Archives February 2025

Chennai, February 18th, 2025: In a significant step towards community welfare, OPG Foundation, part of OPG Group, India’s leading power generator, has launched a free meal distribution program at The Cancer Institute WIA, Adyar, Chennai. This initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under its flagship program ‘Table of Care’, led by the OPG Foundation, the social impact arm of OPG Group.

The launch event was graced by Hon’ble Justice AD Jagadish Chandra, Judge, Madras High Court, as the Chief Guest, who lauded the initiative and its positive impact on the community.

The Cancer Institute (WIA), established in 1954, is one of India’s premier oncology centers dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable cancer care. With a strong focus on research, early detection, and treatment, the institute has been at the forefront of cancer care in India. It offers comprehensive services, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology, while also emphasizing patient welfare through various support programs.

The program underscores the OPG Foundation’s commitment to addressing societal needs and supporting those facing challenging circumstances. The meals, carefully prepared to meet nutritional standards, will be distributed free of charge at a dedicated counter within the hospital premises.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Sudha Gupta of OPG Foundation said: “At OPG Foundation, we believe that no one should go hungry, especially those going through challenging times. The ‘Table of Care’ led by the OPG Foundation is our way of standing by families who are facing emotional and financial distress. Providing nutritious meals is a small yet meaningful way to offer comfort and support when it’s needed most. We remain committed to expanding our social impact efforts and finding more ways to give back to the community.”

This marks the fifth free meal program by the OPG Foundation. Currently, the company operates four meal distribution centers in and around its facility in Gummidipoondi, serving nearly 700 meals daily. Over the past three years, the ‘Table of Care’ initiative has benefited nearly three lakh people.

The director of the Cancer Institute, expressed gratitude for the program, stating: “The families of our patients often endure emotional and financial stress during their hospital visits. This thoughtful initiative by the OPG Foundation will go a long way in providing comfort and support to these individuals. We are grateful for this collaboration and applaud their dedication to social responsibility.”

Delhi/Mumbai, [18/02/2025]: Calcom Vision Limited (BSE: 517236), is one of the leading Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) in India, engaged in the manufacturing of LED Lights, Battens & other electronic items, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended 31st December 2024. The company reported that its revenue from operations for Q3 FY25 increased by 9.25% YoY to Rs 44.66 crore, up from Rs 40.88 crore in the same period last year.

The significant growth in revenue reflects the company’s strategic focus on augmenting LED Batten Production to support top line, automate Bulb production, Solar Light Segment, backward integration by strengthening infrastructure, and strengthen marketing function which will help in adding new customers and developing new markets

The company reported a 747.53% year-on-year surge in its Q3 FY25 profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 0.31 crore as compared to Rs 0.036 crore in the corresponding quarter last financial year.

Calcom Vision’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 101.93% to Rs 4.37 crore, as against Rs 2.16 crore for the same period last year.

Key financial highlights for Q3FY25:

• Revenue from operations grew by 9.25% YoY to Rs 44.66 crore in Q3FY25 as compared to Rs 40.88 crore in Q3FY24 driven by the addition of a few new customers.
• Profit after tax (PAT) increased by 747.53% to Rs 0.31 crore in Q3FY25 from Rs 0.036 in Q3 FY24 on account (XX reasons)
• Operating EBITDA margin declined to 9.79% from 12.27% in Q3 FY24

Commenting on the Q3FY25 performance, Sushil Kumar Malik, Chairman and Managing Director, Calcom Vision Limited. said, “We have marked the highest third-quarter sales in the company’s history. This notable uptick in sales, revenue, and net income highlights our company’s resilience and strategic acumen. Key developments include the upcoming launch of our Professional Street Light with in-house molds, the completion of solar product designs with the first order secured, and successful trials for our EV chargers. Additionally, we have finalized designs for new trade streets, flood lights, high bay lights, and well glass products, with plans for industrialization within this fiscal year.

Furthermore, we are expanding our export operations, and our order books continue to grow. With an expanding portfolio and rising demand, we remain focused on driving sustainable growth and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We are well-positioned for continued success in Q4 FY25 and beyond.”

