Archives July 2024

By Dr. R V Raghunandan, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, HCG MNR Cancer Hospital, Ongole

Exhaustion that lingers even after a good night’s sleep, coupled with frequent infections that seem never-ending – these could be signs of something more serious than just a busy lifestyle or a run-down immune system. Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, can often masquerade as these everyday ailment, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the connection between fatigue, infections, and leukemia can empower individuals to seek timely medical attention.

Unveiling the Causes of Fatigue in Leukemia

Extreme fatigue is a common foe for people battling leukemia. Let’s explore the culprits behind this relentless tiredness:

•  Constant pain disrupts sleep, steals your appetite, and limits physical activity. This domino effect can lead to exhaustion and depression, further worsening fatigue.
•  Leukemia and its treatments can zap your energy, making exercise a challenge. This lack of activity can actually contribute further to fatigue, especially if you were previously active.
•  A healthy diet fuels your body and keeps you alert. However, leukemia and its treatments can throw a wrench in your eating habits. Loss of appetite, nausea, and mouth sores can make maintaining good nutrition difficult, leading to fatigue.
• Anemia, a common complication of leukemia, occurs when you have a low red blood cell count. These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body, and a lack of them can leave you feeling weak and fatigued.
•  The type of leukemia you have can influence your fatigue level. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may involve early-stage hormonal changes that contribute to fatigue, along with the emotional stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatments.
•  Difficulties like insomnia, fragmented sleep, or poor sleep quality can leave you drained. Pain, medications, stress, and anxiety are all potential culprits behind restless nights. Additionally, night sweats, a symptom of leukemia or its treatments, can disrupt your sleep cycle.
•  Some medications used to manage leukemia symptoms, like antidepressants and pain relievers, can cause fatigue as a side effect. Even after treatment finishes, fatigue caused by chemotherapy can linger for six months to a year.

Symptoms to look out for:

Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of leukemia. Cancer cells crowd out healthy blood cell production, leading to a shortage of red blood cells, the oxygen carriers in the body. This oxygen deficiency leaves people feeling constantly tired and drained, even after seemingly adequate rest. Unlike fatigue caused by everyday stressors, this exhaustion is persistent and doesn’t improve with relaxation or a change in routine.

Leukemia also weakens the body’s immune system. Healthy white blood cells are crucial for fighting infections. In leukemia, abnormal white blood cells may be produced, but they are dysfunctional and unable to effectively combat germs. This leaves the body vulnerable to a wider range of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal. These infections can manifest in various ways, such as recurrent fever, chills, mouth sores, or persistent skin infections. The specific type of leukemia can influence the pattern of fatigue and infections. Acute leukemias, which progress rapidly, often cause severe fatigue and frequent infections early
on. Chronic leukemias, on the other hand, may present with more subtle symptoms that develop gradually over time. However, regardless of the type, persistent fatigue and recurrent infections should raise a red flag and prompt a visit to the doctor.

Difference between normal fatigue and the fatigue caused by leukemia

Normal fatigue is a familiar feeling of tiredness that improves with rest or catching up on sleep. It often stems from everyday activities like physical exertion, stress, or a late night. Leukemia fatigue, however, is a different beast. Medically termed cancer-related fatigue (CRF), it’s an overwhelming, persistent exhaustion that disrupts your daily life. Even after sleep, simple tasks feel draining, and concentration suffers. This unrelenting fatigue is caused by leukemia itself or its treatment, impacting your body’s ability to produce energy- carrying red blood cells. Unlike normal tiredness, leukemia fatigue can be accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness, and difficulty fighting infections. If you experience such persistent fatigue alongside other unexplained symptoms, consulting a doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to get it diagnosed?

Early diagnosis of leukemia is crucial for successful treatment:

•  A simple blood test can provide initial clues. A complete blood count (CBC) measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities in these counts, such as a significant decrease in healthy white blood cells or an abnormal increase in immature white blood cells, can warrant further investigation.
•  A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is extracted and examined under a microscope, can definitively diagnose leukemia by identifying the presence and type of abnormal blood cells.

