – A survey by Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program of Marriott International, has found that a majority of Gen Zs and Millennials in Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) prefer the simplicity of belonging to one comprehensive loyalty travel program.

While 60% of APEC Gen Zs and Millennials are actively subscribed to loyalty programs, the challenge of juggling several loyalty programs has led most (57%) to seek out one program that meets all their travel needs. Marriott Bonvoy carried out a survey of 1,000 respondents across ten markets in APEC to better understand the shifting attitudes of Millennials and Gen Zs and their travel behaviors. The survey identified an emerging generation of travel-focused, value-driven “Savvy Explorers” in APEC who seek to maximize their travel dollars and unique travel experiences.

Travel in 2024 is a priority for Gen Zs and Millennials: 73% report their intentions to take at least two trips in the next 12 months and 91% plan to spend the same, if not more, on their trips compared to the year before. Travel is viewed as an essential lifestyle component, and most are willing to reduce everyday spending on dining out (60%), shopping sprees (57%), and their daily coffee (54%) to spend more on a holiday.

“Survey results suggest that Gen Zs and Millennials in APEC are purposefully strategizing how they can channel value from their everyday spending toward rewarding travel experiences. They also prefer to be part of only one all-encompassing loyalty travel program that fulfills their needs. To this end, Marriott Bonvoy – which gives members access to over 30 brands in 10,000 destinations — is well positioned to deliver greater value and unlock more experiences for Gen Zs and Millennials,” says John Toomey, Marriott International’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China.

“As a testament to the program’s appeal, we have seen Marriott Bonvoy’s membership base in APEC grow by more than 50% since 2019. What’s more encouraging is that our members are highly active. They earned 40% more points in 2023 compared to 2022, and are putting their points to good use, with points redemptions increasing by more than 55% in the same period,” he reveals.

The trend of greater member growth and activity extends to the Marriott Bonvoy app. APEC member enrolment via digital channels grew by more than 25%, with mobile app downloads and active users more than doubling in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The regional survey also uncovered notable trends amongst Gen Zs and Millennials across the 10 APEC countries. Market-specific trends can be found in Annex A.

Travel value unlocked through everyday spend

Savvy Explorers take considered steps to unlock travel value through everyday spending. Leveraging on their familiarity with loyalty programs, APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials employ varied tactics to maximize their travel rewards: four in five say they have gone out of their way to use a travel-linked credit card for everyday purchases, and 67% actively use a travel loyalty program to book and redeem local experiences and staycations.

This trend is supported by the usage behaviors of Marriott Bonvoy members in APEC. They accumulated points from stays across more than 8,800 Marriott International properties globally and through everyday spending. Redemption for hotel stays in 2023 registered a 130% increase compared to pre-pandemic times, accounting for the majority of redemptions, followed by points-to-miles conversions on partner airlines.

Hotels become a key destination to explore

Hotel experience is key to winning the hearts and dollars of the Gen Z and Millennial segment, with 99% of respondents believing their hotel choice can make or break their holiday. Hotels are also increasingly viewed as a key destination for exploration, going beyond the role of ‘accommodation’. Nearly four in five respondents expect their hotel to provide curated local programming and experiences, whilst 84% prefer to stay at a hotel with designs and activities reflective of its destination.

The recent debut of Moxy Hotels – noted for its hallmark playful nature, innovative design, and contemporary amenities – in key APEC markets exemplifies Marriott International’s commitment to continuously bring new hospitality experiences to the region.

Despite a desire to maximize their travel budgets where they can, their hotel is one area that APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials are willing to invest extra travel dollars towards. Top motivations for new-generation travelers to splurge include the hotel’s room offerings (48%) and location (42%). Whilst amenities remain key considerations, these guests value a seamless travel experience, with mobile-first customer service (61%), reliable WiFi (68%), and flexible check-out (64%) outpacing traditional benefits like lounge access (42%).

Destination ‘dupes’ fuel intra-regional travel demand

International travel has returned but APEC’s Gen Z and Millennials remain committed to destinations closer to home. While iconic holiday locations like the Swiss Alps and Bora Bora maintain their appeal, 55% are opting for destinations within the region that provide a similar experience. These so-called “destination dupes” are fast gaining traction amongst this segment because they allow Gen Zs and Millennials to stretch their travel expenses (69%), discover something new (63%), and are easily accessible (62%).