Bengaluru, 18th February 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to promote safe driving practices, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of awareness and health check-up initiative for over 1,250 drivers in Mizoram. Coinciding with ‘Road Safety Month’ (January 18 – February 17, 2025), the initiative is in response to rising road accidents across the state. The occasion was graced by the distinguished presence of the chief guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl, Mr. Zorammawia Tochhawng, Dealer Principal, Zote Toyota and executives from TKM.

In 2023 & 2024, Mizoram witnessed 106 and 124 road accidents respectively with corresponding fatalities at 96 and 112. Lack of driving discipline, over-speeding, violation of traffic regulations, and inadequate enforcement measures have contributed to these accidents. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, in collaboration with local authorities, is actively engaging with commercial drivers to educate them on responsible driving behaviours while ensuring their physical and mental well-being through dedicated health screenings.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s comprehensive safety initiative for commercial drivers such as truck, bus and van drivers comprise of two key components:

1. Road Safety Awareness Sessions
Designed to educate and empower drivers, the sessions cover:

•  Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices
•  Rules and regulations for commercial drivers
•  Awareness on penalties for traffic violations
•  Mental and physical well-being for professional drivers
•  Importance of vehicle insurance and compliance

 2. Comprehensive Health Check-ups
Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of drivers, the initiative includes:

•  Screening for common health conditions (Blood Pressure, Sugar, Eyesight, Hearing etc) affecting driving performance
•  Prescription of essential medicines and health advice
•  Referral to government healthcare centres for further treatment, if needed

Moreover, as part of broader road safety measures, 34 units of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition system) & 20 units of CCTV cameras are being installed at key locations to enhance road monitoring, deter traffic violations, and improve enforcement measures, ensuring a safer driving environment for all. Through this structured approach, TKM aims to equip drivers with the right knowledge and health support, enabling them to make informed, responsible decisions on the road.

Sharing his thoughts on the initiative, Chief Guest Mr. Stephen Lalrinawma MPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic, Aizawl said, “Ensuring safe roads requires a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness, enforcement, and community engagement. Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s initiative is a commendable step in educating drivers about responsible driving while also prioritizing their health. 68 percent of road accidents take place due to carelessness of the drivers which can be avoided. Drivers should also focus on the fitness of vehicles as this also leads to accidents. I urge all commercial vehicle drivers, especially truck drivers, to participate in the event. By empowering commercial drivers with knowledge and support for their well-being, we are not only enhancing road safety but also fostering a more disciplined driving culture. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in making a lasting impact, and we appreciate Toyota’s dedication to this crucial cause.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance, said, “At Toyota, road safety is more than just a responsibility; it is a mission. Our goal is to actively engage with drivers, empowering them with the right knowledge and health support. Through our structured awareness sessions and physical health screenings, we are committed to making a tangible impact on driving behaviour, ensuring safe roads. Our ‘People First’ philosophy drives us to support initiatives that improve lives, and this program is a step forward in our long-term vision for road safety in India.”

Bangalore (India), February 18, 2025: Bharti Airtel Limited (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, landed the new SEA-ME-WE 6 (Southeast Asia-Middle East-West Europe-6, or SMW6) in Chennai. The company had already landed the cable in Mumbai on December 30, 2024.

These cable landings were completed by SubCom, a leading supplier of subsea fiber optic cable data systems responsible for the engineering, manufacture and installation of SEA-ME-WE-6. The 21,700 Rkm submarine cable system connects India to Singapore and France (Marseille) crossing Egypt through terrestrial cables. With this, Airtel has further enhanced its network presence with diversified capacity in the submarine cable system globally.

Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO – Airtel Business, said, “At Airtel we strive to provide the best in class services to our customers and this new investment and milestone would further improve our secure, diverse and scalable global network. We are delighted to further strengthen our global connectivity by landing one of the largest cable systems into our facilities. This complements our existing network strength of 400,000 Rkms across 50 countries. This also underlines our commitment to address Digital India’s growing demand for global connectivity & data with additional routes, diversity and capacity.”

The cable landing, both in Mumbai and Chennai, will be fully integrated with Airtel’s data centre arm, Nxtra by Airtel, at its large facilities in the respective cities with an aim to enable global hyperscalers and businesses in the country to seamlessly access international connectivity and data centre services.