What are the treatment options?

Fortunately, significant advancements have been made in leukemia treatment. Chemotherapy remains a mainstay, effectively eliminating cancerous cells. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies are also showing promise, offering more personalized and
potentially less toxic treatment options. Bone marrow transplants can be curative in some cases, particularly for younger patients. Early diagnosis allows for a wider range of treatment options and significantly improves the chances of a successful outcome.

Normal fatigue is a familiar feeling of tiredness that improves with rest or catching up on sleep. It often stems from everyday activities like physical exertion, stress, or a late night. Leukemia fatigue, however, is a different beast. Medically termed cancer-related fatigue (CRF), it’s an overwhelming, persistent exhaustion that disrupts your daily life. Even after sleep, simple tasks feel draining, and concentration suffers. This unrelenting fatigue is caused by leukemia itself or its treatment, impacting your body’s ability to produce energy- carrying red blood cells. Unlike normal tiredness, leukemia fatigue can be accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness, and difficulty fighting infections. If you experience such persistent fatigue alongside other unexplained symptoms, consulting a doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

New Delhi, 30 July 2024: Aviva Life Insurance, India’s most trusted private life insurance company, has introduced two groundbreaking insurance offerings and expanded its flagship Signature series with the introduction of the Aviva Signature Investment Plan – Platinum and the enhanced Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan with Preventive Wellness Package, making Aviva the first brand to integrate a preventive wellness approach into its products.

The revolutionary product and Preventive Wellness Package were launched by Mr. Asit Rath, CEO and MD, Aviva India at the Launch event held at The Leela Ambience, Gurgaon.  The event was graced by Mr. Amit Khatri, Co-founder, Noise, Mr. Puneet Manchanda, CEO, Fitrofy, and Mr. Neeraj Katare, CEO, Dr. Store, who collaborated in developing the Preventive Wellness Package. Both plans are designed in line with Aviva’s vision “Live Life” to cater to the diverse needs of Aviva’s customers, ensuring their financial security and promoting overall well-being. By incorporating advanced features such as customizable coverage options, strategic savings, and value-added wellness services, these new plans underscore Aviva’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and holistic financial solutions.

Mr. Vinit Kapahi, Head of Marketing, commented, “The launch of the Aviva Signature Investment Plan – Platinum and the enhanced Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan with Preventive Wellness Package demonstrates our commitment to innovative financial solutions that go beyond traditional offerings. Unlike traditional ULIPs, our new plan provides zero allocation charges and both – fund value and sum assured to policyholders’ families. We are also thrilled to introduce the Preventive Wellness Package with our Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan. These new plans reflect our commitment to holistic well-being, they not only ensure robust financial security but also promote proactive health management, reflecting our vision of enabling customers to ‘Live Life’ to the fullest.”

Aviva Signature Investment Plan – Platinum

The Aviva Signature Investment Plan – Platinum (UIN: 122L151V01) is a unique Unit Linked Non-Participating Individual Life Insurance Plan that offers dual benefits of security (Sum Assured) and growth potential (Fund Value) under one umbrella.

The dual-benefit approach of providing sum assured as well as total fund value, guarantees that policyholders can enjoy the growth potential of their investment while simultaneously ensuring robust financial security for their loved ones in any unfortunate circumstances. This blend of growth and protection makes the new product a superior and holistic choice compared to traditional ULIPs.

The product follows an Assets Under Management (AUM) based model for distributors. This model incentivizes advisors to remain committed to their customers, offering personalized support and ensuring long-term growth and satisfaction for both distributors and policyholders. The AUM-based approach aligns advisor’s interests with those of their clients, fostering a more resolute and service-oriented relationship.

