Archives March 2025

Mumbai, 10th March 2025: Just like cricket, investing is all about timing, strategy, and smart decisions. Shriram Mutual Fund (MF) continues to simplify complex investment concepts through its investor education and awareness initiative. As part of its commitment to empowering investors, Shriram MF has launched a new educative video under the #SamayKeSaathRotation campaign, making sector rotation easier to understand and implement.

Why #SamayKeSaathRotation Matters

Market trends change, and staying ahead requires smart portfolio adjustments. Many investors struggle with knowing when to shift their investments, often holding onto underperforming sectors for too long. This campaign breaks down sector rotation into an easy-to-follow process, helping investors make informed decisions and align their portfolios with changing market conditions.

Cricket Meets Investing: A Winning Strategy

The newly released video draws a compelling parallel between cricket and investing. It features two friends watching a match, where one expresses frustration over his stagnant portfolio. He soon realizes that just as a cricket team rotates its players for optimal performance, investors must also rotate sectors in their portfolios to keep their investments aligned with market trends. The message is clear—timing and strategy are key to staying ahead in both cricket and investing.

The video’s core message revolves around three simple steps to Smarter Investing:

• Samjho – Understand sector cycles
• Dekho – Observe market trends
• Badlo – Adjust and rotate investments wisely

Kartik Jain, MD & CEO of Shriram AMC, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Many investors find it challenging to identify the right time to shift their portfolios. Through #SamayKeSaathRotation, we aim to simplify the concept of sector rotation, empowering investors to make timely and well-informed decisions. Just as a cricket team rotates players to optimize performance, investors must adapt their portfolios to evolving market conditions to stay ahead.”

New Delhi/ Silvassa, Mar 10, 2025: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the 450-bedded Namo Hospital in Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The ₹460 crore facility is a state-of-the-art healthcare institution, designed to provide advanced medical services to the region. The Prime Minister also launched multiple public welfare projects worth over ₹2,500 crore, including new hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing public services and healthcare accessibility.

During his visit, PM Modi reviewed the 3D model of the upcoming hospital, appreciating its modern medical infrastructure. A significant highlight of the event was the demonstration of Misso, India’s first indigenously developed AI-powered robotic system for knee replacement surgery, presented by Meril’s CEO, Mr. Vivek Shah.

“At Meril, we are committed to developing innovative, world-class technologies that not only enhance surgical precision but also improve clinical outcomes and patient recovery. Misso represents a proud milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced medical technology,” said Mr. Vivek Shah, CEO, Meril.

This cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize orthopedic surgeries in India, offering greater precision and improved patient outcomes.

March 10, 2025, Mumbai – The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) Mumbai is set to host the much-anticipated ‘Hall of Fame’ Awards at TiEcon 2025, a premier event that recognizes exceptional contributions to entrepreneurship, investment, corporate leadership, and public service. This will be held on March 12, 2025, at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre. BKC – India’s largest and first state of the art Conference and Exhibition center. These prestigious awards will recognize and honor outstanding entrepreneurs, investors, investment bankers, corporates and government change agents who have significantly impacted the Indian and global economic ecosystem.

 The Chief Guest for the TiE Mumbai’s Hall of Fame Awards will be Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy – Founder, Infosys, who will grace the occasion and celebrate the remarkable achievements of innovators and wealth creators.

 Speaking about the awards, Ranu Vohra, President of TiE Mumbai, said, “Entrepreneurship is the backbone of India’s economic growth, and it is essential to recognize and celebrate the pioneers who are driving meaningful change. TiE Mumbai’s ‘Hall of Fame’ is a tribute to those who have dared to innovate, build, and create lasting impact in India and beyond.”

 “The TiE Mumbai Hall of Fame Awards celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and the trailblazers who redefine industries, create opportunities, and inspire future generations. As we honor these visionaries, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and impactful change in India’s entrepreneurial landscape.” said Apoorva Sharma, President Elect, TiE Mumbai and Co-Founder, Venture Catalysts & 9Unicorns.