As a key member of the consortium of the SEA-ME-WE-6 cable system, Airtel has investment in the core cable and has additionally co-built a private network of four Fiber Pairs between Singapore, Chennai and Mumbai. This cable system will bring a whopping 220 TBPs of global capacity to India.

Airtel’s global network spans five continents. The company has investments in 34 cables globally with some of the recent ones including 2Africa, Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2 (SJC2) and Equiano. Apart from these cables that connect India to key regions like APAC, Europe, the Middle East and US, Airtel’s global subsea network investments also include large cable systems like i2i Cable Network (i2icn), Europe India Gateway (EIG), IMEWE, SEA-ME-WE-4, AAG, Unity, EASSy, Gulf Bridge International (GBI) and Middle East North Africa Submarine Cable (MENA Cable) amongst many others.

Hyderabad, 18th February 2025: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Prasanna Venkatesh as its new Director of Operations. A seasoned professional with over 20 years of global hospitality experience, Prasanna has a proven record of driving operational excellence and delivering exceptional guest experiences. His journey spans renowned hospitality brands such as Westin, Hilton, and Accor, as well as the prestigious Dubai Expo 2020.

A visionary leader, Prasanna has been instrumental in turning around F&B venues, optimizing service delivery, and spearheading high-impact events. His expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational efficiency has led to increased profitability and guest satisfaction across diverse properties, including luxury resorts in the Maldives and large-scale urban hotels in the Middle East.

In his previous role at the prestigious Pullman & Novotel complex in Aerocity, celebrated for its luxury and exceptional F&B offerings, Prasanna honed his expertise in crafting refined dining experiences. Throughout his career, Prasanna has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating bespoke guest experiences through innovation and collaboration. At Dubai Expo 2020, he played a pivotal role in launching iconic dining destinations, earning accolades for delivering seamless hospitality experiences at one of the world’s largest events.

In his new role at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC, Prasanna will focus on enhancing operational efficiencies, driving sustainability initiatives, and elevating service standards across the property. His leadership will be key to strengthening the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for business, leisure, and events in the region.

“We are excited to have Prasanna on board and look forward to the transformative energy he brings to our operations,” said Rubin Cherian, General Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC. “His strategic vision and passion for hospitality will undoubtedly create memorable guest experiences and propel us to new heights.”

Hyderabad, February 18, 20205……Uttar Dakshin Concert is to be held in the city on March 1 at JNAFAU Auditorium, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, at 6 PM. It will be a Grand Jugalbandi. It will bring together two legendary maestros—Padma Shri Pandit Ronu Majumdar on the flute and Vidwan R. Kumaresh, the celebrated violinist from the Carnatic music tradition.

This much-awaited Jugalbandi will be organised jointly by Vivid Arts and Surmandal Hyderabad.

Pandit Ronu Majumdar, one of India’s most revered flautists, was recently honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri for his immense contributions to Indian classical music. His soulful renditions and unparalleled mastery over the bansuri have enthralled audiences worldwide. Vidwan R. Kumaresh, one of the most acclaimed violin maestros of the Carnatic music fraternity, is known for his dynamic and deeply expressive performances, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.

Despite coming from two distinct classical traditions, both artists share a profound belief that the difference in styles is not a challenge but rather the richness of Indian classical music. They see their collaboration as a way of creating a holistic musical experience, where the intricate rhythmic and melodic structures of both styles merge into a unified, immersive soundscape.

Adding to this grand musical confluence will be Shri V. Narhari on the Tabla and Shri Tumkur Ravishankar on the mridangam, whose rhythmic brilliance will further elevate the concert.

The Uttar Dakshin series has consistently brought together the finest Hindustani and Carnatic musicians, fostering an artistic dialogue that celebrates the diversity and unity of Indian classical music. This Jugalbandi promises to be an unforgettable evening for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

India, 18th February 2025 – Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, unveiled a new NR Savings account variant – Prospera. The Prospera NRE Savings Account offers an impressive suite of benefits designed for the emerging affluent NRI segment which includes Complimentary Insurance Benefit up to ₹60 Lakh, complimentary airport lounge access, special rewards for debit card spends and other banking benefits. As an introductory offer, the Bank is providing discount of up to 24% on flight and hotel bookings on select travel platforms using Prospera Debit Card.

