Archives January 2025

By-Dr. Ameet Sattur, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli

 The heart is a vital organ, tirelessly pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. However, certain heart diseases disproportionately impact women due to unique biological and hormonal factors. Conditions like microvascular disease and stress-induced cardiomyopathy are more prevalent among women, and symptoms often present differently than in men, leading to delayed diagnosis.

 Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in women. The disparity arises from a combination of biological differences, societal factors, and outdated medical paradigms that have historically centered around men.

 Heart Disease: The Silent Threat to Women
Heart disease in women often presents differently than in men. While men typically experience the classic symptom of chest pain, women’s symptoms are often subtler. They may include fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or pain in the neck, jaw, or back. These atypical symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

 The Role of Biology
Biological differences between men and women play a significant role in how heart disease manifests. Women’s coronary arteries are smaller and more prone to microvascular disease, which affects the tiny blood vessels in the heart. This type of disease often goes undetected in standard diagnostic tests like angiograms. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menopause, can increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease by altering lipid levels and vascular health.

 What is the Impact of Gender Bias on Heart Health?
Historically, research on heart disease has predominantly focused on men, resulting in diagnostic and treatment protocols tailored to male physiology. Consequently, medical professionals may overlook or misinterpret symptoms in women. Studies have shown that women are less likely than men to receive timely interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery, even when presenting with severe heart disease.

 Misperceptions and Lack of Awareness
Public awareness campaigns about heart disease often emphasize the classic symptoms associated with men. This extends the misconception that heart disease is primarily a “man’s disease.” As a result, women may not recognize their symptoms as indicative of a heart problem and delay seeking medical attention. Furthermore, societal expectations that women should prioritize caregiving roles often lead them to downplay their health concerns.

New Delhi, January 31st, 2025: Shreedayini Foundation, one of India’s leading a 12-A / 80-G certified non-profit organisation aimed at empowering youth and promoting entrepreneurial excellence organised India’s first Economic Growth Conference 2025 (IEGC), in partnership with the US Asia Global Business Forum (USABF), at The Lalit, New Delhi. The event witnessed the participation of over 300 attendees including ambassadors,policymakers, fund seekers, government officials, and investors to discuss the roadmap of charting $1 trillion USD in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India’s 23 sectors. Shreedayini Foundation aims to achieve a multi-phase target of $1 trillion USD, based on selected projects and investment platforms. The conference paved the way for the Shreedayini Foundation’s programme “Samriddh Bharat, Samriddh Vishwa” (Prosperous India, Prosperous World), which aimed to boost India’s GDP and position the country as a global economic powerhouse.

The conference highlighted India’s immense potential to attract global investments. Delegates discussed the strategic inflow of funds into sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, IT, healthcare, agriculture etc that would align with the government’s vision of “Vikasit Bharat @2047.The event was attended by ambassadors, government officials, and investors from countries like Switzerland, USA, Israel, Singapore, and the UAE. Shreedayini Foundation is planning for a solid Roadmap for Employment in India. The event included key point discussions including Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to enhance government and private enterprises’ collaboration in energy, logistics, and technology sectors. The conference also announced programs dedicated to empowering youth and women through education, training, and job creation, which are expected to strengthen India’s workforce and bridge skill gaps promoting the Indian economy.

Dr. Ram Das Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment also joined the event virtually, as he could not be available for a sudden change of plans. He extended his best wishes for the success of future prospects and praised the efforts of the Shreedayini Foundation in fostering economic growth and global collaborations.

One of the major event highlights was the finalization of a roadmap to attract $1 trillion USD in FDI in the Indian Economy. Shreedayini Foundation has announced the Concrete steps and timelines to simplify investment processes and ensure transparency, boosting investor confidence. The process was discussed in detail including the DPR registration and funding process, submitting the project for review, followed by investor confirmation, due diligence, and signing of the Investment Agreement.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Hariom Agnihotri, Chairman of the Shreedayini Foundation, stated, “India’s economic landscape is evolving rapidly. Through this conference, we have built a robust foundation for a $1 trillion FDI target, fostering trust and global partnerships. This is a transformative moment for India and the world.”

FDI inflows into India reached $84.8 billion in FY 2022-23, solidifying the nation’s position as the fifth-largest economy in the world and a leading destination for global investors. The conference highlighted the potential for targeted investments to accelerate India’s economic development, positioning the country as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

Reflecting on the conference, Mr. Kevin Kaul, Chairman of USABF, remarked, “India’s untapped potential, combined with its demographic advantage, makes it the ultimate investment destination for the 21st century. The partnerships forged today will shape a prosperous and interconnected global future.”