 Mohit Joshi, CEO, Havas Media Network India, added “At Havas Media Network India, our partnership with TIE has been built on a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving meaningful conversations within the business ecosystem. Over the years, we have collaborated on initiatives that spotlight innovation, leadership, and growth, and we are thrilled to continue this association. This year, as the Hall of Fame partner at TIE Mumbai, we look forward to further strengthening our engagement and contributing to a platform that recognizes and empowers visionary entrepreneurs.”

 This year’s awards will recognize high achievers and visionary individuals and institutions that have driven innovation, disrupted norms, and generated impactful value, contributing to economic and social progress.

Categories of Recognition

 TiE Mumbai will present awards across various categories, including –
• ⁠⁠Pioneering Unicorn Investor – Recognizing visionary investors who have played a key role in funding and nurturing startups that have achieved unicorn status
• Catalyst of Startup Ecosystem and Innovation – Celebrating individuals who have significantly contributed to fostering a thriving startup culture through mentorship, funding, or policy advocacy.
• Pioneer in Building India’s Investment Ecosystem – Honoring leaders who have been instrumental in creating a robust investment framework, facilitating capital flow into promising startups and high-growth ventures.
• Big Bull – Startup Pioneer Investor – Acknowledging investors with a sharp eye for identifying game-changing startups early on and supporting their journey
• Transformative AI Startup in Customer Service – Recognizing a startup that has revolutionized customer interactions through cutting-edge AI-driven solutions,
• Startup Power Couple – Celebrating a dynamic duo who have jointly built or significantly contributed to a thriving startup
• Resilient Turnaround Company – Recognizing a remarkable journey in overcoming challenges, demonstrating resilience, and successfully revamping its business model for sustained growth.
• Igniting the Tech Scene in Mumbai – Honoring startups, that have played a pivotal role in positioning Mumbai as a key technology and innovation hub.
• High-Growth Catalyst Investor – Acknowledging investors who have actively fueled high-growth startups, accelerating their scale-up journey with strategic investments and guidance.
• Innovator in Logistics Excellence – Celebrating a startup or company that has introduced groundbreaking innovations in logistics, improving customer experience.
• Startup Catalyst Investor – Honoring investors who have consistently backed early-stage startups, providing them with the necessary capital, mentorship, and industry connections to scale successfully.

Mumbai, Thursday, March 10th, 2025:

• On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Dr. Bhushan Gagrani, I.A.S., Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), inaugurated Zomato’s first ‘Women’s Riding Center’ in Mumbai.
• These centers aim to enhance women’s mobility and access to livelihood opportunities.
• Zomato will facilitate these trainings through physical centers in various cities, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
• This initiative is part of Zomato’s livelihood program for women, aimed at breaking gender barriers and empowering them by providing the skills and opportunities necessary to succeed in the logistics sector. The goal is to facilitate training for 10,000 women for roles within Zomato-affiliated companies.

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India – March 10, 2025: The Department of Applied Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Saharanpur Campus, IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with Liverpool Hope University, UK, successfully organized the 13th International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2025) . Themed “Artificial Intelligence for Viksit Bharat,” the conference provided a platform for leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals to deliberate on advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Soft Computing, and Optimization.

The 13th International Conference on Soft Computing for Problem Solving (SocProS 2025) featured an esteemed lineup of distinguished plenary speakers, including Prof. Andries Engelbrecht from Stellenbosch University, South Africa; Prof. Christian Blum from the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute, Spanish National Research Council, Spain; Prof. RNDr. Vaclav Snasel, Rector of VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Prof. David L. Blunck from Oregon State University, USA; and Prof. Xin Yao from the School of Data Science, Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Additionally, the conference hosted renowned invited speakers such as Prof. Ritu Gupta from Curtin University, Australia; Prof. Ajit Kumar Verma from the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway; and Prof. Ritu Shandilya from Mount Mercy University, USA, who shared their insights on AI applications and computational intelligence.

