Lupin Enters the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024

Hyderabad, February 23, 2024: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) today announced its debut in the esteemed S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024, underscoring its dedication to corporate sustainability. With a notable Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score of 69/100, Lupin joins the ranks of leading companies recognized for their exemplary environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

The S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024, a benchmark for corporate sustainability performance, evaluated over 9400 companies worldwide, with only 739 earning inclusion. Lupin’s exceptional performance places it within the top 95 percentile for the pharmaceutical sector, showcasing its unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices.

Commenting on this achievement, Ramesh Swaminathan, Executive Director, Global CFO and Head – Corporate Affairs, Lupin said, “Lupin’s inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 underscores our firm commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the pharmaceutical industry. This recognition reaffirms our dedication to creating long-term value for all stakeholders while fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Lupin remains steadfast in its mission to prioritize sustainability, drive positive change, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Through the Lens: Exam Prep and Eye Care Essentials

Hyderabad, 23February 2024: As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.

With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved – students, parents, teachers, and doctors – to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.

To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.

Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it’s advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.

Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.

Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.

Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.

Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Let’s create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.

Uttar Dakshin’s Concert Series to be held in the city to feature Rakesh Chaurasia

Hyderabad, February 22, 2024: The classical Jugalbandi series, UTTAR DAKSHIN, is all set to be held at Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium on Saturday, March 2.

Uttar Dakshin's Concert Series is back

Presented by Vivid Arts in collaboration with Surmandal, Hyderabad and support from LIC of India and ONGC. Uttar Dakshin to present a captivating duet featuring this year’s Grammy Award Winner, Rakesh Chaurasia, on the flute, and illustrious Carnatic virtuoso, Dr. Jayanti Kumaresh, on the Saraswati Veena with solos followed by Jugalbandi. These luminaries of the classical music world are poised to enchant audiences on Saturday, the 2nd of March, 2024, at Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad.

Joining these maestros on stage are a lineup of accomplished accompanying artists, including Ojhas Adhiya on the tabla, Vidwan Jayachandra Rao on the mridangam, and Vidwan Giridhar Udupa on the ghatam, adding depth and richness to the musical tapestry.

This 13th edition of Uttar Dakshin promises to be a celebration of musical diversity, showcasing the distinct styles of two masterful artists. The evening kicks off at 6.15 PM, with the musicians guiding listeners on an unforgettable musical odyssey. Tickets for this extraordinary event are available on Book My Show.

Uttar Dakshin, concert series fosters regional harmony between North and South India through the melodic interplay of two distinct musical traditions. As part of its six-city tour spanning Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Ranchi, and now Hyderabad, this edition aims to continue its tradition of spreading musical joy and cultural unity.

“Western Australia, Queensland, and Ireland Accelerate BioAsia’s Momentum “

Hyderabad, February 17, 2024: BioAsia, Asia’s premier biotechnology and life sciences forum, is proud to announce the expansion of its global network with the addition of new international partners for the 2024 edition. Earlier, Flanders had joined the event as the international region partner. Joining forces with Flanders, BioAsia welcomes Western Australia, Ireland, and Queensland as esteemed partners, further solidifying its position as a leading platform for innovation and collaboration in the life sciences sector.

Ms. Amber- Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia.

 While announcing Global partners, Mr. D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and IT, Government of Telangana said, “It is a great time for life sciences in India, particularly in Telangana. With these new international partnerships, we are taking Telangana to newer heights focussed on economic growth and job creation. But importantly it is about exchanging knowledge, technology transfer to pace up research and innovation.”

 The inclusion of these prestigious regions as global partners underscores BioAsia’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and driving progress in healthcare and biotechnology. With a shared vision of advancing scientific discovery and improving global health outcomes, BioAsia and its partners are poised to create new opportunities for growth and development in the life sciences industry. Each partner brings unique expertise and resources to the table, contributing to BioAsia’s mission of catalysing innovation and driving progress in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

 Western Australia, renowned for its cutting-edge research and development initiatives, joins BioAsia with a wealth of knowledge in biotechnology and medical innovation. The delegation will be led by Ms. Amber Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia and comprise of about 40 members representing Industry, Research / Academia and Start-ups.

 “We are thrilled to partner with BioAsia 2024, a premier platform for advancing innovation in the life sciences industry. Western Australia’s commitment to healthcare excellence aligns perfectly with Telangana and BioAsia’s mission, and we look forward to leveraging this partnership to drive impactful collaborations and accelerate breakthrough discoveries. Together, we aim to shape the future of healthcare and improve outcomes for patients around the world.” said Ms. Amber- Jade Sanderson, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Mental Health, Western Australia.

