Archives October 2024

By Dr. Aravinda S N, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital, JP Nagar, Bengaluru

It has been raining in many parts of India. We should be aware that it brings a heightened risk of waterborne, mosquito-borne, and respiratory diseases due to contamination of water sources caused by heavy rains and floods.

Waterborne Diseases: Causes and Prevention

The most common waterborne diseases include cholera, typhoid, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A, and leptospirosis. Cholera is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with bacteria and leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and water, caused by another bacteria. Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is caused by various bacteria, viruses, or parasites in contaminated water. Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease transmitted through contaminated water or food and Leptospirosis is caused by contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

Protection Measures:

Tips to protect against waterborne infections:

• Drink only boiled, filtered, or bottled water.
• Avoid street food or any food prepared under unhygienic conditions.
• Practice good hygiene, especially handwashing with soap before meals.
• Ensure proper waste disposal and store food in clean, covered containers to avoid exposure to contaminated water or insects

Ensuring Food Safety:

Food safety during the monsoon is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses, as increased humidity promotes rapid food spoilage, which can lead to food poisoning.

Precautions for Food Safety:

• Thoroughly cook meats, seafood, and eggs to eliminate harmful bacteria
• Store perishable foods in the refrigerator, and best to avoid consuming food left at room temperature for long periods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water to remove dirt and contaminants ensuring hygiene food preparation.
• Avoid street food and consume freshly prepared meals instead of reheating leftovers multiple times.
• Maintain a clean kitchen and wash utensils and cutting boards thoroughly.

• Ensure that clean water is used for washing food items and preparing meals to minimize the risk of contamination.

• Avoid consuming raw or uncooked salads from outside establishments

Protecting Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

The monsoon season creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes due to stagnant water, leading to an increase risk of diseases such as dengue and malaria. Dengue symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and a rash, while Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, and its symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like illness.

Prevention Tips:

• Remove stagnant water in and around the home to prevent mosquito breeding and ensure proper drainage of rainwater.
• Use mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved clothing to reduce exposure.
• Apply repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin
• Install mosquito screens on windows and doors, and fumigate the house and surroundings regularly helps eliminate mosquito larvae and adults.
• Avoid going outside during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.

Respiratory Infections and Monsoon Humidity

Increased humidity during the monsoon fosters the growth of viruses, bacteria, and molds, leading to a spike in respiratory infections such as the common cold, influenza, bronchitis, and exacerbated respiratory symptoms.

Common respiratory infections during the monsoon include the common cold, caused by viruses like rhinovirus, which leads to sneezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. Influenza, or the flu, is another prevalent illness, marked by fever, body aches, and cough due to the influenza virus. Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often results from viral or bacterial infections, causing persistent coughing and mucus production. Additionally, the increased humidity during the monsoon can exacerbate asthma symptoms, particularly in individuals with mold allergies.

Chandigarh, October 2024: Staying committed to delivering quality in-house mobility solutions, Nibav Lifts, India’s largest home elevator brand, has introduced its revolutionary Nibav Series 4 Home Lifts. This new launch seamlessly integrates advanced technology with exceptional design, offering Chandigarh homeowners an elevated experience of luxury, and convenience equipped with state-of-the-art features such as an AI-enabled cabin display, intuitive LOP display, and LIDAR 2.0 technology for precise navigation and gentle landings, the Nibav Series 4 lifts are a breakthrough in the home elevator industry. Available in an exclusive Midnight Black edition, they offer the most spacious cabin among air-driven lifts. These lifts are crafted with stylish elements including ambient lighting, New Zealand wool carpets, starlight ceilings, and leather finish interiors. The unveiling ceremony, led by Brig (Dr) R S Grewal,VSM(Retd) Former: Vice Chancellor, Chitkara University; Brig(retd) SS Bhatti and attended by senior management from Nibav Home Lifts, took place at the brand’s flagship Chandigarh Experience Centre.

Elated over the new product launch in Chandigarh, Mr. Vimal Babu, CEO & Founder of Nibav Lifts, said, “We are proud to introduce our latest innovation to the homeowners in Chandigarh. Our Series 4 home lifts are crafted to enhance your living experience with unmatched luxury and convenience. Especially with our new Series 4 home lifts, we have focused on marrying two key elements – technology and design, which makes it a statement addition to the interiors of a home. Our brand is renowned in the market for safety and durability, with Nibav Series 4 we have set new standards and offer unparalleled quality. We are confident that homeowners will certainly benefit from our Series 4 lifts.”