The conference featured 170 research presentations, with selected papers recommended for publication by Springer. Experts discussed various AI advancements, including how neural networks can continuously learn and improve without forgetting past knowledge. They explored search trajectory visualization in metaheuristics, which helps AI find the best possible solutions efficiently by visualizing its decision-making path. Trustworthy AI was another key topic, focusing on making AI systems more reliable and ethical. Discussions also covered AI-driven sports analytics, where AI is used to analyze player performance and strategy, and computational intelligence in software development, which helps create smarter, more efficient software. Additionally, researchers highlighted AI-enabled digital health systems that use AI to improve medical diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.

The inaugural session featured Prof. Durgesh Pant, Director General, UCOST , as the Chief Guest, and Shri Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Ayog, Uttarakhand , as the Guest of Honor, who delivered insightful addresses on the transformative potential of AI. Prof. AK Sharma, Dean of Faculty Affairs, IIT Roorkee, and Prof. KK Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, extended their best wishes for the success of the conference. Prof. Pant said , “ At IIT Roorkee, we are dedicated to fostering innovation in Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing. SocProS 2025 has brought together global experts to explore AI’s transformative role across industries, reinforcing our commitment to technological progress and a self-reliant India. We look forward to expanding our research collaborations to drive impactful AI solutions.”

The event concluded with a prize distribution and valedictory function, where Shri DK Bansal, Director, Bansal Technocrat Pvt. Ltd., presented awards to outstanding researchers. The Best Paper Award was shared by Mohit Jagwani & Sivakumar Rajagopal from VIT Vellore and Vanshika Pundir, Palak Bhandari & Vidit Kumar from Graphic Era University. The Best Student paper was awarded to Chitra Jain, Aryan Kaushik, Abhishek Saini, Maitri Vashistha, Kamal Kumar Gola from COER University, Roorkee. Best Application Paper Award was given to Vedant Deshmukh, Yash Vaskar, Ujwala Bharambe, from University of Mumbai and Dr. Pushkar Ingle from Fortis Hospital. The Kusum Deep Best PhD Thesis Award was awarded to Jeena Thomas from IIIT Kottayam.

Varanasi, India – March 9, 2025: MatCare has launched its first hospital in Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, marking a milestone in maternity and child healthcare. This facility provides expertise, advanced infrastructure, and critical neonatal care ensuring comprehensive care for expectant mothers, newborns, and high-risk pregnancies.

The hospital was inaugurated by Shree Ashok Tiwari Ji, Mayor of Varanasi, and graced by Dr. R V Singh, Cluster Business Director of Indira IVF Varanasi, Dr. Sunil Yadav, Centre Head – Obstetrics & Gynecology, MatCare and Dr. Nimisha Singh, Head of Pediatrics & Neonatology, MatCare. Their presence highlighted the importance of this initiative in enhancing healthcare access in the region.

Varaṇasi Mayor Ashok Tiwari praised this significant step by MatCare, saying that MatCare’s efforts will not only add a new dimension to maternal and infant health services in Varaṇasi but also across the entire U.P. The importance of maternal and child care services in Varaṇasi and nearby areas cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and their children, leading to stronger and healthier communities. He further stated, MatCare is working with full dedication towards its services, and I am confident that this initiative will establish a new standard in the healthcare sector. I once again congratulate MatCare for this commendable effort.

MatCare is equipped with advanced induction and delivery rooms, modern operating theaters, and Level III NICU. Additionally, the facility will offer high-risk pregnancy management, minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries, neonatal surgical interventions, fetal medicine services, and postnatal rehabilitation, ensuring that mothers and newborns receive comprehensive, expert-led medical attention. A highly specialized team of medical experts, including paediatricians, gynaecologists, obstetricians, neonatologists, and fetal medicine specialists, will offer the standards of care.

