Archives May 2024

Pune,10th May 2024 – Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, hosted an interactive full-day event on their campus for thalassemia-affected patients on World Thalassemia Day. The event aimed to empower and uplift individuals affected by thalassemia by providing them with opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and community sport. Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder and it requires lifelong medical care and often results in physical and emotional challenges for patients and their families.

Dr.Mahesh Sulaxane, IAP Secretary; Dr. J.S. Bhawalkar, Dean; Dr.P. Vatsalaswamy, Director Academics; Dr.Hanumant Chavan, Medical Superintendent; Dr.Shailaja Mane, Head of the Department of Pediatrics; Dr. Dnyaneshwar P Upase, Senior Consultant Hematologist and Hemato Oncologist from Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre graced the event. Thalassemia patients along with families, other healthcare professionals, and members of the community also joined this insightful event and contributed to the well-being of individuals fighting with thalassemia.

Dr. Mahesh Sulaxane, IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) Secretary was the chief guest at the event. While addressing the event, he said, “It’s impressive to see the special efforts undertaken by the institute towards the well-being of their thalassemia patients. Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre has been consistently launching initiatives to create awareness about thalassemia as well as other serious conditions and has succeeded in raising the bar for healthcare across its contemporaries.”

Hon’ble Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasurer of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “We must stand united to raise awareness for those battling thalassemia and continue our efforts to empower the patients to lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges in their day to day lives. Additionally, such initiatives foster confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to navigate the complexities of managing their condition with greater resilience and resourcefulness.”

Dr. Dnyaneshwar P Upase, Senior Consultant Hematologist and Hemato Oncologist at Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said, “Our institute believes that every individual regardless of their economic and health condition, deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential. By coming together to celebrate this day we can create a bright future for those affected by this condition and give them a chance to truly thrive in this dynamic environment.” Dr. Upase elaborated on a comprehensive array of treatment options such as bone marrow transplant for potential cure, emerging non-transfusion therapies like luspatercept injections, and the use of blood transfusions alongside iron chelation therapy. Regular check-ups were emphasized to ensure the overall well-being of patients with thalassemia.

During the session, Dr. J.S. Bhawalkar, Dean, Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, stated,“Our institution is committed to providing holistic care to the thalassemia patients that goes beyond medical treatment. We are aware that this disorder requires not just physical but also emotional support and through this event, we aim to foster a sense of accomplishment and self-worth by enhancing their quality of life.”

The event offered multiple soft skills workshops and training sessions catering to the interests and abilities of thalassemia patients. From vocational skills to educational opportunities, the patients were able to get hands-on experience that would ensure that they were equipped with skills that would help them in different walks of life. In addition to this, the institution had planned several art activities to encourage the self-expression and creativity of the patients to discover their artistic talents through painting, drawing, music, essay writing, etc., which were designed for the personal growth and development of the patients.

Through this event, Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune once again reiterated its commitment to community well-being through arranging such initiatives, contributing to the broader effort to raise awareness about thalassemia and its impact on the affected individuals and their families.

MUMBAI—10th May 2024 —Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has rolled out a new, entertaining brand film as a part of its campaign – Everyone’s Talking Amazon Prime. The campaign reinforces the brand’s position as the home for all the shows and movies that everyone’s talking about in India today. Through a high-octane and humorous film, with an appearance by Pankaj Tripathi as the much-loved Kaleen Bhaiyaa from Mirzapur, the ad film underscores the incredible fandom and popularity that Prime Video’s shows and movies enjoy amongst Indian consumers, across all languages and age groups.

The new brand film further builds on the ‘Everyone’s Talking Prime’ campaign that was launched last year with a film featuring Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man), asking for suggestions on what to watch and getting flooded with a barrage of recommendations. The focus of the new film, like the previous one, is on the fans, who don’t hesitate to jump in (quite literally in this case!) and recommend their favorite titles, to anyone looking for streaming suggestions. The campaign reiterates Prime Video’s philosophy of customer obsession, which ensures that all content on the service deeply resonates with viewers and leaves a lasting impression on them.