Key Features of the Aviva Signature Investment Plan – Platinum:

1. Dual Benefit of Sum Assured and Fund Value in case of the policyholder’s unfortunate demise.
2. Flexible Withdrawals through partial and systematic partial withdrawals.
3. 8 Diverse Fund Options for policyholders to choose investments that align with their risk profile and financial goals.
4. Strategic Savings options allowing policyholders to allocate their funds into equity or debt based on their life stage and preferences.
5. Zero Allocation Charges on premiums.

The Preventive Wellness Package – With Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan

When purchased alongside the Cancer Cardio or Critical Illness Rider, Aviva Signature 3D Term Plan is now available with the groundbreaking Preventive Wellness Package. This innovative initiative marks a significant milestone in the life insurance industry.

The Preventive Wellness Package, co-created with partnering brands,  is designed to support customers in maintaining and enhancing their health, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management. This package includes a comprehensive wellness kit that features a range of advanced health monitoring devices and services, aimed at helping customers take charge of their well-being.

The Preventive Wellness Package includes the following products/services:

1. Smart Watch by NOISE
2. Blood Pressure Monitor by Dr. Store
3. Smart Scale by Dr. Store
4. AI-powered Nutrition Diet planner with 12 expert nutritionist consultations by Fitrofy
5. Genetic Test by MapMyGenome

This innovative approach underscores a growing synergy between financial security and personal well-being. By integrating wellness into its core offering, the brand is redefining its role in people’s lives, moving beyond mere financial protection to becoming a proactive partner in their health journeys.

Industry veteran Manuj Agarwal has made a strategic move, joining India’s largest IP and live event conglomerate, EVA Live as its new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment marks a significant development in the Indian concerts and live events landscape, as Agarwal brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the rapidly expanding company.

Previously at the helm of Percept Live as Chief Executive Officer, Agarwal has a proven two- decade strong track record of success in the music, sport, media and entertainment industry. His career spans prominent roles at industry giants such as Balaji Telefilms, Sahara TV, Zee TV, Marico, and the Walt Disney Group.

In his new role at EVA Live, Agarwal will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future growth trajectory in the live event and concert business. His responsibilities will include expanding the company’s footprint across India, Asia, and the Middle East, while also providing strategic direction to EVA Live’s IP business, managing and leveraging the IP’s currently owned by the company and conceptualizing and fostering the development of new innovative and engaging intellectual properties for the company.

EVA Live founded in 2023 by the ‘IP Man of India’, Deepak Choudhary has established itself as a dominant player in the Indian live event and entertainment industry. Through Eva Live, Deepak aims to build experiences across communities. With a portfolio of successful events like Bollywood Music Project, Social Nation, Windmill Festival, India Games Expo, Edutainment Show, and Big Boys Toys, the company is poised for further expansion into large-scale global tours and concerts.

Deepak Choudhary, Founder & Managing Director, EVA Live states, “A huge welcome to Manuj Agarwal to the EVA Live family. With several existing projects in the pipeline, his experience and knowledge will greatly enhance our existing team to propel and drive our live event business and concert development strategy to the next level.”

Manuj Agarwal, CEO, EVA Live states, “EVA Live is a world-class company with a proven track record of establishing industry-leading intellectual properties that artists and fans love, and I’m thrilled to be joining at a time of immense opportunity and growth.”

Vinod Janardhan, Director, EVA Live states, “Innovation is the heartbeat of EVA Live and Manuj Agarwal’s addition to our team will help challenge the status quo and craft groundbreaking live events and experiences that engage, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. Our vision is to redefine the live events and international concerts landscape. We’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences that connect consumers and brands and drive emotional connections.”

Agarwal’s appointment comes on the heels of EVA Live’s announcement of the India leg of Bryan Adams’ ‘So Happy It Hurts’ World Tour, solidifying the company’s position as a major player in the concerts market.

The coming together of Manuj Agarwal and Deepak Choudhary combined expertise and knowledge is expected to drive significant growth and innovation in the coming years in the media and entertainment landscape.