Setting a new benchmark in the safety features, Nibav Series 4, lifts are integrated with Rapid Rescue Latch (RRL) for quick and safe evacuation by rescue teams during emergencies. The RRL enables the easy removal of polycarbonate glass, ensuring fast passenger extraction in case of any emergency. With Carbon Seal 2.0 installed, the Nibav has increased the durability of Series 4 lifts, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. The new home lifts are also enabled with GSM connectivity, allowing users maximum safety and flexibility.

The series 4 lifts also are landing cable-free and have notable features like ambient and accent for cabin pillars with leather finish, concealed fans with controls, touch screen display with digital and analog clock and are hand gesture enabled.

The S4 Lifts are available to be experienced at Motiaz Royal Business Park,  Unit 618, Sixth floor, Ambala Chandigarh Expy, Zirakpur, Punjab 140603.

Bengaluru, India Oct 25, 2024 – OnePlus has officially unveiled its latest operating system, OxygenOS 15, promising to elevate the user experience with a blend of fast performance, sleek design, and advanced AI capabilities. The new OS aims to deliver an industry-leading “Fast & Smooth” experience, addressing user feedback and incorporating innovative features.

Arthur Lam, Director of OxygenOS Product, emphasized the company’s commitment to its “Never Settle” brand mantra. “With OxygenOS 15, we aim to create a product that resonates with our users, integrating advanced and meaningful AI features and a unique design that they helped to create,” he stated. “This release sets a new standard for software performance and productivity.”

OxygenOS 15 introduces refined animation interactions that enhance usability through its industry-first innovation, Parallel Processing. Powered by this technology, OxygenOS 15 delivers comprehensive interruption animations that enable seamless transitions between applications, ensuring a smooth experience even during heavy usage. Whether opening and switching between more than 20 applications continuously or managing typical system-level operations, OxygenOS 15 delivers a consistently stable and smooth experience, showcasing a unique capability in the industry.

Additionally, by examining and removing redundant features, users can enjoy more storage space for apps and files, ensuring optimal efficiency without compromise. On OnePlus’ next-generation flagship phones, OxygenOS 15 will achieve a remarkable reduction in system storage, shrinking by nearly 20%* compared to OxygenOS 14 on OnePlus 12.

Enhancing Creativity with AI-Powered Photography

Designed to enhance user’s creativity, OxygenOS 15 takes AI to the next level by incorporating powerful AI features to various photography scenarios with OnePlus AI.
The AI Detail Boost can transform low-resolution or cropped images into stunning 4K visuals in seconds. Seamlessly integrated into the photo album, this feature automatically identifies pixelated images and offers users a one-click enhancement to instantly elevate their clarity.
For blurry scenes, the new AI Unblur feature effectively fixes blurry images without the need for additional apps, ensuring every precious moment is perfectly preserved.
Shooting through glass often leads to reflections that spoil an otherwise perfect shot. With AI Reflection Eraser, OxygenOS removes both strong and subtle reflections with a single tap, restoring natural, realistic content.

Partnering with Google for Enhanced Productivity

Using the Gemini models, OnePlus’ state-of-the-art AI is aiming to help you go from producing good work to great work.

Intelligent Search is a groundbreaking AI-driven feature that improves on-device search. Users are able to search simply by initiating human-like conversation. Whether you’re looking for a specific answer in file, setting, or note, Intelligent Search interprets your query to return the most relevant results.

With a simple long press of the navigation bar or Home Button, Circle to Search with Google enables users to quickly search for images or text on the screen by drawing a circle, scribbling, tapping and highlighting. This feature marks a revolutionary leap in smartphone interactions, making it effortless to search for anything without leaving your current app.

Pass Scan enables users to quickly scan paper or digital boarding passes. This feature works from both the camera and photo album, offering more flexibility.

OxygenOS 15 also empowers productivity with AI Notes. It offers features like formatting, expanding or reducing content, adjusting formality, ensuring that your notes are polished and well-structured. Additionally, AI notes are also voice-powered, allowing you to simply speak your thoughts. In mere seconds, AI Notes transcribe your words and even remove unnecessary fillers. Whether you’re summarizing ideas or drafting detailed reports, AI Notes ensures that your thoughts are captured clearly and effectively.