“Our remarkable journey spanning seven years in India has been a testament to our commitment to redefining the entertainment landscape of the country. We have always sought to bring forth authentic storylines and rooted narratives across genres, languages, and formats, that resonate with customers, both locally and globally. A look at the shows and movies launched in just the last year and a half – from Farzi, Jubilee, Bawaal and Dahaad to Indian Police Force, Poacher, Wedding.con, Inspector Rishi, Road House and Fallout, among others, each show or movie has succeeded in becoming someone’s favourite story to recommend,” said Sushant Sreeram, country director, Prime Video, India. “With our latest brand film, we not only celebrate the compelling line-up of shows and movies that we are bringing to customers, but also reflect fan-speak on how these are quickly becoming widely talked about and watched. I am confident our forthcoming line-up will continue to entertain and delight our customers, just the way our shows and movies have done till now.”

The latest brand film opens to an intense round of wrestling, with each wrestler trying to gain the upper hand when, unexpectedly in the middle of the match, one of them asks the other to recommend something to watch. What follows is a hilarious free-for-all, with coaches, judges, match officials and even the audience jumping into the fray to suggest their own favorite Prime Video show or movie, building a human pyramid in the process. The air reverberates with the names of many fan-favorites and award-winning titles like Indian Police Force, Ae Watan Mere Watan, Bawaal, Dahaad, Farzi, The Boys, Roadhouse, and many more. Amidst the chaos, we see an incredibly calm Pankaj Tripathi in his Kaleen Bhaiyya avatar flanked by two of his men, watching all this action. Unable to resist, he finally consents to recommending Mirzapur, in his typical Kaleen Bhaiya style and also sums up the proceedings with his characteristic voice-over ‘Jo shows aur movies sabki zubaan par, woh sab Amazon Prime par’.

The film is supported by a 360-degree campaign on TV, digital, social media, and outdoor along with social innovations that bring the premise of the film alive. Conceptualized by Manja and the Prime Video creative team, the films have been scripted and produced by Nirvana Films with director Prakash Varma at the helm.

10th May 2024: Herbochem, one of the oldest and most trusted manufacturers of phytochemicals with over 50 years of industry prowess, proudly introduces ‘+91 ASHWAGANDHA’, a revolutionary nutraceutical product that marks a groundbreaking advancement in the world of Ashwagandha extracts. Expertly developed through an innovative manufacturing process, +91 ASHWAGANDHA is designed to unlock the full potential of Ashwagandha, the world’s first full-spectrum extract focused on managing technology-related mental illness. + 91 Ashwagandha® stands out from the rest with its unique extraction technique that not only captures the active compounds but also maximizes the natural macro-nutrients like Potassium and Magnesium offering a comprehensive solution for technology nutrition and mental wellness. With +91 ASHWAGANDHA®, Herbochem ushers in a new era of holistic well-being, empowering individuals to thrive in the face of modern-day stressors and embrace a balanced, resilient lifestyle.

“We take immense pride in offering this proprietary, branded product – +91 ASHWAGANDHA, meticulously standardized to 7% Withanolides through state-of-the-art HPLC analysis. Our extract is a masterful blend of Ashwagandha roots, leaves, and a water-extracted fraction, carefully combined in an optimized ratio that we fondly refer to as the ‘golden ratio.’ This unique formulation is engineered to address the growing challenges of technology-related mental illness, providing a natural solution for combating stress, anxiety, and depression exacerbated by our increasingly digital lifestyles,” stated Mr. Karthik Kondepudi, Partner at Herbochem.

In a testament to Herbochem’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, the company conducted rigorous clinical studies, comparing +91 ASHWAGANDHA® with leading brands in the market. The results were resoundingly positive, solidifying Herbochem’s confidence in this groundbreaking product.

Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb revered in Ayurvedic traditions for centuries, is renowned for its ability to promote balanced mental and physical well-being. However, Herbochem recognized a gap in the market a need for innovation, and a focus on optimizing Ashwagandha extracts for specific indications. Thus, +91 ASHWAGANDHA® was born, a result of tireless efforts to address the growing demand for natural solutions to manage mental health concerns. An imbalance in mental health can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Research on Ashwagandha’s root, leaves, and aqueous extract, which contains oligosaccharides, revealed beneficial effects on mental health. We created a full-spectrum Ashwagandha extract, combining the plant’s root, leaves, and aqueous extract in an optimized ratio. This natural product aims to manage common mental health concerns effectively.

As of FY23-24, India’s technology industry employed 5.39 million individuals, a testament to its significant workforce contribution. However, driven by multiple factors like economic slowdown, automation, restructuring, and decreased discretionary spending; in the past few quarters, IT companies have experienced a decline in headcount. Interestingly, amidst these challenges, on the positive side, India’s IT sector is witnessing quite a resurgence in contractual hiring.

WhatsApp Image 2024-05-09 at 14.51.34_1eaeb736Notably, sectors such as IT, consumer durables, ecommerce, GCCs, and retail are experiencing significant demand for contract positions with a 40-50% increase in these positions between 2023 and 2024. The most sought-after skill sets in the technology staffing domain encompass Google Cloud, data analytics, AI/ML, application development, ERP, networking, GenAI, and cybersecurity. Additionally, there is a nearly 30% average demand for UI/UX designers, data scientists, data analysts, etc.

While these roles will continue to flourish, some traditional roles like Computer Programming (C/Java), Web Development, Mobile Development, Cloud Computation, Web/Application Development, and Cloud Architecture are likely to be redefined.

Another interesting trend is that the IT sector today offers a range of roles that are resilient to economic downturns. Profiles like DevOps, Cybersecurity, AI & ML, and Data Science, among others, are poised to maintain high demand in the coming 2-3 years. Furthermore, recruitment for tech roles within nontech sectors such as telecom, banking, and financial services, insurance (BFSI), retail and e-commerce, and healthcare is anticipated to surge at a minimum of 10-12% on average.

As AI continues to accelerate disruption at an unprecedented pace, the imperative for continuous workforce upskilling becomes increasingly evident and consequential. Over the past decade, there have been many initiatives like industry-academia collaborations, the government’s Digital India and Skill India interventions, corporates prioritizing upskilling, etc., which have been instrumental in driving the skilling agenda.

However, we also still have the largest cohort of tech professionals equipped with traditional skill sets that are witnessing declining demand due to the disruptive forces of AI, robotization, and evolving skill requirements. In light of this evolving landscape, there is a critical need for interventions like effective upskilling, retention strategies, and succession plans. Organizations, in particular, must adopt a deliberate and proactive approach towards fostering skills and capabilities, particularly in the realm of AI, to effectively navigate this transformative era.

Commenting on the IT sector hiring scenario, Sachin Alug, CEO, of NLB Services said “Despite the recent turbulence in the technology ecosystem, the resurgence in contractual hiring and the surge in talent demand for emerging tech roles, both in tech and non-tech companies, heralds a new dawn for the sector. As we navigate through the disruptions brought by AI and automation, organizations, educational institutions and governing bodies need to collaborate in tandem to foster opportunities and create a robust pool of skilled talent for the future.”

Guwahati, 10th May 2024: National Award-winning renowned NGO, Narayan Seva Sansthan from Udaipur, Rajasthan is organizing ‘Free Artificial Limb Camp for the Welfare of Differently-Abled’ for the first time in Guwahati, Assam. The event will be held on Sunday, May 12 at Aashi Apsara Hall, Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati.