TIME, the global media organisation based in the USA, officially announced today the winners of its 2024 ‘World’s Greatest Places’ awards, highlighting two of AlUla’s destination offerings as remarkable places to be explored! Vetted by TIME’s editors and correspondents around the world, this exclusive list features 100 extraordinary destinations to explore, stay and visit.

AlUla’s awarded places include:

Dar Tantora The House Hotel – Just opened in May 2024, Dar Tantora The House Hotel is the first property to be established in the historic AlUla Old Town – the ancient mud-brick houses city dating back to more than 800 years old, which was recognised as one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2022 by UNWTO. Nestled within AlUla’s desert oasis, Dar Tantora stands as an emblem of sustainable luxury. With 30 guest rooms thoughtfully restored from historical mud-brick buildings, this eco-lodge offers guests an immersive blend of traditional Bedouin living and upscale comfort.

Sharaan Nature Reserve – Covering almost 600 square miles (1500 Square Kilometers), the beautiful Sharaan Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Central to it is the restoration of AlUla’s sensitive ecosystem, which in turn allows the reintroduction, preservation and protection of endangered animals such as Arabian wolves, gazelles and large-eared red foxes, along with indigenous flora and fauna. Created with the goal for restoring the natural land and wildlife, Sharaan will serve as a safe rewilding hub for critically endangered Arabian Leopards, currently located at an offsite breeding facility.

To compile the ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list, TIME solicited nominations of places –including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more– from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences. The TIME brand is recognised and respected around the world, and this prestigious accolade remains the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

“We are elated by the recognitions awarded to our destination’s offerings by TIME in their renowned World’s Greatest Places,” says Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, “the exceptional sentiments reflect the excellence and dedication of AlUla’s efforts to preserve and promote its unique cultural heritage through comprehensive and sustainable development initiatives rooted in the community.”

Located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is an oasis city renowned for its diverse natural landscape including mountains, desert and unique geological rock formations, along with significant heritage sites. A beacon for sustainable tourism, AlUla’s commitment to purpose-driven revitalisation, is showcased in their newly launched global brand campaign, “Forever Revitalising,” has transformed the destination into a vibrant hub not only for ancient heritage, culture, art and adventure, but also for responsible tourism.

Today, AMD launched a new AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition technical preview, which introduces AMD Fluid Motion Frames 2, our cutting-edge frame generation technology designed to increase frame rates and gameplay smoothness across thousands of games. AFMF 2 is supported on AMD Radeon RX 6000 and 7000 series graphics cards and select AMD Ryzen Processors with Radeon Graphics and adds new optimizations and tunable settings for a better frame generation experience, including:

• AI-optimized Enhancements – AFMF 2 provides significant improvements to frame generation by using AI-optimization when developing the updated algorithm, resulting in improved frame generation smoothness. In addition, to enable more control over how AFMF works with your games, AFMF 2 introduces two new modes where the optimal settings are automatically enabled but advanced users can adjust them to their preferences.
• Performance Improvements – AFMF 2 features a new “Performance” mode that reduces the overhead of AFMF 2 to help make high frame rate gaming experiences more achievable on a wider range of devices. This is especially beneficial when using AFMF 2 with integrated graphics cards and is now the default “Auto” setting on supported AMD Ryzen Processors with Radeon Graphics.
• Lower Latency Frame Generation – experience significant improvements in reducing latency added by frame generation with the latest version of AFMF. These improvements apply across the board when using AFMF 2, no matter the settings mode, resolution, or hardware used.
• Other Updates and Improvements – AFMF 2 now supports borderless fullscreen mode when using AMD Radeon™ RX 7000 and Radeon 700M series graphic cards. Also, AFMF 2 now supports games that use Vulkan and OpenGL, further increasing the already vast number of games that can be used with AFMF. Additionally, we’ve enabled interoperability with AMD Radeon Chill.