In the latest generation of OxygenOS, AI Reply has been incorporated within the AI Toolbox, which is accessible from the smart sidebar. This feature intelligently understands the conversations you have with your friends and generates contextually relevant replies. When you’re using chat apps, AI Reply will automatically activated within your AI Toolbox, ready for your immediate use.

Google Gemini，AI assistant

In the upcoming OnePlus flagship devices, the Google Gemini app will be integrated as the default AI assistant to elevate your creative capabilities and operational experience. Chat with Gemini to get help writing, planning, learning, and even more. Additionally, with innovative experiences such as Gemini Live*, you can engage in natural conversations with Gemini, utilizing just your voice. Go Live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments with real-time responses. Gemini Live will soon be available in 40+ languages.

Driven by User Experience, the Fresh Design Reflects Unique Creativity and Personality

OxygenOS 15 introduces a unique visual style that highlights OnePlus’ personality while seamlessly integrating the brand’s light and burdenless aesthetic.

A variety of design updates, including a brand-new boot animation, new icons, more shelf card choices, and additional fingerprint unlock style options, have been introduced in the all-new OxygenOS 15. These updates aim to create a refreshed and vibrant visual experience, with every detail redesigned to reflect OnePlus’s creativity and unique elements.

With meticulous attention to design details, OnePlus has implemented comprehensive Shimmering Effects and Gaussian Blur across various system scenarios, crafting a natural and harmonious visual experience. Additionally, elements such as settings, notification bars, and control centers have been streamlined, merging an immersive experience with utmost elegance.

In terms of system interaction, the new OnePlus OneTake feature enhances the visual appeal of unlocking the phone, while the well-received Open Canvas is now available on more candybar OnePlus devices. At the same time, by introducing the “Share with iPhone” feature to simplify file sharing between OnePlus and iPhone devices, OxygenOS 15 elevates the burdenless interaction experience to unprecedented heights, allowing users to conveniently transfer documents, images, and video files across different platforms.

• OnePlus plans to debut the open beta version of OxygenOS 15 first on the OnePlus 12 5G starting October 30.
• All numbers are theoretical, obtained under a controlled test environment and provided by the supplier or the OnePlus testing laboratory. Actual performance may vary due to individual product differences based on slight manufacturing variations, software versions, usage conditions, and environmental factors. Please refer to the actual experience.
•  AI features are set to begin rolling out to OnePlus products by the end of November. To ensure optimal performance, select AI features will be made available exclusively on designated models. Stay tuned to the OnePlus Community for the latest updates.
• Compatible with certain features and with certain accounts. Internet connection required. Available on select devices, languages, and countries. Results for illustrative purposes and may vary. Check responses for accuracy. Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC.

Hyderabad, 25th October 2024: CARE Hospitals, a leading name in India’s healthcare sector, has launched a cutting-edge multi-specialty clinic in Tolichowki, Hyderabad, designed exclusively to serve the healthcare needs of international patients. The facility was inaugurated by Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO of CARE Hospitals, alongside Mr. Shalabh Dang, Chief Marketing Officer, Mr.Deepak Khanna, CFO, Mr. Sunith Agarwal, Chief Operating Officer CARE Hospitals Hitech City, Dr.Tapan Kumar Dash, HOD of Pediatric CTVS Surgeon,Dr Laxmi Nath, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. Kailesh Mirchi, Consultant Neouro Phsycian, Dr.Sharath Babu, Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr.Sudha Sinha, HOD Oncology and Other Doctors, and other esteemed guests.

Hyderabad has emerged as a hub for international medical tourism, offering a unique combination of world-class healthcare services and affordability. In 2023, over 1.5 million international patients sought treatment in India, with many choosing Hyderabad for its expertise in specialties like Organ transplants, Gynecology, Neurology, Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, ENT, Cardiology, and Oncology, Patients from regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and SAARC countries are drawn to the city for complex medical procedures that are often less accessible in their home countries. The city’s reputation is built on its cutting-edge medical technology, skilled healthcare professionals, and a patient-friendly atmosphere.

During the inauguration, Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO of CARE Hospitals, emphasized the clinic’s role in addressing the outpatient healthcare needs of international patients, particularly those from African, Middle Eastern, and SAARC nations who reside in and around Tolichowki. He stated, “This facility is more than just a clinic. It is an outreach center offering specialized consultations in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, obstetrics/gynecology, and internal medicine, providing the local community, including the residents of the Karwan constituency, with easy access to top-quality healthcare.”