The Director Trustee of the Sansthan, Devendra Chaubisa, revealed Sansthan’s steadfast commitment to liberating individuals who have become Differently-Abled due to accidents or illnesses, freeing them from a life of disability. Inspired by the vision of Padma Shri awardee and founder Kailash Manav, Sansthan has been serving humanity for the past 39 years. With a resolution to assist the differently-abled individuals in Assam, a large-scale free Narayan Artificial Limb Measurement Camp will be held at Aashi Apsara, GS Road, Manipuri Basti, Paltan Bazaar, Guwahati, from 8 am to 6 pm on Sunday, May 12th. The camp will be officially inaugurated by Assam Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria at 9 am on May 12.

Chaubisa explained during the press conference held at the Press Club that during the camp, the specially trained and experienced prosthetic and orthotics doctors’ team from Sansthan will assess the differently-abled patients. They will conduct organized casting for lightweight and durable artificial limbs, taking precise measurements. Approximately two months later, Sansthan will organize a modular artificial limb distribution camp to provide them with a free fitting.

He mentioned that registrations for more than 625 individuals have been completed thus far, with an expectation of attendance from over 800 people at the camp.

The camp coordinator and in-charge, Achal Singh Bhati, informed that the patients and their families attending the camp will be provided with complimentary meals, tea, and snacks. During this event, the Sansthan’s authorities unveiled the camp’s poster. Bhati also mentioned that distinguished personalities and various community groups from Guwahati have been invited. More than 30 organizations, including the Marwari Sammelan of Northeast, Marwari Youth Forum of Northeast, Shri Guwahati Goushala, Agrawal Sabha, Maheshwari Sabha, Shwetambar Jain Terapanth Sabha, all their Women’s Wings, Shri Digambar Jain, Rotary Club, Haryana Charitable Trust, Bihar Foundation, Brahmin Sabha, Shri Guru Singh Sabha, and others, are affiliated with Sansthan as voluntary partners.

Bhagwan Prasad Gaur, the Media and Public Relations Officer of Sansthan urged the differently-abled individuals to avail maximum benefits by participating in this camp. He emphasized that those interested in participating should bring their Aadhaar card, disability certificate, and two photos showcasing their disability.

Since 1985, Narayan Seva Sansthan has been working with the ethos of ‘Serving Humanity is Serving the Divine’ (Nar Seva, Narayan Seva). The founder, Kailash Manav, was honored with the Padma Shri award by the President of India for his exemplary service to humanity. Under the leadership of President Prashant Agarwal, Sansthan has strengthened millions of differently-abled individuals mentally, physically, and financially through medical, educational, skill development, and sports academies, integrating them into mainstream society. In the year 2023, Prashant Agarwal was conferred with the National Award for his outstanding contributions. Sansthan has facilitated over 41,200 artificial limb fittings to date. Now, Sansthan is committed to providing free artificial limbs to differently-abled individuals in Assam, aiming to restart their stalled lives on a significant scale.

10th May 2024 Hyderabad: In a significant move towards revolutionizing agricultural practices in India, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has entered a strategic partnership with Marut Drones to undertake drone spray operations across an extensive area spanning up to 5 lakh acres. This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency in the states of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana.

Under the terms of the agreement, Marut Drones will be employing state-of-the-art drone technology to administer a range of agricultural inputs developed by IFFCO Agri-products. This initiative aims to optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

One of the key highlights of this tie-up is the creation of demand for rural entrepreneurs who have already invested in drone technology. By providing drones as a service (DAAS) for farmers, this collaboration empowers local communities and fosters self-employment opportunities. Additionally, individuals keen on acquiring agricultural drones can avail themselves of government subsidies, facilitating their participation in the initiative and enabling them to offer drone services to farmers on a pay-per-acre basis.

DAAS enables farmers to access drone technology through rural drone entrepreneurs at a per-acre cost, ensuring affordability and accessibility even for small-scale farmers. Furthermore, drone owners and service providers can enroll with Marut to receive incentives for spraying IFFCO products on every acre.

Commenting on the partnership, Co-founder and CEO of Marut Drones Prem Kumar emphasized the transformative role of technology in modern agriculture stating, “This collaboration signifies a paradigm shift in farming practices, allowing farmers to minimize direct contact with pesticides, thereby safeguarding their health. Furthermore, the utilization of drones addresses labor shortages by completing tasks in a fraction of the time it would take manually, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.”