Asset-light model for STUs, healthy returns on projects for bus operators to aid adoption

The supply of electric buses (e-buses) in India will surge 75-80% on-year, albeit on a small base, to 6,000-6,500 this fiscal (see chart in annexure), spurred by increasing deployment via tenders awarded under various schemes for procurement by state transport undertakings (STUs) through the gross cost contract (GCC) model.

These schemes include Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) (1 and 2), National Electric Bus Programme (NEBP) under Convergence Energy Service Ltd (CESL) (1 and 2), and PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. Tenders awarded under these schemes had propelled orders for e-buses to 24,0001 at the beginning of this fiscal.

Efforts by the central government to reduce carbon emissions in public transport are driving e-bus adoption. This, along with favourable contracting terms under the GCC model, which has emerged as the preferred route for e-bus purchase by STUs, has supported deployment.

Says Gautam Shahi, Director, CRISIL Ratings “E-bus adoption is truly in a sweet spot because the interests of STUs and bus operators are being taken care of under the GCC model, with optimal distribution of risk among stakeholders. For example, GCC is an asset-light model for STUs with no upfront cost of acquisition as e-buses are financed by bus operators. Bus operators, in turn, don’t carry any passenger traffic risk and get a steady income stream because of assured rentals per km with tariff revisions linked to inflation. Consequently, they generate a healthy internal rate of return of 10-11%2 over the tenure of the concession.”

That said, counterparty risk remains a key variable for operators when bidding for e-bus tenders as STUs with weak credit profiles have resulted in stretched debtor cycles in the past.

To manage this risk, the government has announced a payment security mechanism (PSM) under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme in August 2023. The government is working on the modalities of setting up a dedicated payment security fund (PSF)3 to secure the receivables of bus operators in case there is a delay in, or failure to make, payment by STUs within the prescribed time as per the concession agreement.

Additionally, for the recently awarded tenders under the PM-eBus Seva Scheme, there is a provision that allows bidders to execute the concession agreement only after the PSM has been notified.

While the surge in e-bus orders will generate economies of scale in production, declining battery costs will lower the purchase price of an e-bus. The benefits of the potential decline in e-bus prices may be passed on to STUs by bus operators, in terms of rentals per km, thus further aiding adoption.

Says Pallavi Singh, Associate Director, CRISIL Ratings, “Existing strong e-bus orderbook, along with the remaining orders of 7800 buses to be awarded under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme4 will give a fillip to the sector. Moreover, the government is expected to further augment this scheme, which, will continue to support growth of e-bus sales over this and next fiscal.”

Bangalore, 30^th July 2024: AI & Robotics companies accounted for 21% of Bengaluru’s absorption in Q2 2024, as per Vestian’s quarterly office market report, The Connect Q2 2024. Rapid global advancement of artificial intelligence, combined with a supportive ecosystem, has significantly driven the demand for office space in the city. Overall, IT-ITeS sector, including AI & Robotics, accounted for 69% of the city’s absorption in Q2 2024.

Bengaluru contributed the highest to pan-India absorption with 25% share in Q2 2024, followed by Hyderabad and Mumbai at 20% each. Pune reported the highest quarterly growth, around 307%, in value terms whereas absorption declined by 48% in Chennai during Q2 2024. NCR also witnessed a quarterly decline of 37% during the above-mentioned period. All the cities except Chennai and NCR reported an increase in absorption on quarter and on year.

Absorption:

Note: Data for Grade A Office Space

Source: Vestian Research

 IT-ITeS sector dominated absorption with 38% share in Q2 2024, followed by BFSI and Consulting Services at 12% and 10% respectively. Flex Spaces accounted for 8% of the total absorption during the current quarter.

H1 2024 witnessed absorption of over 30 Mn sq ft, registering an uptick of 18% compared to H1 2023. As the demand for grade-A office spaces is robust across the top seven cities of India, the entire year (2024) is expected to cross the 60 Mn sq ft mark again after peaking in 2023.