As a reflection of robust intra-regional travel demand in 2023, Marriott International saw over 60% of bookings in APEC coming from within the region.

Corporate backpackers on the rise

Gen Zs and Millennials are also taking leisure travel up a notch by capitalizing on the opportunity of a business trip to embark on multi-destination tours. In addition to extending their travel plans (68%), 84% plan to explore nearby cities and countries as part of their post-work itinerary.

With more than 560 properties across 24 brands in 22 countries and territories in APEC to choose from, Marriott International offers customers a myriad of options to mix work with pleasure.

Off-peak travel maximizes destination experience

Gen Zs and Millennials are also carefully planning when to travel to maximize their trip experience. The majority (71%) of Gen Z and Millennials say they would opt to travel during off-peak seasons to beat the crowds and get more out of their trip. 67% feel they can do more during low-peak seasons, and 77% leave their holidays feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

Where Marriott Bonvoy Can Take You

Marriott Bonvoy allows members to earn when they stay or spend at Marriott International’s growing portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands across 139 countries and territories, and in over 8,800 properties. In APEC, members can benefit from the program’s key strategic partnerships with Singapore Airlines and co-branded credit cards in Japan, Korea, and India. With Marriott Bonvoy Moments, members can get access to once-in-lifetime experiences such as the opportunity to get closer to the action with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team at the Singapore Grand Prix

Hyderabad, April 25, 2024: The Retailers Association of India (RAI) hosted the third edition of the Hyderabad Retail Summit (HRS) on April 24, 2024 at the Hotel ITC Kohenur Hyderabad. HRS is a content-led platform for industry stakeholders across categories to come together to learn, connect, and engage in a common dialogue over issues relevant to retail in the region.

Speaking about the developments in the retail industry, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, of the Retailers Association of India (RAI), said, “The retail sector in Telangana has undergone a rapid transformation, spurred by a modernization wave that blends offline assurances with online convenience. At the heart of this evolution are our tech-savvy consumers, largely influenced by the region’s robust IT industry. These consumers are not just looking for products; they demand seamless integration of online accessibility and the reliability of offline retail experiences. This dynamic shift is pushing the retail industry towards a model that promises the best of both worlds, setting a benchmark for retail innovation across the nation

Delivering a special address at the Hyderabad Retail Summit 2024, Shri Jayesh Ranjan, Hon’ble Principal Secretary – Industries, Commerce and Information Technology, Government of Telangana, expressed, “Unless people show willingness and inclination to learn new things, the industry stagnates. One of the reasons why Hyderabad is one of the best cities to live in is because of the retailers. Hyderabad offers whatever a consumer requires like price points, variety – there is something for everyone here.”

Highlights of the Hyderabad Retail Summit (HRS) 2024 were the in-depth panel discussion on topics such as The Modern Retail Renaissance: Innovations And Consumer-Centric Strategies, Retail Revolutionised: The Technological Transformation, and Revolutionising The Indian Grocery Industry: Technology, Supply Chains, And Logistics.

Sharing valuable insights on these panels were some prominent faces of the retail industry in the region, namely Avnish Kumar – Managing Director, Neerus Ensembles; Gautam Gupta – MD & CEO, Paradise Food Court; P Jayakumar – CEO, Apollo Pharmacy; Taran Chhabra, Co-Founder, Neeman’s, Vikash Hisariya – Managing Director, Vishal Peripherals, among others.

“As the head of RAI’s Telangana Chapter and Managing Director of Neerus Ensembles, I am thrilled to witness the convergence of industry leaders at the Hyderabad Retail Summit. This summit serves as a pivotal platform for exploring and embracing new strategies tailored to evolving consumer behaviors. Our focus at RAI to connect, converse, collaborate, and catalyze is vividly brought to life here as we blend digital and physical retail landscapes, paving the way for a future where retail experiences are not only integrated but also deeply personalized to meet consumer expectations, ” said Avnish Kumar, Head of RAI’s Telangana Chapter, and Managing Director, Neerus Ensembles.

P Jayakumar, CEO, of Apollo Pharmacy, added, “Modern health care is revolutionizing by integrating technology with traditional services to offer an omni-channel experience. In Telangana, with over 800+ stores, including 24-hour outlets, and the Apollo 247 online platform, we provide a continuum of care that’s both convenient and reliable. Our services range from delivery of medicines, lab tests, doctor consultations, etc., ensuring quality care is always within reach. As we adapt to the modern retail landscape, our commitment to accessible healthcare remains unwavering, backed by the trust of our customers.”