On the occasion, Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, Whole time Director and CEO of Indira IVF, highlighted, “The launch of MatCare’s first Maternity & Child Hospital is a transformative step in maternity and neonatal care. Built on the principle that every mother and newborn deserve expert-led, compassionate care, MatCare brings together advanced medical technology and a highly specialized team of experts to set new benchmarks in maternity and neonatal healthcare.”

Dr. R V Singh, Cluster Business Director of Indira IVF Varanasi added, “Varanasi has a growing demand for quality maternity and neonatal care. MatCare has been designed to serve a diverse population, providing quality and critical care. With round-the-clock laboratory services, an in-house pharmacy, physiotherapy, and multiple other essential services. The goal is to provide personalized treatment and uphold the highest standards of medical excellence.”

With the launch of its first hospital, MatCare takes a step towards offering maternity and neonatal healthcare in India. By prioritizing Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, it aims to bridge the gap in access to high-quality maternity and child healthcare, addressing the growing need for specialized services in these regions. Combining advanced medical expertise, innovation, and compassionate care, MatCare is set to become a trusted destination for expectant mothers and newborns, ensuring a safe and healthy start to life.

Gurugram, 8th March 2025 – Girnar Foundation, the CSR arm of CarDekho Group, launched ‘Mission DDLJ’ (Donate & Deliver Love & Joy) to spread kindness and strengthen community bonds in Jaipur and Gurugram. Throughout February, the initiative impacted over 1,000 children and senior citizens through thoughtfully curated programs designed to create meaningful change.

Girnar Foundation organized a series of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and spreading joy within the community. The ‘Gift a Smile’ initiative was launched to fulfill the aspirations of school children by addressing their essential needs. Wish boxes were placed at Bambala Government School (Jaipur) and Dream Girl NGO (Gurugram), allowing students to submit handwritten requests for learning aids and recreational items such as geometry sets and upskilling board games. These wishes were fulfilled with an aim to bring happiness and motivation to the young children.

We also shared a meal together through our ‘Love in a Meal’ program, serving warmth on a plate and fostering a sense of togetherness by providing freshly prepared, nutritious meals to hundreds of children and senior citizens at Prem Niketan Ashram (Jaipur) and Dream Girl NGO (Gurugram). This initiative contributed to nourishment and also created moments of warmth and connection, reinforcing the joy of sharing a meal as a community. The campaign concluded with ‘Shaam-e-Khaas’, a heartfelt musical evening and dinner at Prem Niketan Ashram, offering senior citizens a warm and memorable experience filled with music, laughter, and a shared sense of community.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Pihu Jain, Head of Girnar Foundation, commented, “Mission DDLJ is our heartfelt effort to spread love, warmth, and a sense of belonging. Our goal was to bring moments of joy to those who need it most, and February, the month of love, was the perfect time to do so. At Girnar Foundation, we strive to build a more inclusive society by driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. Small acts—whether fulfilling a child’s wish or sharing a warm meal—can create impact, strengthening the bonds within our communities.”

The Foundation aims uplifting communities—especially children, women, and marginalized groups—by equipping them with the resources to build a brighter future. Through meaningful initiatives and innovative approaches, Girnar Foundation continues to strive to create lasting social impact.

Hyderabad, March 08, 2025: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Center for Spine and Sports Health (CSSH), a unit of nSure Healthy Spine, launched ‘Her Healthy Spine’ an exclusive one-of-its-kind preventive health program focusing on women’s spinal health for the first time in India, which is enabled by state-of-the-art Musculoskeletal (MSK) health technology platform at Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. As part of the launch, the Spine and Sports Health Center hosted an exclusive panel discussion on women’s spinal health.