Absorption reached 17.04 Mn sq ft in Q2 2024, registering an increase of 27% over the previous quarter and 23% over the same quarter a year earlier. The surge could be attributed to improved global macroeconomic scenario and India’s robust growth amid global geopolitical challenges.

Following a similar trend, new completions also increased by 17% in H1 2024 over H1 2023, reaching 23.2 Mn sq ft. Additionally, Q2 2024 witnessed a quarterly increase of 15% and a yearly rise of 10% in new completions. All the cities except Pune and Bengaluru witnessed an uptick in construction activities during the current quarter compared to the previous quarter. Moreover, Mumbai reported 3.3 Mn sq ft of new completions during Q2 2024, registering the highest quarterly rise of 230%.

Bengaluru dominated new completions with 28% share, closely followed by Mumbai with 27%. Southern cities (Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad) accounted for 57% of the total new completions reported in Q2 2024, however, the share has dropped from 63% a quarter earlier.

New Completions:

Note: Data for Grade A Office Space

Source: Vestian Research

Shrinivas Rao, FRICS, CEO, Vestian said, “Despite global geopolitical challenges, India’s office markets reported robust real estate activities during Q2 2024. The quarter has already set the tone for robust  leasing and construction activities for the current calendar year.”

Mr. Rao further added, “Real estate activities are anticipated to increase further on the back of strengthened demand from IT-ITeS and BFSI sectors. Flex Spaces are also likely to play a pivotal role in the growth of office markets in India.”

Noida, 30th July 2024: Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Noida successfully operated and removed a watermelon sized non-cancerous tumor weighing 2.2 kgs from the uterus of a 49-year-old woman via Robot-aided surgery. The team of doctors led by Dr Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida conducted the complex surgery, which lasted for 3 hours. The patient was discharged in stable condition two days later.

Upon admission at Fortis Noida the patient complained of severe pain during her menstruation cycle, along with irregular and heavy bleeding for almost 2 years. An ultrasound revealed a large fibroid (tumour) measuring 17-18 cms in size along with other fibroids of 7-8 cm. Such fibroids typically form when the body secretes excessive estrogen, which causes the growth of fibroid tissues. The large mass of tumour had occupied the entire abdominal area, thus making it extremely difficult to operate. Additionally, the patient had undergone two prior C-sections, and her scars were vertical. In such cases, there is always a risk of injury to the vital organs during dissection of the adhesions. Hence, Robot-assisted surgery was adopted to better identify the anatomical structures and minimize the risk of unintended damage to the internal organs.

49-year-old patient with Dr Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida

Giving details of the case, Dr Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “The patient had travelled from Aligarh, as there she was advised to undergo traditional open surgery by multiple gynaecologists, which the patient did not want to opt for. That’s when she came to Fortis. In this case, the tumour had grown to the sizeof a watermelon. We had to be extremely careful while operating to save the vital organs, and that’s where robot-assisted surgery provided enhanced precision. The surgery involved very little intraoperative bleeding with no requirement for blood transfusion, owing to high precision. The most challenging part of this surgery was to retrieve such heavy tumour from 8 mms miniature incisions on abdomen used for the robotic arms and camera. We decided to break down the tumour in a bag inside the abdomen followed by removal of small pieces of fibroid from the very small incision. Had the surgery not been performed on time, the fibroid would have grown immensely in size and would have put pressure on surrounding organs such as bowel and bladder, causing intestinal obstruction and urine retention. Bleeding and pain during menstruation cycle would also have increased and excessive bleeding could have made the patient severely anaemic. Such cases are rare as tumours weighing 2.2 kgs are found in only 10-20% cases and in 1% of such cases, a massively growing fibroid can become malignant.”

Mohit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “This was a very critical and challenging case considering the size and weight of the tumour, along with two c-section surgeries in the past. Despite the challenges, the surgery was successfully conducted owing to the correct medical assessment and the patient was able to resume her daily routine in just one week of surgery. Clinical expertise and best-in-class care to manage such cases are the hallmarks of Fortis Hospital Noida, and we continuously endeavor to provide highest level of care to save lives and get improved outcomes.”