 “For over seven decades, Federal Bank has been a trusted partner for Non-Resident Indians across the globe, facilitating their financial aspirations and connections with home,” said Mr. KVS Manian. “Today, we handle approximately one-fifth of India’s inward remittances, symbolizing the immense trust that the Indian diaspora and our partners place in us. We recognize that today’s NRI customers seek more than just basic banking and want to enjoy a comprehensive financial experience that matches their aspirations and lifestyle. We are committed to continuously evolving and enhancing our products and services to meet the changing environment and the needs of our customers.”

 “Our new offerings reflect our understanding of the evolving needs of the Indian diaspora and our commitment to serving them better,” added Joy P V, Executive Vice President and Country Head – Deposits, Wealth and Banca, Federal Bank.

 The launch happened in Dubai, marking Managing Director & CEO, Mr. KVS Manian’s maiden international media interaction since assuming office in September. During the event, Mr. Manian highlighted the deep-rooted connect that the Bank has with the NRI population. The Bank also highlighted its achievements in the NRI banking space, such as market leadership in remittance services, digital innovation in cross-border banking, a strong presence across key NRI markets, a robust remittance partnership network in the UAE, and consistent growth in NRI deposits.

Mumbai, February 18, 2025:Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, is thrilled to announce the commencement of applications for its full-time Ph.D. Program 2025. The last date to apply is 10th May 2025. For more details, please write us at doctoral.admission@iimraipur.ac.in.

This full-time, fully funded program is meticulously structured to develop globally recognized scholars equipped to contribute significantly to the field of management research and education.

Inviting aspiring candidates, Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, shared, “Our institute is devoted to fostering a research-driven academic environment that empowers scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Our Ph.D. program provides a robust platform for aspiring researchers to engage in high-quality, impactful studies that contribute to both academia and industry. I extend an invitation to all those who seek to shape the future of management thought and practice.”

The doctoral program spans four years and is split into three phases: Fundamentals of Management, Specialization, and Doctoral Dissertation respectively. It offers research opportunities in various domains including Economics & Public Policy, Finance and Accounts, HRM and Organizational Behavior, Humanities & Liberal Arts (Including Business Communication), Information Systems, Marketing, Operations and Quantitative Techniques, and Strategy & Entrepreneurship.

To promote research excellence, the program offers financial support, including a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 for the first two years and ₹55,000 for the subsequent years, along with ₹200,000 grants for national and international conferences. Doctoral scholars will also receive a contingency grant and one-time support of ₹50,000 for research-related resources.

Candidates with a valid GATE, GRE, GMAT, JRF (UGC/CSIR), UGC NET, with CAT score (July 1, 2023, onward) and a Master’s/PGP from IIMs or equivalent (min. 55% marks) can apply. Those with CA/ICWA and a degree, CS with B.Com (min. 60% marks), a 4-year B.E./B.Tech/B. Arch (min. 6.5 CGPA), or a 5-year Integrated Master’s (min. 60% marks) are also eligible.

New Delhi, February 18, 2025 – CanSupport, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing palliative care services for people with cancer and other serious illnesses hosted the 18th edition of its flagship event, ‘Walk for Life – Stride Against Cancer,’ at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, to commemorate World Cancer Day. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, including cancer survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, students, corporate teams, and expatriates, all united in their commitment to raising awareness about cancer and showing solidarity with those affected by the disease.

Since its inception in 2008, the Walk for Life has become Delhi’s largest cancer awareness walkathon. This year’s event marked a significant milestone with the introduction of a 5 km Run alongside the traditional 3 km Walk, catering to fitness enthusiasts and further amplifying the impact of the cause. Participants walked and ran with passion and determination, carrying banners and messages of hope, resilience, and the importance of early detection and palliative care.

In her message to the participants Harmala Gupta, Founder-President of CanSupport said “It is a time to share experiences, meet with friends, both old and new, and honor those who are living with cancer as well as remember those who are no longer with us. More than anything else, however, it is a call to urgent action.