Taran Chhabra, Co-Founder of Neeman’s added, “At the Hyderabad Retail Summit, we delved into the transformative role of technology in the footwear industry, particularly its potential to drive sustainability. This event highlights the critical need for integrating innovative technologies that not only enhance customer experiences but also promote environmental stewardship. As we continue to explore and adopt these advanced technologies, we are setting new standards for sustainability in footwear manufacturing, leading the industry towards a more responsible future.”

HRS 2024 is Presented by Ratnadeep Retail and Powered by National Mart. Platinum Partners included Neeru’s Ensembles and Amazon Pay; Retail Design Partner is 4D Experience, Associate Partners include Apollo Pharmacy, BillMade, Café Niloufer, and Donracks; Event Partners include Akrivia HCM, Intelisa, Amply, Entasis Global. Onebeat, Ravulapati TecHub, Archana Engineering, 24/7 HRM and Petra Rock; Mahendra Mithaiwala as Gifting Partners, TRRAIN as Charity Partner, STOrai as the Magazine Partner, Digital Magazine Partner – Replenish and RAI Global Linker as Networking Partner.

New Delhi, 25th April 2024: DashLoc, a trailblazing company in India specializing in hyperlocal discovery and growth, has announced a strategic partnership with Godrej, a renowned name in the appliance industry. This collaboration aims to redefine the retail domain by creating an ecosystem that seamlessly connects Godrej Appliance Stores with local communities, enhancing discovery, engagement, and revenue growth.

Through this B2B partnership, DashLoc and Godrej are dedicated to empowering local communities with convenient access to appliance-related products. Over the upcoming six months, both entities will work together to leverage digital solutions, enhancing customer engagement and extending the reach of Godrej’s retail outlets. Notably, this strategic endeavor intends to generate organic leads for Godrej and increase their conversion rates effectively.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Sumit Singh, CEO and Co-founder at DashLoc, commented, “We are excited to join forces with Godrej to revolutionize the retail experience for both customers and retailers. By leveraging our hyperlocal discovery platform, we aim not only to drive foot traffic to Godrej Appliance stores but also to enhance their online presence.”

He added, “In today’s digital age, where consumers rely heavily on online platforms for product discovery and purchasing decisions, leveraging hyperlocal discovery platforms like ours has become imperative for businesses. By availing such services, companies can not only increase their visibility and reach but also stay ahead of the competition by offering personalized and convenient experiences to their customers.

Swati Rathi, Head of Marketing at Godrej expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership with DashLoc aligns with our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity. We are confident that by leveraging DashLoc’s expertise, we will enhance the accessibility of our products to local communities and drive growth for our retail outlets. We look forward to working closely with DashLoc to maximize the benefits of this collaboration and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

Through this partnership, DashLoc and Godrej are spearheading a range of collaborative digital initiatives aimed at ensuring the omnipresence of retail outlets. DashLoc will provide services such as listing management, microsites for retail outlets, review management, organic lead generation, call tracking, and lead management, among others. The key benefits of these services include easy connectivity for local communities, dynamic microsites for dealers, and organic lead generation, leading to higher conversions.

What sets this partnership apart is its focus on creating a sustainable organic digital ecosystem for retail businesses, with a strong emphasis on achieving a high return on investment. DashLoc will play a crucial role in providing ongoing support by supplying relevant local content to engage the community through partnership with Godrej Inspire Hub shops.

Mumbai, 25th April 2024 – In response to the evolving needs of the digital landscape and to better serve our clients’ diverse requirements, The Content Lab announced a strategic restructuring initiative that brings different solutions under focussed silos; Stir (Digital & Creative Agency), Carbon (Production backbone for TVCs/DVCs) and H2O (essential, scalable and snackable content creation – think Reels, Shorts & YouTube always on). This transformation underscores our commitment to delivering creative content solutions.

As part of this restructuring, the three verticals, Stir, Carbon, and H2O will operate under a unified umbrella, The Content Lab, enabling seamless integration of services and enhanced efficiency. By leveraging the collective expertise of our multidisciplinary teams, we are poised to offer a comprehensive suite of solutions that spans from concept development to execution across various digital platforms.