 Ireland, a global powerhouse in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, brings its rich legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship to the BioAsia platform. Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence with over several leading industry names including  Novartis, AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, Lilly, AstraZeneca, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and Takeda, who have significant operations contributing to exports of €116+ billion annually.

 Queensland, recognized as a hub for healthcare innovation and excellence, offers BioAsia valuable insights and resources in the fields of biopharmaceuticals, medical technology, and digital health. As a leader in fostering industry-academia partnerships, Queensland’s involvement will undoubtedly bolster BioAsia’s efforts in driving transformative change and breakthrough discoveries.

 Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary of the Industries & Commerce and Information Technology, Govt of Telangana said, “BioAsia got scaled at an unprecedent level with every passing year. This year we have Western Australia, Queensland & Ireland coming together as additional partners this year. This will elevate the pace of research through sharing of resources and information exchange as countries come in collaboration. We look forward to the association.”

 “We are thrilled to welcome Western Australia, Ireland, and Queensland as our newest global partners for BioAsia 2024,” said Shakthi M. Nagappan, CEO of BioAsia. “Their participation at BioAsia enhances the diversity and expertise of our vibrant lifesciences ecosystem, enabling us to better serve the needs of our global community and drive meaningful impact in the field of life sciences.”

 With the theme of – “Data & AI: Redefining Possibilities, to deliberate the possibility of reshaping the future of healthtech delivery paradigm in the country.”, BioAsia 2024 is all set to be held between 26th to 28th February 2024 in Hyderabad. Over the three days, prominent industry leaders, distinguished scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs will come together to discuss humanizing healthcare and will hold constructive discussions on how cross-sectional ecosystems can be integrated, how disruptive technologies can be best utilized, and how we can drive quality healthcare with accessibility and affordability at the forefront in the near future.

NMDC delivers strong Q3 and 9M Performance in FY24

  Q3 of CY Vs Q3 of PY Growth 9M of CY Vs 9M of PY Growth
2023-24 2022-23 2023-24 2022-23
Production

 (in Mnt)

12.22 10.66 15% 31.78 26.69 19%
Sales (in Mnt) 11.39 9.58 19% 31.94 25.81 24%
Turnover (Rs. in Crores) 5,410 3,720 45% 14,819 11,816 25%
PBT before exceptional exp. (Rs. in Crores) 2,252 1,217 85% 5,859 4,351 35%
PBT after exceptional exp. (Rs. in Crores) 2,000 1,217 64% 5,607 4,351 29%
PAT  (Rs. in Crores) 1,492 890 68% 4,170 3,252 28%
EBITDA  (Rs. in Crores) 2,366 1,331 78% 6,156 4,657 32%

 Hyderabad, 15 February 2024: Yet again India’s largest Iron Ore Producer, NMDC delivered a strong financial and physical performance in Q3 FY24. Surpassing its previous record, the mining major registered 45% and 64% increase in turnover and PBT (after exceptional expenditure) respectively over CPLY in the third quarter.

Setting new benchmarks with its exceptional performance, NMDC recorded its highest ever production and sales volume with 12.22 MT and selling 11.39 MT in the third quarter of FY24, marking a growth of 15% and 19% in production and sales respectively over corresponding period last year.

NMDC’s turnover and PBT (after exceptional expenditure) for Q3 FY24 is Rs. 5,410 crore and Rs.2,000 crore, with an increase of 45% in turnover and 64% in PBT over CPLY. While the Profit After Tax (PAT) for Q3 FY24 increased by 68% to Rs.1,492 crores.

MTAR clocks a revenue of Rs. 118.4 Cr ­in Q3 FY 24

Hyderabad, Feb 14, 2024: MTAR Technologies Ltd (“MTAR”), a leading manufacturer engaged in manufacturing and development of mission critical precision engineered systems catering to Clean Energy – Civil Nuclear Power, Fuel Cells, Hydel & Others, Space, and Defence sectors has announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended Dec 31, 2023.