We know that cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and that it is on the march in our part of the world. What we also know is that it can be kept at bay if we adopt a healthy lifestyle. Besides eating right, regular exercise is one of the most powerful weapons we have and the Walk is to remind us that we must use it for our benefit.”

The other dignitaries present at the event included Dr Pramod Kumar Julka, Vice-Chairman Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Former Ambassador of the US to India David Mulford and his wife and the patron of the Walk for Life event Jeannie Mulford.

Over the years, the Walk has grown in popularity, with participation increasing annually. Over 4,000 walkers participated in the event and reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the cause.

Members of the Royal Mavericks Club joined the Walk to support cancer patients and rode with them. Performances from the BSF Band, Music Factory, Delhi Drum Circle, and Sai Aerobics kept the walkers entertained as they arrived at the venue.

Dr. Raj Nagarkar, Managing Director and Chief of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Services, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the field of medicine, and one of the areas where it is making the most significant impact is cancer treatment. Precision medicine, which tailors medical treatment to individual patients based on their genetic makeup and other factors, is helping doctors provide more personalized and effective care. Let’s explore how AI is enhancing precision medicine for cancer and changing the way we approach treatment.

AI and Early Detection
AI-powered tools are being used to enhance early cancer detection. By analyzing medical images, AI can identify subtle patterns in mammograms, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic images that might be missed by the human eye. This technology allows for earlier and more accurate detection of tumors, which is crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
For example, AI algorithms can analyze chest X-rays to detect lung cancer at its earliest stages, even before symptoms appear. Early detection gives patients a better chance of undergoing less invasive treatments and achieving a positive prognosis.

Improving Diagnostics and Biomarker Discovery
AI is also helping researchers discover new biomarkers, which are biological indicators of disease. By analyzing large sets of data from genetic studies, AI can help identify patterns that may lead to the discovery of new biomarkers associated with different types of cancer. These biomarkers can then be used for more accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning.
AI can also improve the accuracy of genetic testing by analyzing complex data from genomic sequencing. This can reveal mutations in a patient’s DNA that may make them more susceptible to cancer, allowing doctors to personalize treatment plans based on these findings.

Personalizing Treatment Plans
One of the key goals of precision medicine is to tailor treatment plans to the individual. AI plays a crucial role in helping doctors analyze patient data, such as genetic profiles, medical histories, and clinical information, to create highly personalized treatment regimens.
For example, AI can predict how a cancer will respond to different treatments based on a patient’s unique genetic makeup. This allows for more targeted therapies that are more likely to be effective and have fewer side effects. AI can also help match patients with clinical trials that are most likely to benefit them, further improving treatment outcomes.

Optimizing Drug Discovery
Developing new cancer drugs is a time-consuming and expensive process. However, AI is accelerating drug discovery by predicting how different compounds interact with cancer cells. By analyzing large datasets and using machine learning algorithms, AI can identify promising drug candidates much faster than traditional methods.
AI is also being used to design drugs that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells, and reducing side effects. This targeted approach is a hallmark of precision medicine and holds great promise for creating more effective cancer treatments.

Monitoring Cancer Progression
Once treatment begins, AI can help doctors monitor how well a cancer is responding to therapy. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical data, including lab results, imaging scans, and patient-reported outcomes, to track changes in the cancer’s size, shape, and genetic profile over time.
This continuous monitoring allows for more timely adjustments to treatment plans, ensuring that the most effective therapies are used as the cancer evolves. AI also helps doctors predict how a cancer may relapse, allowing for proactive interventions before the disease progresses further.

Enhancing Patient Outcomes
AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately can significantly enhance patient outcomes. By identifying patterns in patient data, AI can help doctors make more informed treatment decisions and predict which patients are more likely to respond to specific therapies.
Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants and apps are helping cancer patients manage their treatment regimens and follow-up appointments. These tools can provide patients with personalized guidance, reminders, and educational resources, improving their overall experience and engagement with the treatment process.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing precision medicine for cancer by improving early detection, optimizing treatment plans, and enhancing patient outcomes. By harnessing the power of AI, doctors are able to provide more personalized, effective care, and patients are benefiting from better treatment options with fewer side effects. As AI continues to evolve, its role in cancer treatment will only become more significant, offering hope for more targeted, successful therapies in the fight against cancer.