“At The Content Lab, we recognize the evolving nature of the digital landscape and this restructuring will allow for a more efficient content-first approach for brands,” said Vaibhav Mehta, Founder and CEO. “This restructuring initiative will create a greater focus for each vertical, stronger collaboration between teams, and sharper results for brands”.

The newly restructured entity will enable clients to access a wide array of services seamlessly, including creative strategy, scalable content creation, digital marketing, campaign conceptualization, branding, ad-film production, and more.

“With our integrated approach, clients can expect a seamless experience from concept to execution, enabling them to achieve their marketing objectives with maximum impact,” added Supriya Sehgal, Co-founder and COO.

The restructuring also reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity by encouraging greater cross-functional collaboration.

India, 25th April 2024 – Email is one of the main technological innovations that has revolutionized the way we understand the world, as well as reconfigured the business model. Since its invention in 1965, the evolution of this means of communication has been groundbreaking, and according to data from Statista, there were already more than 4.260 billion users who used email in 2022, and the number of emails sent on that same date amounted to 330 billion, with a growth forecast of 17.8% by 2026. However, the high use of this technology has also made it one of the most vulnerable: according to Techopedia, more than 3.4 billion phishing emails occur daily, with these attacks being responsible for 90% of data breaches.

On the occasion of National Email Day, Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading AI-powered, cloud-delivered cyber security platform provider, is sharing the evolution of email, to see how it has developed to become one of the main communication tools, and in turn, a central point of attack by cybercriminals. According to Check Point Software, currently, more than 90% of attacks on companies originate from malicious emails. In the last thirty days, 62% of malicious files were distributed via email, and it has been shown that one in 379 emails contains this type of file, with the PDF format being the most common, with a frequency percentage of 59%.

Check Point Software also reveals how phishing is predominant in different regions: in India, an organization has been attacked on average 2444 times per week in the last 6 months, compared to 1151 attacks per organization globally. Apart from that, EXE is the top malicious file type by email, with 57%

The Evolution from the First Email

Email was invented in 1965 by a group of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It was the first electronic messaging system for internal use, although at that time it differed greatly from what is known today. In 1971, Ray Tomlinson invented the email system with an infrastructure similar to today’s: it was a personal digital mailbox where you could receive messages.

The email began to be used as a method for conducting business starting in 1978 when the first email marketing campaign was launched by Gary Thuerk. However, email was restricted to business use until the late 1980s. Microsoft Mail was the first program launched for users, which also incorporated the option to add attachments in 1992. From that moment, other electronic mailbox options began to emerge: Microsoft Outlook in 1993, Hotmail in 1996, Yahoo Mail, and Gmail.

Email has been one of the most frequent formulas for distributing malware, with attacks as significant as Creeper or Happy99, causing corporate disasters like WannaCry (3.800 million euros) or MyDoom (34.000 million euros).

Phishing attacks are one of the most commonly used formulas for distributing malware and ransomware. This kind of cyber threat started in 1996 when the term was first used by America Online (AOL). Cybercriminals created random credit card numbers and opened new accounts on AOL, posing as employees of the service itself to steal users’ credentials. Later, in the 2000s, the concept of ‘Spray and Pray’ emerged, a phishing campaign in which a well-known brand was impersonated to scam potential customers to steal their credentials.

This cyber threat has evolved by employing sophisticated techniques such as identity spoofing and putting Artificial Intelligence and DeepFake technology at their service. Spoofing is a technique where the use of AI is fundamental: the attacker falsifies the email address to impersonate another person or organization with the main goal of deceiving the recipient into believing that the email is coming from a legitimate source. Ransomware attacks often use this method to encrypt the victim’s files or lock the entire system until the ransom is paid. According to Check Point Software, 10% of companies worldwide have experienced ransomware attacks, representing a 33% increase compared to the previous year.

The reach of phishing attacks is unlimited and mainly affects large companies: according to Check Point Research (Brand Phishing Report Q1 2024) on phishing attacks, Microsoft was the most targeted (38% of phishing attacks worldwide), followed by Google and LinkedIn. This type of threat can lead to large-scale data leaks, as happened recently with the well-known case “Mother of all Breaches” in January 2024, a supermassive leak of more than 26 billion records containing LinkedIn, Twitter, Tencent, and other platforms’ user data.