Mr. Shalabh Dang, Chief Marketing Officer of CARE Hospitals, highlighted Hyderabad’s growing status as a preferred destination for medical tourism. He emphasized, “Hyderabad’s advanced medical infrastructure, coupled with affordable healthcare costs, attracts a significant number of international patients. The city offers a wide range of treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. For example, cardiac surgeries in Hyderabad are often 60-80% less expensive than in the U.S. or Europe, making the city an attractive option for patients seeking high-quality care without the financial burden.”

CARE Hospitals has been instrumental in driving Hyderabad’s growth as a medical tourism hub. Known for its excellence in super-specialty care, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centric approach, CARE Hospitals has built a strong reputation for trust and reliability among international patients. “We are proud to offer not only advanced medical treatments but also personalized care that meets the unique needs of each patient, ensuring that they feel supported throughout their healthcare journey,” Shalabh added.

To celebrate the opening, the CARE Hospitals Clinic at Tolichowki is offering complimentary health services, including free blood pressure checks, random blood sugar tests, weight assessments, and consultations with general medicine specialists. This initiative reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the local and international communities it serves.

25th October, 2024  Mumbai

• Bank of Baroda (BOB) quarterly Net profit higher by 23.2% YoY at INR 5,238 crore in Q2FY25. Net Profit for H1FY25 grew by 16.5% to INR 9,696 crore.
• BOB has consistently delivered Return on Assets (ROA) of more than 1%, ROA for Q2FY25 stands at 1.30% and for H1FY25 at 1.20%.
• Return on Equity (ROE) stands at 19.22% for Q2FY25 and 17.79% for H1FY25.
• The growth in profitability was supported by healthy Operating Income growth of 12% YoY in Q2FY25.
• Operating income growth was augmented by 24.2% YoY growth in Non-Interest Income in Q2FY25.
• Non-Interest Income growth in Q2FY25 was driven by growth in Trading Gains (+86.6%) and Recovery from TWO (~2x)
• Healthy growth in Income during the quarter coupled with subdued increase in Opex (+4.9%) has resulted in strong Operating profit growth of 18.2% YoY for Q2FY25.
•  Cost to Income ratio of the Bank has reduced by 294 bps YoY to 43.60% for Q2FY25.
• Asset quality has significantly improved with GNPA at 2.50% for the quarter, a decline of 82 bps YoY. NNPA has also reduced by 16 bps YoY to 0.60%.
• BOB’s balance sheet remained robust with healthy Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) of 93.61% with TWO & at 76.31% without TWO.
• Credit cost remains below 1% at 0.65% for Q2FY25 and 0.55% for H1FY25.
• BOB’s Global Advances registered a strong YoY growth of 11.6% in Q2FY25 led by robust retail loan book growth. Bank’s organic Retail Advances grew by 19.9%, driven by growth in high focus areas such as Auto Loan (22.9%), Home Loan (16.2%), Mortgage Loan (13.2%), Education Loan (17.2%). (17.2%).

Jaipur, October 25, 2024: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of public sector undertakings under the Ministry of Power, has joined forces with RajCOMP Info Services Limited (RISL), an entity under the Department of Information Technology & Communications (DOIT&C), Government of Rajasthan, to spearhead a groundbreaking energy efficiency initiative in the state. This partnership seeks to harness the vast reach of the e-Mitra network to promote energy-efficient solutions and improve public service delivery across Rajasthan.

EESL’s energy-efficient appliances, including BEE 5 star BLDC fans, BBE 5 star air conditioners, induction cooktops, BEE5 star 6W LED bulbs, and LED integrated batten tube lights, are now available with RISL’s e-Mitra kiosks across the state at affordable prices for the residents of Rajasthan. By leveraging the extensive reach and established infrastructure of the e-Mitra network, energy-efficient solutions are being delivered to even the most remote corners of Rajasthan, ensuring that more residents can take advantage of these services.

RISL is also promoting EESL’s online marketplace, EESLMart.in, by placing affiliate links and QR codes on its website, applications.

Utilising these energy-efficient appliances will not only help consumers reduce their electricity bills but also contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts. Furthermore, EESL and RISL will be conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs through the eMitra network to inform the public about the benefits of energy efficiency and sustainable practices, fostering an environmentally conscious community.