Among the 3,000+ clients assessed for spine health at the CSSH, we found that nearly 75% of women are suffering from spine-related problems. It underscored the urgent and tailored care for women’s spine health. To address this at the earliest, CSSH has launched ‘Her Healthy Spine’, a long-term initiative to raise awareness and empower women to take charge of their spinal health. As part of the event, CSSH hosted an exclusive panel discussion at the Kotak Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy on 05th March and shed light on the critical issue of spinal health among women. The event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, brought together experts from various fields to discuss the often-overlooked challenges women face regarding spinal well-being.

Moderated by Dr. Sushmitha Sundar, Head of Life Sciences Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH), the panel featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:

– Kiranmai Pendyala, Head of Human Resources and Site Administration at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) India;

– Sangeetha Rani Gummi, Managing Director of iCatch Communications India Ltd;

– Dr. Vedha Sampath, Early Stage Investor in Healthcare Tech and Life Sciences;

– Mrudula Korada, Asian Track & Field Medalist and Income Tax Officer; and

– Swapna Arelli, Technology Lead at Infosys Ltd Hyderabad

Opening the discussion, Kiranmai Pendyala highlighted how women’s spinal health often takes a backseat due to multiple factors, ranging from lack of awareness to lifestyle choices. “Women, by nature, tend to prioritize family and work over their own well-being. Many are unaware of the gradual damage they inflict on their spines due to prolonged sitting, incorrect posture, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and post-maternity. If we do not take preventive action today, the problem will escalate tomorrow,” she explained. She stressed the importance of awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to help women recognize early warning signs and take proactive measures.

Adding to the discussion, Sangeetha Rani Gummi reflected on the grueling work schedules in the media industry, emphasizing how irregular hours and constant stress contribute to spine-related ailments. “Many of us dismiss back pain as a temporary discomfort, but over time, it turns into a chronic issue. A spine assessment should be as routine as an annual health check-up, yet it remains an afterthought for most working professionals,” she noted. She encouraged women to seek regular spinal evaluations and corrective interventions to prevent long-term complications.

Dr. Vedha Sampath pointed out that while women’s healthcare has seen significant advancements over the past decade, spinal health still doesn’t receive the specialized attention it requires. “Women tend to ignore their bone density and spinal strength until a serious issue arises. What we need is a cultural shift where spinal health is prioritized as early as adolescence. Simple practices like maintaining good posture, engaging in strength-building exercises, and undergoing routine check-ups can go a long way in preventing spinal disorders,” she advised.

Sharing her experience as an athlete, Mrudula Korada emphasized that spinal health is not just a concern for working professionals but also for sportspersons. “During my career, I suffered multiple injuries, and I’ve seen how easily spine-related issues can cut short an athlete’s journey if not addressed in time. Back then, awareness was limited, but today, we have better diagnostic tools and treatment options. The key is for athletes, especially women, to be proactive in managing their spinal health,” she explained.

Bringing in a perspective from the IT sector, Swapna Arelli highlighted how women in technology often struggle with spinal health post-pregnancy. “Many women return to work without paying attention to the strain pregnancy places on their spine. The combination of long working hours, poor ergonomics, and lack of physical activity only worsens the situation,” she remarked. She emphasized the importance of nutrition, exercise, and corporate wellness programs in supporting women’s spinal health, urging companies to take employee well-being more seriously.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees discussed preventive strategies, ergonomic solutions, and the role of AI-driven healthcare in personalized spinal care. Speaking on behalf of CSSH, a proactive purpose-driven, AI-powered PhyGital platform focused on preventive spinal health, Naresh Kumar Pagidimarry, CEO and Co-founder of CSSH, expressed the organization’s commitment to empowering women with the knowledge and tools needed to take charge of their spinal well-being.

“Our goal at CSSH is to bridge the gap between awareness and action. Women’s spinal health is not just an individual concern—it affects families, workplaces, and communities. By integrating cutting-edge technology with personalized care, we are ensuring that spinal health solutions are accessible to all,” Naresh Kumar Pagidimarry stated.