The IFFCO & Marut Drones tie-up underscores a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture, paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient farming ecosystem. By harnessing the power of drone technology, this collaboration seeks to empower farmers, drive economic growth, and ensure food security for future generations.

Bangalore, 10th May 2024: HCG Cancer Centre, Double Road, Bangalore recently set an exceptional benchmark in appendix cancer treatment by performing the unique Cytoreductive surgery with Hyperthermic Intra Peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure on a 40-year-old man suffering from mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. This type of cancer grows from the cells that make up the lining of the appendix.

While Cytoreductive surgery is the standard approach to reduce the number of cancer cells through the removal of the cancerous growth and involved organs in the abdomen, HIPEC is a procedure typically used to treat abdominal cancers that have spread beyond the originating organ to involve the peritoneal surface lining the abdomen. The combination of both procedures was brilliantly harnessed by Dr. Pampanagouda S K M – Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist along with a multidisciplinary team that accomplished the medical feat.

For over two months, Tejas S (name changed on request) a 40-year-old police department employee in the city suffered from abdominal pain. He either felt full soon after eating or had a bloated feeling. He would occasionally complain of nausea and vomiting. When he began to lose weight without any explanation, his seniors at work asked him to seek medical help. Upon a physical examination, his doctor suspected that his abdominal pain was due to tuberculosis and put him on anti-tubercular treatment.

When the symptoms exacerbated, his doctor conducted an appendectomy. However, when the symptoms persisted even after the surgery, his histopathology report revealed he was suffering from mucinous adenocarcinoma of the appendix. His family advised him not to lose time and to seek expert treatment at HCG Cancer Centre, Double Road.

At HCG Cancer Centre, Double Road, when Dr Pampanagouda studied his reports and found that despite the removal of the total appendix the tumor cells had spilled into Tejas’ peritoneal cavity, he and his team unanimously decided to perform the critical Cytoreductive surgery, followed by HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedure.

Explaining the expert treatment Dr. Pampanagouda S K M – Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Double Road, Bangalore said, “When the patient arrived at the hospital, he had abdominal mass with distension of the abdomen. Patient had biopsy of the abdominal mass to reconfirm the diagnosis Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) and had staging investigation done. The imaging report revealed the cancer had spread to other part of the abdomen to involve the peritoneal surface and omentum. That was when our multidisciplinary team decided that Cytoreductive surgery followed by HIPEC was the effective treatment. In view of the extensive disease, he received Neo adjuvant Chemotherapy. The patient condition was optimised and underwent surgery under general with epidural anesthesia. His blood and other vital parameters were stringently monitored to keep him stabilized throughout the nine hour-long procedures. We removed the patient’s entire abdominal wall lining (peritoneum) and complete large bowel (colon), conducted anastomosis (rejoining the ends) of the intestines, and removed the deposits over the mesentery (fold of membrane that attaches the intestine to the wall around the stomach area), followed by HIPEC procedure involving circulation of Chemotherapeutic drug solution throughout the abdomen for one hour with temperature maintained at 42 degrees centigrade. In HIPEC procedure, the cancerous tumor cells are treated with heated chemotherapy drug solution applied directly inside the abdomen to eliminate the remaining cancerous cells without much systemic toxicity of the drug.”

The patient responded extremely well to the surgery and recovered smoothly without any major complications. He was discharged from the hospital on 11th day of major surgery.”

He further added, “HCG is a pioneer in oncological care in the country. We have been consistently performing major HIPEC surgeries which have been life-saving for patients like Tejas. All our patients undergo vital tests to ascertain their capacity to withstand the extensive surgical procedures. We are happy that the majority of the patients who undergo HIPEC procedure can lead a normal life with continued medications and lifestyle modifications under our care long after they leave our hospital.”

Commending his multidisciplinary team, Dr Pampanagouda attributed the success of the challenging case to dedicated team spirit and years of excellent experience in performing highly successful cancer surgeries.

Speaking about his experience, Mr Tejas said, “After suffering from constant pain for long time with weight loss and reduced appetite and going through appendectomy, followed by chemotherapy and major surgery for extensive disease, being able to live a normal life has been nothing short of a miracle. I am extremely grateful to the exceptionally proficient team of doctors at HCG Cancer Centre, Double Road for their patience, care and the precise treatment to relieve me of the cancer. The team of doctors took the time to explain every aspect of the surgeries and that I must entrust myself in their caring hands.”

10th May 2024 – Lotus Electronics, the largest electronics retail chain in Central India, is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day with our “Twin & Win” contest! This heartwarming contest invites participants to twin with their moms by wearing matching outfits and stand a chance to WIN a fabulous hair dryer!

How to Enter:

• Twin with Mom: Get creative and coordinate matching outfits with your mom to showcase your special bond.
• Capture the Moment: Take a photo together flaunting your matching attire and smiles.
• Share on Social Media: Share your heartwarming photo on your Instagram or Facebook story and tag @lotuselectronics to complete your entry.

Terms & Conditions:

• The “Twin & Win” contest is a digital initiative hosted by Lotus Electronics.
• Campaign Duration: May 5th – May 12th, 2024.
• To participate, post your picture on Instagram or Facebook story mentioning @lotuselectronics.
• 5 lucky winners will be selected via a random lucky draw to receive an exclusive hair dryer.
• Join us in celebrating the cherished bond between mothers and their children with Lotus Electronics’ “Twin & Win” contest. Don’t miss this opportunity to win exciting prizes and create unforgettable memories with your mom!

This Mother’s Day, Conrad Pune invites families to honor the extraordinary women in their lives with a delightful celebration at Coriander Kitchen. On May 12th, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, guests can treat their mothers to a sumptuous brunch experience where every dish is crafted with love as the secret ingredient.

Coriander Kitchen, renowned for its culinary excellence and inviting ambiance, sets the stage for an unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration. Nestled within Conrad Pune’s luxurious premises, the restaurant offers a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth, providing the ideal backdrop for honoring mothers in style.

A sumptuous spread with a variety of delicious foods expertly prepared by the skilled culinary crew is available for guests to enjoy. Every dish, from the delectable appetizers to the tempting main courses and rich desserts, is made with love and attention, guaranteeing a sensory-pleasing culinary experience. Laughter and happiness flood the air as families get together around the table to create priceless moments that will be remembered for years to come. The brunch at Coriander Kitchen offers an experience that embraces the spirit of motherhood, whether it’s a poignant toast to mothers, sharing stories of cherished moments, or just spending time together.

Join Conrad Pune in celebrating motherhood and expressing gratitude to the extraordinary women in our lives with a brunch experience filled with love, warmth, and culinary delights.

Sony Entertainment Television’s show ‘Kavya – Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon’, sees Adhiraj Pradhan (Mishkat Varma) engulfed in a malicious web of false accusations but Adhiraj’s wife, Kavya (Sumbul Touqeer Khan), rises to the challenge, determined to clear his name and unveil the truth. The forthcoming week promises a riveting courtroom drama wherein Adhiraj’s mother, Malini Pradhan, and Kavya join forces to establish Adhiraj’s innocence beyond doubt.

Talking about the ongoing track, actor Sumbul Touqeer Khan says, “I truly believe when faced with adversity, truth, and love always triumph; and when it comes to seeking justice, there is no holding back. You must do what it takes to fight for what is right. In the ongoing track, Kavya’s husband has been held accountable for something that is not his fault. Being an IAS officer, Kavya is adamant about clearing his name and is doing her best to stand by her husband’s side during these testing times. Not only this, with support from Adiraj’s mother, Kavya feels more confident, and together, they will be a force to reckon with as they meticulously uncover the truth.”