The event concluded with the announcement of the “Samriddh Bharat, Samriddh Vishwa” program. This initiative will act as a catalyst to attract global investments while addressing global sustainability goals and fostering inclusive growth. This conference marks a significant milestone as Shreedayini officially presents their vision and mission to create a lasting impact on India’s development where they encourage everyone to join us in this endeavor to build a stronger, more prosperous global economy.

GURUGRAM, 31 January 2025: Air India today announced it has added more flights to Prayagraj in response to high demand for travel during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, having recently inaugurated special daily flights between Delhi and Prayagraj.

Effective 01 February 2025, Air India will operate a second daily service between Delhi and Prayagraj until 28 February 2025. Air India has also added special daily services between Mumbai and Prayagraj that will operate until 28 February 2025.

With these additions, Air India will operate 21x weekly flights to Prayagraj during the world’s largest spiritual gathering.

Air India’s flights to and from Prayagraj enable seamless connections via Delhi to customers travelling to/from various parts of India as well as North America, Europe, Australia, and several countries in Southeast Asia.

31st January 2025; Maharashtra: Rachana Construction Limited (RCL) is proud to announce a significant milestone with the development of a 25 MW solar power plant in Dharashiv, Maharashtra. This project underscores the commitment of the company towards sustainability and innovation and highlights an important cornerstone of its mission toward becoming the leaders in renewable energy. The solar plant will produce clean energy for 25 years, thus reducing the carbon emissions and enhancing the local economy through job opportunities and new technologies.

This transformative project highlights the company’s commitment and Mr. Sujit Dattatray Mule, Managing Director of Rachana Construction Limited said, “This project – an example of what is manifest in our vision of sustainable development aligned with international efforts against climate change, it demonstrates our single-minded dedication to innovative solutions that are guaranteed to create long-lasting value for communities and a greener future.”

The state-of-the-art PV modules and smart monitoring system, powered by the Internet of Things (IOT) and AI, will ensure operational efficiency with minimum downtime at the plant. The plant is expected to cut down carbon dioxide emissions to about 35,000 to 40,000 metric tons a year and about 1 million metric tons during its lifetime, equivalent to the removal of thousands of cars from the streets every year.

Around 200-300 temporary jobs will be created during construction, such as engineers, technicians, and laborers, while once operational, the plant will give 30-50 permanent jobs. Moreover, the local suppliers will benefit as well, while the enhanced energy infrastructure will assist the development of the region.

RCL’s ambition to manage large-scale infrastructure projects was important in securing this initiative. The estimated financial aspect of the project shows up at between ₹125 and 175 crores, barking out RCL’s financial base and managerial foresight. With its focus on renewable energy, the company is well-poised to expand its portfolio in the sector, attracting new partnerships and opportunities both in India and internationally.

Chandigarh, January 31, 2025: Cosmo First, a leading global manufacturer of specialty films for packaging, labeling, lamination, and more, conducted a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony at Auric City, Bidkin in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (erstwhile Aurangabad) district in Maharashtra. This groundbreaking ceremony is part of Cosmo First’s expansion plan marking a significant development that reinforces the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.

The ceremony, held at Plot No. 3, Sector 25, Auric City, Bidkin, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, was graced by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Mrs. Yamini Jaipuria, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, and the Cosmo First Leadership team, underlining the importance of this strategic expansion for the manufacturing company.

The strategic location was chosen for its promising industrial infrastructure and potential for future development. The Bidkin Industrial Area (BID) is a transformative project in India’s journey to become a global manufacturing powerhouse. This expansion in Bidkin represents a crucial step in Cosmo First’s growth trajectory facility is expected to enhance the company’s operational capabilities and create value for all stakeholders.

Marking this milestone and the company’s expansion, Mr Pankaj Poddar, said, “This Bhoomi Pujan reflects the growth of our company and the potential of this industrial area. By establishing our presence in Auric City, Bidkin, we are not just expanding our operational footprint but also reinforcing our commitment to Maharashtra’s industrial development. This new facility represents our vision for the future and our dedication to creating sustainable value for our stakeholders while contributing to the local economy through employment generation and community development.”

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony included traditional rituals and prayers, symbolizing an auspicious beginning for this new venture. It featured the ceremonial ground-breaking and holy Puja, marking the formal commencement of the site development.

CHENNAI, 31stJANUARY 2025: Veranda Learning has announced a strategic partnership with Nursing Europe AS (NE) to empower Indian nurses with the skills needed to secure employment in Europe’s healthcare sector.