Email Security with Check Point Software

Implementing best email security practices is essential to protect user data and the reputation and integrity of businesses. For this, it is essential to follow a series of guidelines based on awareness, prevention, and protection:

• Awareness and user training: users must be aware of the threats they face and receive regular training to recognize and know how to respond to cyberattacks.
• Use of strong passwords
• Employment of multifactor authentication
• Updates and patches: Keep email software and device operating systems up to date with the latest security patches to stay protected against potential vulnerabilities.
• Spam filtering
• Use of encryption to protect the privacy and confidentiality of emails.
• Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and employing secure browsing solutions.

Check Point Software offers comprehensive email protection with Harmony Email & Collaboration, with a focus on AI and ML-driven prevention, equipped to stop the most sophisticated and evasive attacks, as well as complete protection against malware and ensuring that all confidential company information is kept safe. This technology has been recognized as the most effective in protecting email and communications by the Omdia Universe Email Security 2024 report, with a success rate of 99.8%.

“Email is currently one of the most effective tools for companies and although the advantages it offers are numerous. Nevertheless it is necessary to always stay alert against cyber-attack attempts leveraging emails, from ransomware attacks to cunning phishing schemes and scams. The integration of AI technologies into these threats has only heightened the urgency for robust defences in the organisation and at home. We must prioritise the implementation of robust email security solutions, comprehensive user education and maintaining a culture of vigilance to stay ahead of such threats. This is an indispensable requirement for any organization to maintain the safety and integrity of their operations.” explains Sundar Balasubramanian, India and SAARC MD, Check Point Software Technologies at Check Point Software.

-Dr. Ajay Rana

Axillary hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive underarm sweating, is a condition characterized by uncontrollable and excessive sweating in the armpit area. While sweating is a natural bodily function that helps regulate body temperature, individuals with axillary hyperhidrosis experience sweating that exceeds the body’s normal requirements, often causing embarrassment and discomfort in social and professional settings. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for axillary hyperhidrosis.

Causes: The exact cause of axillary hyperhidrosis is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from overactivity of the sweat glands in the armpits. This overactivity can be triggered by various factors, including:

• Genetics: Axillary hyperhidrosis often runs in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition.

• Overactive Nervous System: The sympathetic nervous system controls sweating, and in individuals with hyperhidrosis, this system may be overactive, leading to excessive sweating.

• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, obesity, diabetes, and menopause can contribute to excessive sweating.

• Medications: Some medications, including certain antidepressants and beta-blockers, may cause excessive sweating as a side effect.

Symptoms: The primary symptom of axillary hyperhidrosis is profuse sweating in the armpit area that occurs regardless of temperature or physical exertion. This excessive sweating can soak through clothing, leading to embarrassment and self-consciousness. Other symptoms may include:

• Persistent moisture or wetness in the underarm area
• Skin irritation, such as redness or chafing
• Foul odour due to bacteria interacting with sweat
• Social and emotional distress, including anxiety and low self-esteem

Treatment Options: Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help manage axillary hyperhidrosis and improve the quality of life for affected individuals. These may include:

Antiperspirants: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride can help reduce sweating by blocking the sweat glands in the armpits. These are typically the first line of treatment for mild to moderate cases of axillary hyperhidrosis.
Iontophoresis: This non-invasive procedure involves passing a mild electrical current through water-soaked skin, temporarily blocking the sweat glands. It is often used to treat excessive sweating in the hands and feet but can also be effective for axillary hyperhidrosis.
Botox Injections: Botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, can temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating. When injected into the armpits, Botox can significantly reduce sweating for several months before requiring retreatment.
Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications such as anticholinergics may be prescribed to help reduce sweating by blocking the chemical signals that stimulate the sweat glands. However, these medications may cause side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
Surgery: For severe cases of axillary hyperhidrosis that do not respond to other treatments, surgical options such as sympathectomy or sweat gland removal may be considered. These procedures are typically reserved for cases that significantly impact daily life and have failed to improve with conservative measures.

However, as per the guidelines of the FDA in the United States, the safest treatment for Axillary Hyperhidrosis is botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. This approach is considered safe and effective in managing excessive underarm sweating. Unlike other treatments such as oral medications or surgical interventions, Botox injections target the specific sweat glands in the armpits, minimizing the risk of systemic side effects. While oral medications may pose risks of adverse effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, or urinary retention, and surgery carries inherent risks such as infection or nerve damage, Botox injections have a well-established safety profile when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Its localized action reduces the likelihood of systemic complications, making it a preferred option for individuals seeking a minimally invasive and safe solution for Axillary Hyperhidrosis.