Bengaluru, 8 March 2025: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the Introduction of the new Hilux Black Edition in India, to cater to the desires of the customers seeking an incredible lifestyle utility vehicle that is best suited for off-roading adventure drives on tough terrains and everyday city use. Designed to keep up with evolving customer expectations, the new Hilux Black Edition aims to deliver aggressive and sophisticated all-black theme, while retaining its legendary toughness, power and performance.

At the heart of the Hilux Black Edition is a 2.8L Four-Cylinder Turbo-Diesel Engine, available with a 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (500 Nm torque). It’s 4X4 drivetrain ensures a seamless off-road experience, making it the perfect combination of performance, power, and sophistication. Toyota’s world-class engineering, advanced safety features, and best-in-class comfort make the Hilux Black Edition a standout in its segment, offering segment-leading 500 Nm torque, an innovative multi-purpose vehicle (IMV) platform, and an exceptional 700mm water wading capacity.

The Hilux Black Edition features all-new black-themed exterior, giving it a dominant road presence. Key design enhancements include a black-coloured front radiator grille, muscular bonnet line and 18-inch black alloy wheels with customized hub caps. The additional styling elements such as the black ORVM covers, door handles, fender garnish, and fuel lid garnish contribute to a sleek, aggressive look. The front bumper features an Under Run adding a sporty touch. Completing the modern and premium aesthetic are the sharp swept-back LED headlights and LED rear combination lamps, ensuring a distinctive lighting signature.

Safety remains a top priority in the Hilux Black Edition, featuring 7 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TC), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Automatic Limited Slip Differential (ALSD) for superior handling and control. Additionally, Hill Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) provide enhanced safety on inclines and rough terrains. The front parking sensors add convenience in tight spaces, ensuring a confident and secure drive.

Inside, the Hilux Black Edition offers a driver-focused premium cabin, blending comfort with cutting-edge technology. The interior is finished in luxurious leather upholstery, complemented by a dual-zone fully automatic climate control system for personalized comfort. The vehicle is equipped with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity. Additional comfort-enhancing features include an eight-way powered driver seat, electrochromic IRVM for automatic dimming, and a reverse parking camera with audio display for enhanced visibility.

For added convenience, the Hilux Black Edition incorporates Smart Entry with Engine Push Start/Stop Button, automatic headlamps, and electric adjust & retract ORVMs (now black coloured to match the new design). Cruise control ensures effortless long-distance driving, making the Hilux Black Edition an ideal companion for both urban commutes and rugged adventures.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Varinder Wadhwa – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At Toyota, our commitment to delivering ever-better cars is rooted in a deep understanding of our customers’ diverse mobility needs and preferences. Through extensive market research and consumer insights, we recognize the evolving demand for vehicles that seamlessly blend power, sophistication and rugged versatility. The Toyota Hilux has long been an icon of durability and performance and with the introduction of the Hilux Black Edition, we are taking this legacy even further. The striking all-black exterior enhances its bold and commanding road presence, making a powerful statement that resonates with adventure seekers and lifestyle enthusiasts alike.

This exclusive Black Edition is not just about aesthetics-it embodies Toyota’s world-class engineering, cutting-edge safety, and best-in-class comfort, offering an unparalleled driving experience for those who are passionate for thrill, exploration, and memorable journeys. Whether conquering off-road trails or navigating cityscapes, the Hilux Black Edition stands as the ultimate ‘go-anywhere, do-anything’ vehicle. We are confident that this refreshed look, combined with Toyota’s legendary toughness, will deeply connect with our customers looking for both performance and style in their mobility experience.”