YoY Q3 FY 24 vs. Q3 FY 23:

  • Revenue from Operations stood at Rs. 118.4 Cr. in Q3 FY 24 as against Rs. 160.2 Cr. in Q3 FY 23, 26.1% decrease YoY
  • EBITDA reported at Rs. 23.9 Cr. in Q3 FY 24 as compared to Rs. 45.0 Cr. in Q3 FY 23, 47.0% decrease YoY
  • Profit Before Tax stands at Rs. 12.9 Cr. in Q3 FY 24 as against Rs. 42.0 Cr. in Q3 FY 23, 69.3% decrease YoY
  • Profit After Tax was at Rs. 10.4 Cr in Q3 FY 24 as against Rs. 31.4 Cr. in Q3 FY 23, 66.8% decrease YoY

Commenting on the results, Mr. Parvat Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director & Promoter, MTAR Technologies, said, “Revenues in FY 24 shall be marginally higher as compared to FY 23 due to deferment of export shipments in Clean Energy sector to the next fiscal year. However, the growth outlook for FY 25 remains intact with 45% – 50% YoY likely increase in revenues. The company is in final stages of discussion with reputed global MNCs as well as made good progress in Small Satellite Launch Vehicle project.”

ISB Executive Education releases India Corporate Governance Scorecard 2024*

Hyderabad, India – February 12th, 2024: In response to a growing need to understand the state of Indian Boards, the Indian School of Business (ISB) Executive Education has released the ‘India Corporate Governance Scorecard – 2024’. Conducted by Sanjay Kallapur, Professor, ISB, Nirmalya Kumar, Professor, SMU, and Harish Raichandani (adjunct faculty), ISB, the empirical report, based on a survey of directors from Indian Companies, offers insights into the prevailing practices and challenges in corporate governance.

The study evaluated corporate governance in nine areas across three dimensions: Guidance and Oversight, Board Functioning, and Leadership. The responding directors provided perspectives on boards of different types of companies, viz., professionally managed companies, promoter/ family-owned, multinational corporations, Indian conglomerates, and the PSUs.

A few of the highlights from their findings include:

· The scorecard reveals the varying degrees of satisfaction (percentage of directors responding “satisfied” or “highly satisfied”) across three dimensions: Board Leadership – 82%, Board Functioning – 73%, and Guidance & Oversight – 71%

· Directors demonstrate strong board effectiveness, marked by leadership acumen, a vibrant culture of collaboration, effective Board-CEO engagement, and commitment to their roles

· Directors exhibit a dichotomy in risk oversight, with high confidence in regulatory compliance at 95%, yet mixed vigilance over obsolescence and technology risks at 68% and 72%, respectively

· Strategic oversight emerges as a critical area for improvement, with only 68% satisfaction, indicating a potential blind spot in Indian boardrooms’ competencies

Emphasising the goal of the Scorecard released, Sanjay Kallapur, Professor, Accounting at ISB, said, “Corporate governance is a driver of value creation and competitive advantage for companies. The India Corporate Governance Scorecard 2024 is a pioneering initiative that offers a valuable benchmark for Indian companies to compare their corporate governance performance with their peers and identify areas for improvement. The report aims to serve as a catalyst for constructive dialogue and action among various stakeholders, such as regulators, investors, board members, executives, and academics, to foster a culture of excellence and innovation in corporate governance in India.”

The findings further equip ISB Executive Education to create more relevant corporate governance programmes, such as the ‘Powering High-Performance Boards’. With only one in 4 directors certifying that their board takes steps to educate/ train them, the demand for ISB’s board education services will likely increase further. The survey reveals that the directors require more regular updates on risks and regulatory aspects and keep abreast of industry changes.

Nirmalya Kumar, Professor, Marketing, Singapore Management University and visiting faculty, ISB who specialises in Strategy and Marketing, expressed concern at the low scores on the initiative taken by Indian directors to obtain information from independent sources and strategic oversight. He says, “The growth of Indian economy and the companies that comprise it will lead to burgeoning demand for board members. However, for boards to effectively fulfil their role on behalf of shareholders they must balance the time spent on compliance currently with greater attention to the strategic direction of the company.” Board members also expressed concerns about their engagement between meetings, needing more independent information sources, and staying updated on industry trends. The lack of mechanisms for addressing issues with ‘problematic’ directors and the need for a ‘devil’s advocate’ in decision-making were also noted.

It was not a surprise to see PSUs lagging on most of the scores; this is an opportunity for the concerned government ministries to focus and set new corporate governance benchmarks. The survey provided directors with an opportunity to voice their observations and concerns. Although they voted high on the oversight of compliances, their concern is that competent professionals are shying away from taking up Independent Director roles due to excessive focus from regulators.