Nursing Europe AS, a company based on the experiences of renowned Norwegian entities, specializes in providing fully EU-qualified and licensed nurses to healthcare providers across European nations. This partnership is projected to generate significant revenue, with estimates of over ₹200 crores in the next 3-5 years by placing more than 2,000 students.

Veranda Learning is expanding into global skilling, starting with nursing, and has plans to extend to other sectors. Veranda Learning has teamed up with industry experts to drive this initiative forward.

India, recognized as the human capital of the world, holds immense potential with its vast pool of skilled professionals. Leveraging this, Veranda Learning Solutions, a listed enterprise offering end-to-end solutions in the education space, is taking a significant step in harnessing India’s human capital through its extensive reach.

Addressing Europe’s Healthcare Workforce Shortage

Europe faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, with the World Health Organization (WHO) projecting a shortfall of 13 million healthcare workers by 2030. Countries like Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, and Italy urgently need qualified nurses to meet this growing demand. This shortage presents a unique opportunity for Indian nurses, who are highly skilled but often encounter challenges such as degree recognition, language proficiency, and cultural adaptation when seeking employment abroad.

Veranda Learning: Harnessing India’s Human Capital

With a mission of upskilling India for the world, Veranda Learning is seizing this opportunity to provide Indian nurses with the necessary platform to fill these crucial gaps in Europe’s healthcare sector. This initiative is not just about bridging the talent gap in Europe; it’s about harnessing India’s human capital to meet global demands. Through its expansive reach and expertise, Veranda aims to unlock international opportunities for Indian nurses while contributing to the sustainability of healthcare systems across Europe.

The Initiative: Empowering Indian Nurses for European Healthcare Systems

The global skilling initiative will offer a range of training and support services, including:

1. Tailored Training Programs: Courses designed to meet European healthcare standards, focusing on both clinical and non-clinical competencies.
2. Language Proficiency Courses: Preparing Indian nurses to achieve fluency in the languages required for effective patient care in their destination countries.
3. Cultural Orientation: Equipping nurses with the necessary understanding of European work environments and cultural norms, ensuring a smooth transition.

 A Strong Partnership for Lasting Impact

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Tommy Iversen, CEO of Nursing Europe AS and co-founder of Focus Care Group AS, one of Norway’s largest medical staffing agencies, comes with extensive experience in medical staffing, said, “Europe is facing an urgent need for skilled healthcare professionals. Our partnership with Veranda Learning will create exciting career opportunities for Indian nurses while helping to alleviate staffing challenges across Europe.”

Mr. Aditya Malik, Group Chief Operating Officer of Veranda Learning Solutions, added, “We are pleased to be partnering with Nursing Europe, which has a proven expertise in recruitment and staffing. This partnership will be a win-win for Indian nurses and European healthcare alike. At Veranda, we are not only looking to address global workforce shortages but also position India as a hub for world-class skilling, empowering our professionals to meet international standards and make a meaningful impact globally.”

By-Mr. Jasdeep Singh, Group CEO, CARE Hospital

“The Union Budget 2025-26 is a key opportunity to strengthen India’s healthcare system by making it more affordable, accessible, and innovative. At CARE Hospitals, we hope to see a higher allocation for public healthcare spending to close gaps in infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas. Expanding Ayushman Bharat to cover outpatient care and diagnostics, along with promoting preventive health programs, can help address the growing challenges of both communicable and non-communicable diseases while ensuring quality healthcare for everyone.

Cancer is a major health concern in our country, putting a heavy financial and emotional strain on people. To make cancer care more affordable, reducing customs duties and GST on essential equipment like LINACs would improve access to advanced treatment in underserved areas. It’s also important to revise reimbursement rates under government schemes like CGHS, PMJAY, and ECHS by linking them to inflation, as many rates have stayed the same for nearly a decade.

To position India as a global healthcare hub, creating a dedicated fund to promote high-quality healthcare and medical tourism is essential. Such measures can not only enhance our healthcare system but also boost India’s stature globally. The government should also prioritize funding research and development in the MedTech sector, incentivizing innovation, and transitioning to quality-linked procurement standards for value-based care.

Encouraging digital health solutions, medical research, and public-private partnerships can help India stay ahead in healthcare innovation. Providing tax benefits and supportive policies for healthcare providers will also be crucial in meeting new health challenges. At CARE Hospitals, we are committed to patient-focused care and hope this budget will empower healthcare providers to reduce gaps, improve outcomes, and make healthcare a key driver of national growth.”