Axillary hyperhidrosis can significantly impact the daily lives of those affected, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and social withdrawal. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you believe you may have axillary hyperhidrosis, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. With the right approach, excessive sweating doesn’t have to control your life.

About the Author:

The author is an internationally renowned Dermatologist, Surgeon & Aesthetic Physician (www.drajayrana.in). Also, the Founder and Director of ILAMED & Dermalyn Aesthetics. He can be reached at drajayrana@ilamed.org

Good morning, everyone! It is truly wonderful to be here at the NSE for the listing of Vodafone Idea’s equity shares after a remarkably successful FPO. It was 17 years ago that Idea Cellular was listed on the bourses. The India Telecom story since then has been punctuated by many events and milestones.

And I believe that the successful conclusion of India’s largest FPO of Rs 18,000 crores marks one such turning point for the telecom industry. The fact that so many marquee investors participated in this equity issuance is a testament to the government’s vision of a digital India. The emphatic oversubscription of the FPO – with the overall book being subscribed 7 times and the institutional book being subscribed 19 times — demonstrates the tremendous potential of the India digital story and Vodafone Idea’s role in it. The robust engagement from both foreign and domestic investors is heartening. Notably, the full subscription of the retail portion is truly commendable, given the sheer scale of the offer.

Vodafone Idea’s journey to this point has been shaped significantly by the government’s path-breaking reform package, which was nothing short of transformational for the entire sector. I thank the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Honourable Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Honourable Telecom Minister Shri Ashwin Vaishnaw for their leadership and unequivocal commitment to preserving a competitive 3-player market. The policy environment today encourages investment, innovation, and competition.

India’s digital economy is booming, and robust telecom networks are crucial to support this growth. A nation of 1.4 billion people deserves 3 private telecom players.

Vodafone Idea, today, is not just a telecom company. It is a national asset — with 215 million users, about 8000 MHz spectrum, and a network that spans Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

The Aditya Birla Group, as you all know, has remained committed to this sector for over two and a half decades now. Along with our partner, Vodafone Group, we have cumulatively invested around Rs.170,000 Cr in the Indian Telecom industry. Before this FPO, in the last 5 years, out of Rs.30,000 Cr raised by the company, more than 75% has come from the two promoter groups. The latest fundraising has also seen an investment of over Rs. 2,000 Cr from the Aditya Birla Group. This continued commitment stems from our belief in the promise of the India digital story.

The proceeds from this fundraiser are earmarked for a significant capital expenditure cycle. This growth capex will pave the way for a network and technological upgrade across key markets. This in turn will enhance operational efficiencies and lead to better performance. The cycle of investment will trigger the cycle of growth. On the back of this fundraiser and continued support from banks, Vodafone Idea will stage a smart turnaround. This moment in some ways, marks the beginning of Vodafone Idea 2.0. I believe that a revitalized Vodafone Idea is important for India.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the relentless spirit of team Vodafone Idea. From network technicians and marketing executives to customer service agents— the “Vi” (pronounced WE) team has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, resilience, and tenacity. Amidst storms of uncertainty, they have remained undeterred, day in and day out. It won’t be an exaggeration to say —What a team, Sirjee!

I also want to thank the 215 million users who have backed the company through thick and thin. Their support is the foundation on which Vodafone Idea will grow.

A heartfelt thank you also to our banking partners, Axis, Jefferies, and SBI Caps for this blockbuster FPO.

Once again, I am grateful to everyone who has believed in, invested in, and committed to the vision of Digital India. A vision that will continue to drive Vodafone Idea forward. Today, as we stand on the cusp of a digital revolution, a rejuvenated Vi together with other telecom players, will meaningfully contribute to the exciting and sustainable growth journey ahead.

25th April 2024: CNBC-TV18 organized an intimate chapter of Future. Female. Forward Season 2: The Leadership Circle – Mumbai Edition, presented by HSBC India. This significant initiative aims to bridge the gender gap and engage in impactful conversations to promote gender equality. The event was held at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai on April 18, 2024, and was attended by prominent figures from business, entrepreneurship, policy, entertainment, and politics.

The Leadership Circle aimed to go beyond traditional networking events by establishing a forum where decision-makers and influential leaders gathered to promote true parity. This chapter welcomed prominent female leaders to share their experiences, encouraging meaningful dialogue and effective collaboration.