Speaking on the significance of this partnership with RISL, EESL’s Retail Sales Head Adesh Saxena said, “We are delighted to collaborate with RISL and leverage the e-Mitra network to bring affordable, energy-efficient solutions to every corner of Rajasthan. E-Mitra will serve as a bridge between the citizens of Rajasthan and EESL’s energy-efficient products, making them easily accessible while delivering both environmental and economic benefits. This initiative not only enhances access to these products but also empowers consumers to save on costs and contribute to sustainability.”

Shri Rameshwar Lal Solanki, Technical Director, DOIT&C, Government of Rajasthan, emphasised the strong legacy of e-Mitra in supporting its partners through its vast network of over 80,000 kiosks. In a previous collaboration with EESL, e-Mitra successfully facilitated the sale of around 8 million LED bulbs, amounting to approximately Rs 57 crore, he said. With EESL now expanding its offerings to include a wider range of energy-efficient products, this renewed partnership is expected to bring even greater value to all stakeholders. Through this collaboration, citizens will have easy access to EESL’s top energy-efficient products at highly competitive prices, right at their doorstep.

This partnership represents a major step toward building a sustainable and energy-efficient Rajasthan, setting the stage for future collaborations and innovations focused on improving public welfare.

New Delhi, India, October 25, 2024 – Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501; hereafter Hitachi), today announced that Hitachi Building Systems Co., Ltd. (hereafter Hitachi Building Systems) and Hitachi Lift India Pvt. Ltd. (hereafter Hitachi Lift India), a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. which operates sales, installation, and maintenance of elevators and escalators in India, successfully secured an order for 56 units of elevators and escalators from CRC Group for CRC The Flagship in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The project is one of the most prestigious commercial projects in Noida.

The order consists of 44 elevators including high-speed elevators with a rated speed of 180 or 150 m/min, 12 escalators and a destination floor reservation system that efficiently allocates elevator cars. The elevators have an earthquake emergency operation system that detects an earthquake and stops the elevator quickly on the closest floor so that passengers can get out without being stuck in it. These features provide users with safety, security, and comfort.

Masaya Sakakibara, Managing Director, Hitachi Lift India said “We are honored to be involved in this prestigious project for the Noida district. Our aim is to contribute to the safe, secure and comfortable transportation for all users and development of the city by offering our high-quality products and services. We will continue to commit to the improvement of India’s society and the well-being of its people.”

Bharat Kaushal, Corporate Officer, Hitachi, Ltd. and Managing Director, Hitachi India said “Hitachi India Pvt. Ltd. (hereafter Hitachi India)’s burgeoning partnership with India for over nine decades is growing at an unprecedented pace. As India accelerates its voyage to become one of the leading economies in the world by not only empowering its citizens, but also by building a world class infrastructure to enhance quality of life for billions. Hitachi Lift India is an integral partner of India’s transformational journey and CRC Group has been instrumental in further strengthening the resilient infrastructural landscape of the nation. We are overwhelmed to collaborate with CRC Group that marks a significant milestone in our commitment to further enhancing the urban infrastructure in India. This collaboration not only represents a strategic alignment between two leading organizations but also underscores our shared vision of innovation and excellence in ensuring India takes a giant leap forward for setting unparalleled architectural benchmarks, building a sustainable society. With our exemplary yet varied bouquet of solutions including urban mobility, energy, IT, payments, e-Education and e-Healthcare, Hitachi India is chartering an ambitious and progressive vision for building an ecosystem that further supports the mission of offering best in class technology for India and for the World.”

By undertaking this project, Hitachi Lift India aims to enhance its presence in the premium market and commit to the further business growth in India.

Outline of CRC The Flagship

CRC The Flagship is a 223,000 square-meter business hub mainly consisting of 4 towers and a retail building. It offers office spaces, retail shops, and premium services apartments with various facilities such as a co-working space, an auditorium, and even a putting golf course.

The project also has the greenery with more than 20% of its whole area, achieving climate-friendly infrastructure with pre-certified platinum rating by Indian Green Building Council.

Closely located to the Noida–Greater Noida Expressway, it takes approximately 35 minutes from Noida International Airport, being constructed at present and to be the one of the biggest international airports in India as an alternative to Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Outline of CRC Group

CRC Group is a highly respected developer in the NCR region of India known for its premium projects. The Group is dedicated to enhancing the standards in the real estate industry by introducing the finest buildings, which have been and will continue to be full of perfection and excellence.