UTI Mutual Fund (UTI MF) is delighted to announce the launch of two new index funds: UTI Nifty Midsmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 Index Fund (An open-ended scheme replicating/tracking the Nifty Midsmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 Total Return Index (TRI)) and UTI Nifty India Manufacturing Index Fund (An open-ended scheme replicating/tracking the Nifty India Manufacturing Total Return Index (TRI))

UTI Nifty Midsmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 Index Fund

The Scheme is a first-of-its-kind offering in the industry with the index fund structure and also UTI’s first multi-cap and multi-factor index fund, an innovative addition to its index fund offerings. This open-ended scheme is benchmarked to Nifty MidSmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 TRI. The scheme’s combination provides investors the benefit from a combination of two-factor strategies in one fund, exposure to companies with relatively better growth potential and quality within the mid-small cap segment, and building style diversification in the portfolio. The fund is a low-cost index fund that shall endeavor to achieve returns equivalent to returns of the underlying index while minimizing tracking error.

Salient Features:

NFO Period: 28th January 2025 to 10th February 2025

Fund Manager: Mr. Sharwan Kumar Goyal, Head – Passive, Arbitrage & Quant Strategies

•  Benchmark: Nifty MidSmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 TRI
•  Minimum Investment: Minimum initial investment is ₹1,000 and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter
•  Plans & Options: Regular Plan and Direct Plan – offering Growth Option Only
•  Load Structure: No entry or exit load

UTI Nifty India Manufacturing Index Fund

The fund provides exposure to companies from the manufacturing segment in a defined and disciplined way. It is an open-ended scheme replicating/tracking Nifty India Manufacturing TRI. UTI Nifty India Manufacturing Index Fund will offer investors a unique opportunity, to leverage the robust growth potential of the manufacturing industry in India. Index Fund’s strategy will focus on reducing the tracking error to the least possible through regular rebalancing of the portfolio, considering the change in weight of stocks in the index as well as the incremental collections/redemptions in the Scheme.

Salient Features:

NFO Period: 28th January 2025 to 10th February 2025

Fund Manager: Mr. Sharwan Kumar Goyal, Head – Passive, Arbitrage & Quant Strategies

•  Benchmark: Nifty India Manufacturing TRI
•  Minimum Investment: Minimum initial investment is ₹1,000 and in multiples of ₹1 thereafter
•  Plans & Options: Regular Plan and Direct Plan – offering Growth Option Only
•  Load Structure: No entry or exit load

Mr. Sharwan Kumar Goyal, Head – Passive, Arbitrage & Quant Strategies, UTI AMC said, “UTI AMC is amongst the largest asset managers in the passive category with over 2 decades of experience of managing passive Funds. The two new offerings aim to provide investors opportunity to invest in categories and industries which offer immense growth prospects with disciplined approach to the portfolio construction, while adhering to a defined selection process. With our expanded product line in the passive category, we intend to offer tailored solutions to our investors that may align with their long-term financial goals and help them navigate today’s dynamic financial landscape.”

UTI Nifty MidSmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 Index Fund

(An open-ended scheme replicating/tracking Nifty MidSmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 TRI)

This product is suitable for investors who are seeking*:

•  Returns that are commensurate with the performance of the Nifty MidSmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 Index over long term, subject to tracking error.
•  Investment in securities covered by the Nifty MidSmallcap 400 Momentum Quality 100 Index

Product labelling assigned during the New Fund Offer (NFO) is based on internal assessment of the scheme characteristics or model portfolio and the same may vary post NFO when the actual investments are made.

 Based on the Index Composition as on December 31, 2024.

 Investors should consult their financial advisers if in doubt about whether the product is suitable for them.

Hyderabad, January 31, 2025……..SVAG Homes to have a huge line of display of Barkitecture products at Petex, India’s largest pet expo to be held along with two other expos “Kids Fair” and “Kids Business Carnival” at Hitex from January 31st

Giving details in a press note issued in the city Vishal Bothra said it will display all the 25 SKUs it has. It will also give a hint of 50 more designs and patterns it is working on presently.

First of all we, “Barkkey” are the only Barkitecture company in the country. And we are also the largest in terms of number of designs and patterns compared to the best of the best Barkitecture companies in the world, he stated.

Come to stall number 2F09 and witness the new trend. Barkitecture’ Makes Your Pets the King of the Castle, he added.

The Barkitecture is the best tribute we can pay to our dogs in honour of their company given to us during the pandemic. We humans should feel as grateful for our pets as they might feel grateful for us added another founder of the company Sushanth.