The evening kickstarted with a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18. She said, “CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward. initiative has collected narratives of numerous women across various spheres of life. We have taken our campaign and conversations to global forums with the World Economic Forum in Davos. Our initiative has honored women who have opened new doors of opportunity. Future. Female. Forward. focuses not just on maintaining women’s presence in the workplace, but also on reclaiming their individuality and promoting empowerment. The initiative brought together leaders from the private sector, governmental, and social sectors.”

The first fireside chat of the Leadership Circle’s Mumbai edition featured Masaba Gupta, Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur, and Actor in conversation with Shereen Bhan. Talking about the plans for House of Masaba, she said, “We will have a significantly larger retail footprint across India and globally. Currently, we operate around 17 stores across India, and we aim to increase this number to between 35 and 40 in the upcoming years. Additionally, we have exciting new categories and product extensions in the pipeline. We are gradually shifting towards the luxury market, recognizing the dynamic nature of today’s Indian market. I used to say, people loved heading West, finding joy in opening stores in New York or Dubai. But today, we’ve got it all right here in our Indian market.”

The evening moved ahead with an enriching panel discussion on the topic ‘Lessons in Leadership’ with Naiyya Saggi, Co-Founder, of Good Glam Group & CEO, of Good Community; Radhika Gupta, Managing Director & CEO, of Edelweiss Mutual Fund; Neera Nundy, Partner & Co-Founder, Dasra; Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries Limited; Deepali Goenka, Managing Director, Welspun Living Limited; Aparna Piramal Raje, Writer & Public Speaker, and Dr. Aparna Bandodkar.

Reflecting on her journey, Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, stated, “A defining moment for me was when I walked onto the stage at the Jio Theater without informing my family or colleagues, ready to open up to 500 strangers about my experiences. Supported by the encouragement of a mentor, I was uncertain about the effect my words would have. By embracing my vulnerabilities, I discovered strength and built a greater sense of self-assurance. I realized that my flaws were not weaknesses but rather connections to others. Sharing my story turned into a beacon of hope for many who were on similar paths.”

Neetu Kashiramka, Managing Director, VIP Industries Limited speaking about her journey of overcoming societal taboos said “I come from a conservative Marwadi family where even attending college was a challenge. Despite my father’s pressure to marry at 20, I was resolute about pursuing a career. It took tears and persistence to gain his approval. The next hurdle was finding a progressive partner who would respect and support my ambitions. With confidence, I approached my husband-to-be, laying out my expectations. His unwavering support and sacrifices have been crucial to my career success. From starting as an assistant manager to becoming a vice president, I’ve achieved milestones beyond imagination. Each step, from K-11 to VIP Industries, has been driven by determination and a commitment to excellence.”

Naiyya Saggi, Co-Founder, of Good Glam Group & CEO, of Good Community said “At its core, we are fostering a community where both remarkable women and men unite. Growing up, my mother was an indomitable force who shattered stereotypes, ensuring that gender was never a barrier in my life. Entrepreneurship, particularly founding Baby Chakra, opened my eyes to the existing disparities. We encountered difficulties in persuading male investors, but we never gave up. I was recently elected to the governing council of the Mumbai Tech Entrepreneurs Association, where I advocate for increased female representation. As I prepare to become a mother for the second time, my journey is a testament to the power of persistence. Each challenge we overcome not only advances our cause but also sets the stage for others to follow. We aim to create a domino effect, where each success story motivates many more to embark on their paths.”

Sohini Chattopadhyay, national-award-winning film critic, journalist, and author delivered a special author session about the growth of Women in history, specifically women in sports.

The event’s concluding discussion session on partner perspectives on ‘Championing Diversity and Inclusion’ was led by Amitabh Malhotra, Head of Global Banking of HSBC India. Talking about the diverse culture and various programs for women, he said, “At HSBC, our dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion extends beyond individual stories to a collective effort. Our ‘Power to Her’ initiative, aimed at reintegrating skilled women back into the workforce after career breaks, illustrates this commitment. Achieving an impressive 60% conversion rate to full-time positions underscores our resolve to leverage diverse talent pools and cultivate upcoming leaders. Likewise, our ‘Ascent’ program empowers senior female leaders by enhancing their self-awareness and leadership capabilities, leading to more than 50% advancement into new roles.”

CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective was proudly presented by HSBC India. It is co-presented by HCLTech, and ITC, FedEx, Reliance supported the initiative as Associate Partners, with Industry Partner, FICCI.