Hitachi’s Elevators and Escalators Business in India

India’s new installation market for elevators and escalators exceeds 67,000 units in fiscal year 2023, making it the world’s second-largest market that is expected to grow 6-7% per year.

Hitachi established Hitachi Lift India in January 2008 and began full-scale operations in the elevator and escalator market. Since then, it has secured many orders and has been engaged in installing and maintaining its products, including high-speed elevators for luxury residences, hotels, and offices. Hitachi Lift India currently operates in all major cities in India, such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

Dr. Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., offers a timely and compelling narrative in his new book, Sustainable Promises challenging the notion that sustainability is a modern concept. Instead, the book explores how India’s cultural, ecological, and social philosophies have long embodied sustainable living. With the climate crisis looming larger than ever, Sustainable Promises makes a powerful case for rediscovering the wisdom that has guided India for centuries and leveraging it to build a greener, more resilient future.

At its core, the book invites readers to reflect on sustainability not just as a series of environmental actions but as a way of life woven into India’s history. From the teachings of the Rig Veda—which highlight the interdependence of earth, sky, and space—to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the philosophy that all beings form a global family, Dr. Tyagi presents a unique perspective: sustainability is about fostering harmony, not just between humans but also between humanity and nature.

The book delves into India’s traditional ecological knowledge, exploring how principles like Vastu Shastra align architecture with natural elements, and how ancient agricultural practices prioritized conservation and biodiversity. Dr. Tyagi also examines how folk tales, community customs, and spiritual beliefs across India instilled a deep respect for natural resources — principles that align seamlessly with today’s sustainability goals.

Through engaging historical analysis, persuasive analogies, and real-life anecdotes, Sustainable Promises connects the past with the present. It addresses urgent global challenges, from climate change and environmental degradation to social inequality, and highlights how ancient Indian practices provide solutions that are still relevant today. The book emphasizes that sustainable development is not just about technology or policy but about reestablishing a relationship of care and responsibility with the planet.

Dr. Tyagi also presents a future-forward outlook, showcasing how India is leading the way with innovations in renewable energy, sustainable fashion, and community-driven environmental initiatives. The book explores the balance between technology and tradition, arguing that progress need not come at the cost of nature — instead, it can be achieved through conscious collaboration between the two. Sustainable Promises serves as both a philosophical reflection and a practical guide, inspiring individuals, businesses, and policymakers to embrace sustainability as a shared cultural responsibility.

Mumbai, 25 October 2024: An overwhelming majority of Indian manufacturers are prioritising sustainability to target a 2-3x rise in profits over the next three to five years, according to PwC’s report Decoding the Fifth Industrial Revolution: Marching towards a resilient, sustainable and human-centric future.

Covering six industries, the study finds, 93% of Indian manufacturers are embracing Industry 5.0 to drive both sustainable practices and boost revenues.

As per the research conducted by PwC, more than 50% of Indian manufacturers are prioritising investments this year in sustainable practices. These investments are aimed at leveraging digital technologies to adopt renewable energy sources and enhance energy efficiency, among other things.

Additionally, 52% of top executives at leading manufacturing companies are also allocating investments this year towards building a culture of lifelong learning.

Sudipta Ghosh, Partner and Industrial Products Leader PwC India commented: “Industry 5.0 represents a defining moment for the manufacturing sector – one that creates a symbiotic relationship between humans and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and the internet of things (IoT). Companies that fast-track their adoption of these capabilities will establish a competitive edge in the coming years, as transformation is crucial for building a sustainable and resilient future with humans as an integral part of this transformative journey.”

PwC’s study also found that most manufacturers stand to improve both their financial and operational performance by embracing Industry 5.0. With Industry 5.0 adoption, Indian manufacturers will be able to increase their revenues by 6.42% over the next two years, building momentum towards greater sustainability and resilience. According to the research, manufacturers estimate that their companies are likely to have foregone 4.37% of their FY24 revenues due to lower maturity in Industry 5.0 capabilities.

The report reveals that some sectors have been more proactive with their investments than others. In the cement and industrial goods sectors, for instance, 95% of manufacturers are prioritising investments in real-time inventory tracking, this year and the next.

PwC’s study includes insights from C-suite executives and senior leaders across the automotive, cement, chemicals, industrial goods, metals, and textiles industries.