Barkkey has a manufacturing facility in Hyderabad with a wide variety of products for B2B and B2C. It has a manufacturing facility at Aramgarh in Hyderabad. It is a bootstrapped company. They have invested INR 1.8 crore.

SVAG Pet Homes LLP, a Hyderabad-based startup, has introduced a groundbreaking concept to the Indian market—’Barkitecture in India.’ This novel trend in pet care, which tailors architecture and interior design specifically for dogs, is poised to reshape how pet owners design spaces for their furry friends. The company will unveil new line of products, including Barkkey Villas, Barkkey Pods, and Barkkey Furniture.

SVAG Pet Homes aims to sell 1,00,000 pieces in the next year. Prices for these designer pet homes range from Rs15,000 to Rs5 lakh, and products are available through the company’s website, Amazon, and Instagram. As part of their commitment to social responsibility, SVAG Pet Homes also launched the Barkley Foundation, which focuses on promoting responsible pet parenting and supporting street dogs.

Bengaluru, India – 31st Jan 2025 – Dvara Health Finance (DHF) and the Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), Bangalore, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and launch a Diploma in Community Health and Digital Healthcare Operations. This pioneering programme is designed to train healthcare workers to bridge gaps between patients, digital health technologies, and licensed healthcare providers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

This initiative supports the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by developing a workforce skilled in deploying point-of-care diagnostics, digital health records, and telemedicine—all critical to making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.

Empowering Community Healthcare Through Digital Innovation

The 11-month diploma programme is structured into four competency-based levels:

· Community Health Facilitator: Educating communities on preventive healthcare, hygiene, and digital health record creation.

· Digital Health Technician: Conducting health screenings and managing digital patient data.

· Digital Multipurpose Health Worker: Performing phlebotomy, handling imaging tools, and supporting diagnostics.

· Community Health Leader: Leading public health campaigns, coordinating referrals, and improving community engagement.

With a strong practical and field-based training component, the programme ensures that graduates are equipped to strengthen primary healthcare services and improve health outcomes through digital tools and community-driven interventions.

Strengthening Financial and Health Resilience in Communities

Dvara Health Finance is actively working towards protecting Indian households from financial hardships arising from medical expenses. Through its NEEM offering, DHF provides access to trained health workers, a digital health platform, affordable medicines, and financial solutions that improve both financial and health outcomes.

DHF is currently piloting its model in Satara, Maharashtra, where its trained health workers—supported by digital tools—are enabling early detection and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. By expanding its reach through this diploma programme, DHF aims to scale its impact and build a cadre of skilled health workers across India.

Commenting on the partnership, Bindu Ananth, Founder & CEO, Dvara Health Finance, said, ”Given the rapid advances in digital health, the time is right for India to imagine a new cadre of community health workers – those that can combine patient empathy and proximity with technology versatility to use a range of screening, imaging and diagnostic tools. This will significantly close the gap in access to care, particularly for non-communicable diseases. We are delighted to partner with IIHMR Bangalore to realise this vision and look forward to partnering with many primary care providers as well.”

Building a Future-Ready Healthcare Workforce

IIHMR Bangalore, a leader in health management education and research, will bring its deep expertise in healthcare operations, digital health, and public health leadership to this collaboration. The institute has been at the forefront of shaping healthcare education and policy, making it the ideal academic partner to deliver a programme that integrates digital health innovation with hands-on community healthcare training.

Dr. Usha Manjunath, Director, IIHMR Bangalore, said, “The Diploma in Community Health and Digital Health Operations is a testament to IIHMR Bangalore’s commitment to bridging the gap between healthcare delivery and digital innovation. This program not only equips participants with critical skills but also empowers them to drive transformative changes in community health systems. Together with Dvara Health Finance, we aim to nurture a new generation of the primary healthcare workforce prepared to address the challenges of tomorrow’s healthcare landscape with tech solutions.”

Who Can Apply?

The diploma is open to individuals who have completed Class 12 (any stream), with preference for those with healthcare or community service experience. Candidates must have basic digital literacy and the ability to communicate in regional languages and English. The curriculum is aligned with Health Sector Skill Council (HSSC) standards, ensuring graduates are job-ready and equipped with industry-recognised competencies. The course is likely to be launched in August 2025.

A Step Towards Systemic Change in Healthcare

With this partnership, Dvara Health Finance and IIHMR Bangalore are setting the stage for a new generation of skilled, digitally-empowered healthcare professionals at the grassroots. By combining community health expertise with digital innovation, this programme will play a crucial role in making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and effective for underserved populations.