Harish Raichandani, adjunct faculty and researcher at ISB, echoed director sentiments concerning directors’ true independence and a need to improve independent director selection and succession planning processes. To improve corporate governance, 22% of directors see the need to improve Board Composition and 31% of directors see a need to improve the flow of information to their Boards. Many voiced the need to focus on Board agenda related processes and offered suggestions to improve the same. Only 45% of directors believe that they have a robust whistle-blower mechanism in place

New Balance Launches Their New Store Launch in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, 09th February 2024 – New Balance, a brand renowned globally for its authentic craftsmanship and running excellence, is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural store in Hyderabad, at Sarath City Capital Mall, on 7th February 2024. This milestone represents a notable stride in New Balance’s strategic expansion within India. The new store is first of its kind in the country since the establishment of the brand’s Indian subsidiary.

new balance

The innovative retail concept store is crafted to prioritize people, placing them at the core of the consumer experience. Structured around focal seating arrangements, the store seeks to foster a sense of gathering, encouraging customers to interact and connect, draw inspiration and explore their personal style, ultimately cultivating a communal atmosphere. This unique retail space embodies New Balance at the intersection of sports and culture, making it particularly appealing to the youth.

The store presents a thoughtfully curated array of products accompanied by visual narratives. Consumers in Hyderabad will get a chance to experience the brand’s innovative Fresh Foam and FuelCell technologies firsthand and the collection will also feature New Balance’s iconic franchises such as the 1080, 550, 327, and 9060.

“Our new store in Hyderabad symbolizes more than just a retail space. It’s a testament to our commitment to bringing the New Balance experience closer to our customers” said Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, India, at New Balance. “Hyderabad, with its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, stood out as the Key city to expand our footprint in India. The vibrant and active lifestyle of the people aligns with our brand ethos seamlessly. We want to welcome patrons to discover New Balance and immerse themselves in the spirit of sport, performance, and culture.”

A similar retail concept store of New Balance is set to be launched in Pune next month.

CARE Hospitals Unveils Inspirational Video Campaign “ChapterofHope” On World Cancer Day

Hyderabad, India – February 5, 2024 – CARE Hospitals, a leading multi-speciality hospital in India, announced the launch of its latest video campaign, “ChapterofHope,” commemorating World Cancer Day. This initiative aims to raise awareness and extend support to cancer patients, emphasizing the profound strength found in hope.

The campaign, underscored by the theme #ChapterofHope, portrays each day of the cancer journey as a page in a book, symbolizing stages and milestones. It resonates deeply with individuals battling cancer, acknowledging their challenges while highlighting their inherent resilience and unwavering hope.

The heart of the campaign lies in a poignant narrative centered around the life of a vlogger, chronicling a year of his experiences. The video is meticulously crafted to capture slice-of-life moments, revealing that amidst the shadows of a life-threatening illness like cancer, there are bright and optimistic glimpses. It underscores the transformative power of hope, illustrating how a tiny ray of light can illuminate even the darkest days.

 world cancer day

“Our intent with this film is to impart a message of hope—to redefine cancer not as the conclusion of one’s story but as another #ChapterofHope,” shared a spokesperson from CARE Hospitals. “We endeavor to uplift the spirits of those confronting cancer, fostering a sense of optimism. Our dedicated teams of cancer experts and specialists stand committed to delivering advanced treatment and compassionate care, accompanying patients every step of their journey.”

The “ChapterofHope” video campaign is poised to inspire and empower individuals affected by cancer, urging them to embrace hope as an essential companion in their fight against the disease.

CMA Hima Vidya Sanagavarapu elected Chairperson of the Managing Committee

Hyderabad, 2nd February 2024: CMA Hima Vidya Sanagavarapu has been elected as Chairperson of the Managing Committee of THE INSTITUTE OF COST ACCOUNTANTS OF INDIA – HYDERABAD CHAPTER for the year 2024 on 31st January 2024. She is a Fellow Member having two decades of experience in financial accounting, costing, and taxation including payroll. Expertise knowledge in internal audits and HR Audits conducted on various organizations independently. Currently, she has been a practicing cost accountant for the last 10 years and actively participates in NGOs.

cma hima vidya

And other office bearers elected are CMA Lavanya Kanduri as Vice Chairperson, CMA Khaja Jalal Uddin as Secretary and CMA D. Venkata Ram Babu as Treasurer and the other Managing Committee Members are CMA CS Kirti Agarwal, CMA N. Ganesh, CMA Musunuri Bala Krishna, CMA L. N. Sruthi Kanigalpula, CMA E.V. Usha Rani.