The findings show that as training becomes more substantive and on-the-job, the workforce would start experiencing the potential of machines to complement as well as supplement their skills, helping them do their work faster and better. This would alleviate apprehensions around machines such as robots and digital technologies leading to job losses, a concern highlighted by nearly half of the executives surveyed from the automotive and cement industries.

“Historically, machine and technology integration on the shop floors and operations has happened with a top-down perspective. However, in the context of GenAI, the story would differ slightly. In this case, the bottom-up innovation focus will need guidance through adequate top-down guardrails. Yet, the inability to provide secure access to GenAI and similar technologies to enhance workforce productivity has bubbled up to be a challenge for many executives across industries such as automotive, cement, chemicals, and textiles and clothing,” added Ghosh.

Key Findings:

1. Most executives agree that their readiness pertaining to Industry 5.0 capabilities relevant for their customers, workforce, supply chains, business models, and ESG commitments would help enhance their revenues by 6.42% on average over the next one to two years.

2. Executives from the chemicals, cement, and textiles and clothing sectors believe that their industries would see the most significant gains from the adoption of Industry 5.0, with potential revenue expansion exceeding 7%.

3. Most automotive and metals executives highlight that their customers are willing to pay a premium for innovative products and services. In the textile and clothing sector, executives note consumer readiness to pay a premium for sustainable products.

4. More than 95% of respondents in the cement and industrial goods sectors are prioritising investments in real-time inventory tracking to optimise inventory levels, reduce stockouts, and minimise excess inventory this year and next.

5. Inability to provide secure access to Generative AI and similar technologies to enhance workforce productivity is a challenge for many executives across industries such as chemicals, textiles and clothing, cement, and automotive. Nearly 52% of executives across industries are prioritising investments in automating repetitive and mundane tasks this year to allow employees to focus on more meaningful and value-generative work.

Other Key Sectoral Findings:

· Building Responsive Supply Chains: On an average, nearly 50% of executives are channelling their investments to build responsive supply chains by factoring in real-time data and analytics to check for potential disruptions and adopt prescriptive measures to mitigate risks.

· Adoption of Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Practices: More than half of the executives are prioritising investments this year towards building mechanisms to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy sources, implement energy-efficient practices, reduce waste generation, and manage water usage responsibly.

· Investment in Lifelong Learning and Upskilling: 52% of senior executives across industries are prioritising their investments this year towards building a culture of lifelong learning, providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling employees to encourage experimentation and innovation.

· Sustainability and Employment in Automotive, Chemicals, and Metals: More than 80% of executives in the automotive and chemicals sectors envision their industries being admired for their actions to drive sustainability and employment. They see their workforce and customers becoming increasingly sensitive to the environmental and social friendliness of the goods and products they produce and consume.

· Cybersecurity Measures: Recognising the growing importance of cybersecurity, 46% of executives across industries are prioritising investments in building capabilities aimed at protecting manufacturing systems, data, and intellectual property from cyberthreats and ensuring the integrity and reliability of operations.

Bangalore, India, 25 October 2024: Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has introduced International Logins, a feature that allows users from 27 countries—including the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the UAE—to access all the offerings on the Swiggy app using their international phone numbers. This permanent feature offers a seamless experience while ordering food, shopping on Swiggy’s quick commerce platform Swiggy Instamart, and booking tables through Swiggy Dineout. Payments can be made easily using international credit cards or available UPI options, making it more convenient than ever to stay connected and enjoy Swiggy’s wide range of services, no matter where they are.

Introduced in response to demand from users who have previously enjoyed Swiggy while living in India or during visits, this feature enables them to send gifts and surprises, and even have groceries or essentials delivered to ageing parents back home. “Food and gifts are essential to family gatherings, especially during festivals,” said Phani Kishan, Co-founder & CGO of Swiggy. “With International Login, those living abroad can now surprise their loved ones on special occasions. This feature, long requested by our international users, is launching just in time for the festive season. Soon, NRIs will also benefit from a new gifting layout, making sending festive gifts or making dinner reservations back home easier.”

The launch of International Logins comes when families, especially during festive seasons, want to celebrate and share moments with loved ones in India. Whether it’s sending Diwali sweets, a thoughtful gift for Bhai Dooj and Christmas, or booking a table for a parents’ anniversary. The platform allows users to plan surprises, assist with tasks for less tech-savvy relatives, or simply ensure their loved ones feel cared for.