Bhubaneswar, July 30th, 2024: Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd, the country’s leading producer of value-added ferro chrome, received multiple awards at the All India Mines Safety Awards 2024 held under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). The awards recognise IMFA’s commitment to safety at its Sukinda Mines and Mahagiri Mines which bagged the 2nd and 3rd position respectively in the category of small mines.

The recipients were felicitated by Shri Prabhat Kumar, Director General of DGMS, in the presence of Chief Guest Shri P M Prasad, CMD of Coal India Limited, and other dignitaries.

Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Sandeep Narade, VP and Head – Mining Business Unit, IMFA, said: “We accord the highest priority to safety in all our operations, and are honoured to receive the awards which recognize our efforts to promote the well-being of employees.”

Mr. Sandeep Narade further added, “IMFA provides comprehensive safety training to all employees, and conducts regular safety audits and inspections to mitigate potential hazards. We also invest in modern equipment and technology to enhance safety and maintain a safe working environment.”

IMFA’s Sukinda Mines started operations in 1999 and accounts for 50% of the company’s output, while the Mahagiri Mines contributes the balance. Notably, the Mahagiri Mines is the only operational underground mines in the Sukinda Valley.

The awards underscore the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety in its mining operations. IMFA remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks in the industry and contributing to the overall growth and development of the mining sector in India.

About Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys (IMFA)

Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) is India’s leading fully integrated producer of value-added ferro chrome with 190 MVA installed furnace capacity backed up by captive chromite mines and power generation. Incorporated in 1961 and headquartered in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), the company has manufacturing complexes in Therubali & Choudwar. IMFA’s operations are benchmarked to international standards and are ISO 9001 (Quality Management) certified.

Mumbai, India, July 30, 2024: Quess Corp, India’s leading business services provider, announced its Q1FY25 financial results today.

Q1 FY25 Highlights

• Robust headcount growth of 14% YoY, now at 597,000+ employees
•  Revenue at ₹5,003 cr, up by 9% YoY and 2% QoQ
•  Quarterly EBITDA at ₹184 cr, up by 19% YoY and down 6% QoQ
• PAT at ₹112 cr, up by 132% YoY and 14% on a QoQ basis

Q1, historically, is a seasonally weak quarter for the company. Despite that, the company has grown revenues by 9% and EBITDA by 19% on a YoY basis. For the first time, Quess has crossed the milestone of ₹5,000 cr in quarterly revenue and a headcount of over 597,000. The EPS has also grown significantly by 116% on a YoY basis and 10% on a QoQ basis to ₹6.9 per share.

Commenting on the results, ED & Group CEO Mr. Guruprasad Srinivasan said: “In the first quarter of the year, we delivered a robust performance. The organization strengthening and optimization of operational efficiencies that Quess has undertaken over the last few quarters has shown results, and we expect this trend to continue. Also, the government’s focus on jobs will create a beneficial external environment for Quess and our demonstrated execution skills should help us leverage the opportunity that is now opening up.”

Q1FY25 Platform highlights

 Workforce Management:

 Associate headcount for the vertical is 485k, with an addition of 27k during the quarter, a 20% YoY growth

 91 new contracts were added with an ACV of ₹514 cr

•  Global Technology Solutions:

42 new logos were added with an ACV of ₹83 cr

 CLM revenue growth of 20% YoY and 7% QoQ driven by the prominence of international mix in Allsec business

•  Operating Asset Management:

 27 new logos added with an ACV of ₹69 cr

 EBITDA margin at 4.8% down 64 bps QoQ due to seasonality in margin accretive businesses such as F&B and Telecom Infra

 Product Led Business:

 Found its business has significantly reduced its cash burn and registered a growth of 7% YoY