The customer feedback reaffirms the Toyota Hilux as more than just a vehicle-it is an aspiration and a lifestyle statement. The proud owners of the iconic Hilux appreciate its commanding road presence, making it a true head-turner. Recognized for its ruggedness, ease of handling, and exceptional off-road capability, the Hilux is valued as a reliable travel companion that seamlessly blends power and comfort. Further, the valued customers cherish the legacy of owning a Toyota vehicle, known for its durability, quality, and engineering excellence. With its unparalleled toughness and refined appeal, the Hilux continues to resonate with adventure seekers and discerning off-road enthusiasts, reinforcing Toyota’s commitment to delivering vehicles that embody both the performance and lifestyle aspirations.

Bookings for the Toyota Hilux Black Edition are now open, for the customers, across all Toyota dealerships in India. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from March 2025.

By-Dr. Zareena A Khalid, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology- Aster Medcity-Kochi

Times are changing. Women marrying as early as their 20s is no longer the norm. They are steadfast, work, earn, and achieve. Bearing children can stay on the back burner, but it’s crucial to understand the basic reproductive issues they may face. For women planning a pregnancy later in life, knowledge is power.

Preparing for Pregnancy in mid-30’s : What Check-Ups Are Essential?

A 34-year-old woman planning her first pregnancy should begin with a comprehensive health check-up. This includes assessing blood pressure, diabetes risk, and thyroid function. Crucially, reproductive health needs evaluation. This involves checking for regular menstrual cycles. If irregularities exist, hormone tests and ultrasounds can detect conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, and fibroids. Given her age, an Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test is advisable. It provides insight into her ovarian reserve, particularly if she plans to delay pregnancy further.

Common Reproductive Health Challenges Women Face Today

Infertility is a prominent reproductive health concern, defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying. With couples marrying later, often between 30 and 35, the timeline for seeking fertility advice has shortened to six months. Even couples marrying in their mid-20s frequently delay childbearing, which can be problematic in conditions like endometriosis. Recurrent miscarriages are another growing concern.

Lifestyle’s Impact on Fertility: The PCOS Example

Lifestyle significantly affects reproductive health, notably in PCOS. This condition is often linked to excess weight and inactivity. The modern lifestyle, with its reliance on processed foods, sugary drinks, and sedentary work habits, exacerbates this. The good news? Losing just 5% of body weight can regulate periods and improve fertility in women with PCOS.

Recognizing Early Signs of Reproductive Issues

The most apparent sign of a reproductive problem is the inability to conceive after a year of trying (or six months for older couples). Other indicators include irregular periods, symptoms of PCOS, and endometriosis. Male factor infertility, indicated by low or poor-quality sperm, should also be considered.

Reproductive Health Check-Ups: When Are They Necessary?

Routine reproductive health check-ups aren’t typically needed. However, if conception doesn’t occur within a year (or six months for older couples), a thorough evaluation is essential.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Reproductive Health

A healthy diet plays a key role in maintaining reproductive health. Focus on reducing carbohydrates and fats, avoiding junk food, and incorporating plenty of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Exercise is equally important, and it’s safe to continue most forms of exercise even while trying to conceive.

Common Causes of Infertility in Women

Stress, partners living apart due to work, and obesity are major contributors to infertility. PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, obesity, stress, and declining ovarian reserve due to age also play significant roles. Rarer causes include uterine and ovarian tumors, and fallopian tube blockages. Male factor infertility, along with unhealthy food habits and lifestyles, further complicates the issue.

Natural Ways to Enhance Fertility

Improving fertility naturally involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stress reduction, and regular sexual intercourse. Pre-pregnancy intake of folic acid is also recommended.

Advances in Infertility Treatments: The Rise of IVF and Egg Freezing

Medical advancements, particularly in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), have transformed infertility treatment. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) addresses male factor infertility, even in cases of very low sperm counts. Egg and sperm preservation are now common. Egg freezing allows women to postpone pregnancy due to age or lack of a partner, and it’s also crucial for cancer patients undergoing treatments that may affect fertility. Similarly, sperm preservation is available for men facing cancer treatments. These advancements offer hope and flexibility for individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges.