Archives May 2025

Urban Workspaces Reinvented : A Guide to Choosing the Right Co-Working Environment

By-Manas Mehrotra, Founder, 315Work Avenue

Across the country, cities are transforming at an unprecedented pace. This transformation is largely influenced by rapid urbanisation, increased connectivity with technological developments, and a changing desire for better lifestyles, resulting in the city centres that are no longer characterised by infrastructure alone, but instead are becoming thriving systems of innovation, opportunity, and interaction. As cities grow and evolve to meet contemporary needs, perhaps no change is more fundamental than that occurring in how individuals work. Conventional office spaces are being replaced by flexible, well-planned co-working spaces that not only respond to functionality but also to personal well-being.

In Indian metros such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai, the need for dynamic workplaces has increased consistently. Bengaluru, in particular, known as India’s Silicon Valley, exemplifies this shift, with the city’s economic growth, startup culture, and infrastructure investments creating fertile ground for the co-working revolution. The rise of AI and technology-driven startups and firms has significantly contributed to the growth of the co-working sector, as these businesses increasingly value the flexibility and customisation that flexible workspaces offer.  The growth has also swept across tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which are seeing an increase in the demand for flexible working spaces. As per reports by Colliers, office space leasing rose by an approximate of 15 per cent YoY during January-March 2025 to 15.9 million sq ft across seven major cities, seeing major demand from domestic and foreign companies.

As professionals seek greater balance between work and life, and companies embrace hybrid models of work, selecting the ideal co-working environment is paramount. More than just a place to plug in a laptop, the ideal workspace today must also promote mental clarity, physical comfort, and collaborative opportunities. Here’s how to find co-working spaces not only for working, but also for overall wellness.

Location and Connectivity

Urbanization comes with traffic and commute issues – location thus being a major priority. Choose co-working facilities with convenient access through metro lines or primary roads and proximity to standard amenities like restaurants, banks, and gyms. Reduced commute stress translates directly to improved work-life balance and productivity.

Design that Fosters Energy and Focus

A well-thought-out co-working area is more than a visual experience. Floor plans that let the natural light pour in, well-ventilated areas, noise-isolation zones, and ergonomic seating make it easy for people to concentrate. Seek out areas that pair open collaborative areas with quiet nooks or individual work pods.

Infrastructure That Keeps Pace

 Robust infrastructure is the backbone of a productive workday. Assess if the workspace provides high-speed internet, glitch-free tech support, assured power backup, meeting spaces with audio-visual amenities, and secure access control systems. These facilities facilitate smooth functioning and reduce downtime.

Amenities That Support Wellness

 The best of today’s co-working spaces extends beyond essentials to include wellness facilities that proactively facilitate physical and mental wellbeing. Meditation spaces, nap areas, recreational lounges, stand-up desks, greenery, and even on-site gyms or on-site yoga classes are evidence of a readiness to meet the changing demands of the contemporary workforce.

Community Culture and Networking

Urban workspaces now serve a dual role – as places to work and as platforms for collaboration. Most co-working spaces host professional mixers, workshops, and wellness events on a regular basis to encourage interaction. Membership in such a community not only provides access to new partners and ideas but also fights loneliness, particularly for solo employees or freelancers.

Flexibility for Future Growth

The financial vitality of expanding cities translates into businesses needing to shift, grow, or contract rapidly. Co-working facilities that provide modular plans, short-term leases, and flexible seating arrangements provide companies with the space to grow. Flexibility is not only necessary in space but also in services.

Looking ahead, as India’s cities evolve into centers of innovation, culture, and possibility, our workplaces must keep up – mirroring the same dreams that define the city experience. Coworking space is no longer a functional property; it’s part of city infrastructure that brings professionals and businesses the infrastructure, network, and resources to thrive in high-performing environments. According to a recent JLL report, approximately 62% of India’s Grade A office stock across top seven cities, equivalent to 530.8 million sq. ft, requires upgrades – spanning from light to moderate to deep interventions. In a world conditioned by rapid growth and ever-changing professional demands, choosing the ideal co-working space is a strategic decision – a decision that can influence productivity, well-being, and final success.

Side Hustles That Don’t Risk Your Visa: Prodigy Finance’s Advice for International Students

Many international students dream of pursuing higher education in the US, but managing tuition and living expenses can be challenging. While side hustles may seem like a quick fix, students must stay within the legal limits of their visa status. Fortunately, there are several legitimate and rewarding ways to earn extra income while studying, without risking immigration status or academic progress.

“At Prodigy Finance, we believe that international students should have every opportunity to thrive, academically, professionally, and financially, without compromising their legal status,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “By choosing authorised side hustles, students not only support themselves but also build skills and connections that will serve them for a lifetime.”

Prodigy Finance plays a key role in helping international students bridge the financial gap by offering loans that cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses. This financial support allows students to focus on their studies and future goals, without the need to seek alternative funding options. Prodigy Finance’s loans are available to students from over 150 countries and do not require collateral or a co-signer, making global education more accessible. Indian students can get a co-signer-based loan option, starting as low as 8.35%.

For those who still wish to gain work experience or supplement their budget legally, the US offers several student-friendly options. According to the US Citizen and Immigration Service, the most accessible is on-campus employment, allowing up to 20 hours per week during school terms. These jobs include:

  • Library or lab assistant roles

  • Bookstore staff

  • Teaching or research assistantships

  • Administrative support in university departments

For career-related experience, students can explore:

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Internships or part-time jobs tied to their major, authorised by the university.

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT): Work opportunities during or after graduation, in fields related to their studies. STEM graduates may also qualify for a 24-month extension.

Some remote or online jobs are permitted under CPT, OPT, or on-campus authorisation, such as:

  • Virtual assistant for university departments

  • Online tutoring for campus programs

  • Content creation for university platforms

Students may also earn passive income, such as:

  • Interest from savings accounts

  • Dividends from investments

  • Royalties from published content

It’s critical to avoid unauthorised off-campus jobs or cash-based gigs, as these can lead to serious consequences, including visa revocation. Students should always check with their university’s Designated School Official (DSO) before accepting any form of work.

With responsible planning and the right support, like that offered by Prodigy Finance, international students can succeed academically while staying fully compliant with immigration laws.

Growth in Saudi Arabia: Unlocking new investment horizons

Growth in Saudi Arabia: Unlocking new investment horizons

Saudi Arabia is unlocking new industrial opportunities, with the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector Program. 

It’s no secret that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the throes of diversifying its economy and advancing towards its Vision 2030 goals of new tourist hotspots, global events and increased sustainability.

However, one area that is perhaps most crucial to this evolution is the offering of international business investments, with Saudi providing an abundance of natural resources and opportunities for investor expansion in the country.

The Saudi government fully supports foreign investment in the Kingdom. In fact, its Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, launched the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector, in January of this year.

The Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector provides enablers to innovative projects that will grow the Kingdom’s industrial capacities. The initiative is currently open to all sectors and focuses on fostering investment in products that are currently not produced locally in the Kingdom, encouraging diversification and self-sufficiency.

The Kingdom is going full steam ahead on its effort to accelerate the development of the country’s industrial sector but understands that it cannot do this completely alone. The Standard Incentives also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the National Investment Strategy, and the National Industrial Strategy, positioning the Kingdom as a competitive manufacturing hub for the region.

A key objective of the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector is to maximize the Kingdom’s industrial competitiveness and attract investors by offering sustained financial and operational performance enablement for up to seven years, throughout both the construction and operational phases, enabling manufacturing projects. The program provides up to 35% of the eligible initial investment, with a cap of SAR 50 million, ensuring sustainable industrial growth. 

The Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector is open to a wide range of businesses, including sole proprietorships, joint liability companies, limited partnerships, joint ventures, joint stock companies and limited liability companies.

To qualify, projects must establish a new facility or expand an existing one to manufacture products not currently produced in Saudi Arabia, demonstrate a minimum equity participation of 25% in the initial investment and maintain a financially sound position evaluated through a creditworthiness assessment.

For investors, the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector presents an opportunity to establish competitive manufacturing operations in a rapidly growing economy, while enabling Saudi Arabia in its mission to become a global leader in industrial innovation.

Investors can apply for Standard Incentives through the Senaei Platform where applicants go through an initial screening and detailed assessment process:

https://industry.sa/en/home

Screening for Autism Is AI Proving Ground in Pediatrics

May 28, 2025: Artificial intelligence is accelerating the early detection of developmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), potentially allowing children to begin therapy earlier and significantly improving their long-term outcomes.

That has made ASD a proving ground for the use of AI in pediatric medicine. Numerous pilot projects have shown promising results and hope that machine learning techniques can be applied to other conditions.

Why It Matters

The parents of children with ASD tend to notice developmental challenges some time before the child turns 3 years old. However, there are frequently lengthy delays in testing and diagnosis. In many countries, the typical age of diagnosis is between 5 or 6 years old.

On top of that, ASD tends to be diagnosed through questionnaires rather than blood testing or genetic testing. As a result, there are concerns about standardization of the responses and children are frequently misdiagnosed.

“AI excels at identifying subtle behavioral and genetic patterns that humans may overlook due to cognitive biases or limitations, ensuring more consistent and objective early diagnoses,” said IEEE Senior Member Dheerendra Panwar.

Emerging Methods

Researchers have used a variety of methods to detect ASD. One method used sensors and imaging to detect changes in speech and language skills. IEEE Fellow Shrikanth Narayanan was awarded the IEEE 2025 James L. Flanagan Speech and Audio Processing Award for that line of research.

Brain scans have also emerged as a screening tool. One group of researchers used machine learning to determine that children with autism applied different amounts of force and moved their fingers differently while playing touchscreen games, providing yet another avenue for diagnosis. Because that research is noninvasive, other researchers furthered touchscreens as a diagnostic tool and invented ways to distinguish autism from other, closely related conditions.

Next Steps

While the research has been promising, most of the results are still in the experimental phase and little has been done in clinical settings.

So far, one smartphone app has gained FDA approval as a diagnostic screening device for autism, though it should be used in conjunction with other medical information.

But the success of AI-driven autism studies have driven hope for diagnostic tools in other areas, like dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression, according to a paper found in IEEE Xplore.

Research in this area continues. If upcoming larger trials continue to show accuracy and efficiency, AI-driven developmental assessments could become a normal part of 18- or 24-month well-child visits.

Vi Business partners with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to Deliver Next-Gen Managed Services

Chandigarh, May 28, 2025: Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea, has announced a strategic managed services agreement with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in India to deliver innovative and future-ready solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern enterprises. This collaboration will leverage HPE Aruba Networking products to offer cutting-edge managed wireless LAN, switching, and security solutions.

The collaboration is designed to transform enterprise networking experiences across a wide range of environments, including campus networks, manufacturing facilities, large corporate headquarters, and regional offices. By combining HPE’s world-class networking portfolio with Vi’s robust connectivity and managed services capabilities, the two will offer end-to-end solutions that are intelligent, scalable, and secure.

All services under this agreement will be fully managed and supported by Vi’s Network Operations Center (NOC), ensuring seamless delivery and proactive management. Enterprises will benefit from comprehensive in-life support under defined service level agreements (SLAs), and advanced analytics powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to drive intelligent orchestration and superior user experiences.

The collaboration will also focus on co-developing solutions around private data centers to meet the increasing demand for compute and storage capabilities. This includes addressing the needs of both private and public sector enterprises, including government agencies, for secure, scalable, and efficient data infrastructure.

Arvind Nevatia, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea said: “We are excited to sign this strategic partnership with HPE. This collaboration will not only strengthen Vi Business’s ICT product portfolio but also enhance our offerings by integrating our telco core with advanced enterprise solutions. Together, Vi Business and HPE are committed to delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance solutions that drive operational efficiency, enabling digital transformation for our enterprise customers.”

“We are thrilled to join forces with Vi Business, as this represents a powerful leap forward for enterprise innovation in India,” said Phil Mottram, Executive Vice President and General Manager, HPE Aruba Networking. “By combining the intelligence and security of HPE Aruba Networking with Vi’s strong connectivity and service expertise, we will deliver agile, resilient, and future-ready solutions that will empower businesses to scale confidently in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

By working together, both companies reinforce their commitment to empowering enterprises with next-generation technologies that enable agility, innovation, and sustained growth in an increasingly connected world.

Rapido Partners with SACTEM to Train 1000+ Captains in Basic Life Support on World Emergency Medicine Day

Hyderabad, 28 May 2025: In a significant step towards enhancing road safety and emergency preparedness, Rapido, India’s largest ride-sharing platform, has partnered with the Society for Advanced Clinical and Therapeutic Emergency Medicine (SACTEM) to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) training to over 1000 captains (Bike, Auto, and Cab) across 16 cities in India. The initiative flagged off on World Emergency Medicine Day, calls attention to the vital role that first responders play in saving lives.

Given their constant presence on the roads, Rapido captains are often among the first to witness accidents or health-related incidents. Captains will be trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid, equipping them to respond effectively to medical emergencies until professional help arrives.

The training is being rolled out in a phased manner, with the first phase covering captains across Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Vijayawada, Dehradun, Mysore, Surat, Vadodara, Bhopal, and Vizag. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to many more locations in the coming months.

Aravind Sanka, Co-founder, Rapido, said, “Our captains are not just mobility partners — they are integral to the fabric of our cities. This partnership with SACTEM reflects our belief that mobility goes beyond getting from point A to point B — it’s about being a part of the community and stepping up when it matters. By equipping our captains with life-saving skills, we’re taking a meaningful step toward making our roads safer and building a culture of care. We’re proud to lead an initiative that empowers everyday heroes across our cities.”

Dr. Lokendra Gupta, President of SACTEM, added, “Basic Life Support training is not just a skill—it’s a critical tool that can save lives. Partnering with Rapido to train its captains, who are constantly navigating our streets, means we are creating a larger network of everyday heroes who can step up in emergencies.”

Limca Records RS 2800 Crore in 2024, Powers Coca-Cola India’s Sparkling Growth

National, May 28, 2025: Limca, Coca-Cola India’s iconic homegrown beverage, has crossed the ₹2800 crore mark in 2024, driving the lemon-lime category forward with strong momentum across India. For over five decades, Limca has been the ultimate beverage of summer refreshment with its signature cloudy bubbles and the unmistakable Lime ‘n’ Lemoni taste.

Since its inception in 1971, Limca has been a driving force in strengthening the company’s sparkling portfolio with demand soaring across both urban and rural markets. Today, the brand is witnessing strong double-digit growth in key states such as Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, gaining share across both traditional trade and emerging retail formats.

Central to Limca’s enduring success are its innovative brand campaigns that keep the brand contemporary while celebrating its legacy. In 2025, Limca ushered in a new era of refreshment with a campaign featuring Triptii Dimri. With a fresh take on Limca’s signature Lime ‘n’ Lemoni refreshment, the campaign invited consumers to rediscover the charm and revitalizing rush that only a Limca moment can deliver.

Vinay Nair, Vice President, Franchise Operations, Developing Markets, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said “Our goal has always been to build brands that go beyond the product – brands that become part of daily life and collective memory. And Limca’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a pursuit of excellence. Our success is anchored in a simple but powerful playbook – innovating products that cater to evolving consumer needs, expanding distribution to both urban and rural India, and executing marketing campaigns that connect passion and purpose. We are excited to continue this momentum and deliver long-term value to millions of our consumers.”

As India’s lifestyle evolves, so does Limca. In 2024, Limca entered the advanced hydration category introducing Limca GlucoCharge, a functional beverage enriched with glucose and electrolytes, designed to meet the needs of today’s active consumers. The launch campaign, featuring Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, inspired millions with its message of perseverance that resonate with both athletes and everyday heroes.

This commitment to excellence is not limited to the sports field. It forms the very ethos of Limca – a brand that has always believed in recognizing and celebrating extraordinary Indian achievements. This belief is embodied in the Limca Book of Records, launched in 1990 as an extension of the brand’s philosophy. Whether it’s sporting milestones or artistic achievements, the Book continues to inspire a nation to dream bigger.

As Limca continues to innovate and connect with new generations, its legacy as India’s most loved lemon-lime beverage remains stronger than ever, driving growth and refreshing millions across the country.

Gujarat Titans Continue to Champion Sustainability at the World’s Largest Cricket Stadium during TATA IPL 2025

Ahmedabad, May 28, 2025: Continuing their unwavering commitment to sustainability, the Gujarat Titans, for the third consecutive year, have shown excellence in managing waste from the world’s largest cricket stadium the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Gujarat franchise have collected and processed an impressive 93,385 kilograms of waste in the seven home matches of the TATA IPL 2025 season. This adds on to the Titans’ holistic efforts in maintaining a sustainability-first approach across and beyond the IPL.

Gujarat Titans started this initiative in 2023 aligning with their larger goal of sustainability, and ever since, thousands of kilograms of waste have been collected, processed and repurposed through their concentrated all-round efforts. In the 2024 season, the initiative resulted in a total of 1,04,777 kilograms of waste being efficiently processed through recycling, composting, upcycling, reuse, or donation across the Titans’ home fixtures.

With a capacity exceeding 100,000 spectators, the Narendra Modi Stadium presents a unique opportunity and responsibility for scaling sustainable practices. Gujarat Titans are harnessing this platform to execute a comprehensive, end-to-end waste management program that ensures environmental impact is minimized without compromising fan experience.

The current season’s waste collection includes 83,761 kilograms of dry waste and 9,624 kilograms of wet waste, all of which are being processed using decentralized sorting, recycling, and composting systems. Excess food and materials are directed to donation channels, contributing to both environmental and social impact.

Gujarat Titans’ partnership with NEPRA Resource Management Pvt. Ltd. (NEPRA) enables them to manage the entire waste lifecycle from on-ground collection and segregation to transportation and final processing. The collective efforts also cater to stadium-wide sensitization campaigns and ensuring hygiene and waste practices among food stall operators. Visual communication via banners, posters, and bin signage enhances public awareness, supported by social media outreach amplifying the initiative’s goals.

Colonel Arvinder Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Gujarat Titans emphasized the team’s vision and said, “At Gujarat Titans, it is our endeavour to do our part to contribute towards a cleaner, greener future. With the help of our partners, we’re able to turn waste into resources from each of our home games at the Narendra Modi Stadium. We’re proud that our fans extend their consistent support to this initiative and continue to embrace and drive this mission forward.”

 

Q4FY25 results of Quality Power

Sangli, May 28, 2025: The Board of Directors at Quality Power Electrical Equipments Limited (BSE: 544367; NSE: QPOWER), one of India’s leading entities in critical energy, transition equipment and power technologies, today approved the financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2024.

Q4 & FY2025 Financial Performance Summary (Consolidated)

Rs. in Mn. Q4 FY25 Q4 FY24 Y-o-Y

(%)

Q3 FY25 Q-o-Q

(%)

FY25 FY24 Y-o-Y

(%)

Total Revenue 1,299 457 184.5% 797 62.9% 3,923 3,316 18.3%
                 
PBT 356 217 64.0% 218 63.1% 1,123 633 77.5%
PBT Margin% 27.4% 47.5%   27.4%   28.6% 19.1%  
                 
PAT 305 175 74.1% 196 55.8% 1,001 555 80.5%
PAT Margin% 23.5% 38.4%   24.5%   25.5% 16.7%  

 Q4 & FY2025 Key Performance Highlights (Consolidated):

  • Q4 FY25 Total Revenue stood at ₹ 1,299 million
  • Q4 FY25 Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 74.1% Y-o-Y to ₹305 million, with PAT margins reaching 23.5%

FY2025 Key Performance Highlights (Consolidated):

  • FY25 Total Revenue stood at ₹ 3,923 million
  • FY25 Profit After Tax (PAT) increased by 80.5% Y-o-Y to ₹1,001 million, with PAT margins reaching 25.5%

Q4 and FY2025 Key Operational Highlights:

  • Company holds an order backlog of over ₹7,500 million with contributions from Quality Power Equipments, Endoks, and Mehru
  • Increasing the equity stake in Nebeskie making the total shareholding up to 26%. This investment underscores our commitment to supporting Nebeskie’s ongoing capital expenditure and technology advancement plans.
  • Capital Expenditure and Capacity Expansion initiatives at Bhiwadi, Cochin and E-5, E-6 in Sangli is progressing. With Cochin and E-5, E-6 in Sangli’s expansion is expected to be completed by November 2025 and Q2 FY27 respectively
  • In Mehru, given strong domestic and international demand, we are planning an expansion at its Bhiwadi plant, which includes installation of four new autoclaves and relocation of non-critical storage to a dedicated warehouse – expected to increase overall plant capacity by ~45% and the exploration of a new greenfield facility or acquisition opportunity
  • Secured Strategic 4-Year Framework Order from Israeli Company for 161kV High Voltage Coil Supply; integrates Mehru products in strategic export contract
  • The Board acknowledged the various inorganic growth opportunities assessed by the M&A Committee and has constituted a dedicated task force under the leadership of Mr. Rajendra Iyer. The task force will evaluate strategic fits, product synergies, and alignment with the Group’s long-term objectives before progressing to negotiation stages

Commenting on Company’s performance, Mr. Thalavaidurai Pandyan, Chairman & Managing Director, said:

FY2024-25 has been a milestone year for the Company, marked significant progress across operational, strategic, and financial parameters. The successful completion of the Initial Public Offering in February 2025, raising ₹8,586 million, has laid a strong foundation for the next phase of growth, enabling focused investments in manufacturing expansion, technology enhancement, and inorganic initiatives.

During the year, the Company completed the acquisition of a 51% majority stake in Mehru Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Pvt Ltd for ₹1,200 million, augmenting capabilities in high- voltage instrument transformers up to 500kV and expanding its presence across India, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

In Q4 FY25, the Company secured two strategic orders: a four-year framework agreement from an Israeli entity for the supply of 161kV high-voltage coils. This order represents a meaningful step in expanding the Company’s global footprint and integrating Mehru’s product portfolio into strategic projects.

The Company achieved its highest-ever order inflow during FY25 with order backlog of over ₹7,500 million as of March 31, 2025, providing revenue visibility over the next 15–18 months. This performance translated into record revenue and profitability in both Q4 and the full year, supported by a diversified order pipeline, timely execution, and improved operational efficiencies.

Strategic investments are underway in new manufacturing units at E-5 and E-6 in Sangli, along with a greenfield facility in Cochin, which will strengthen the Company’s delivery capabilities in the Power Products segment. In parallel, for Mehru Electricals, given strong domestic and international demand, the Board approved both additional CAPEX at the current location and the exploration of a new greenfield facility or acquisition opportunity.

Also, am delighted to announce that as a part of our strategic capital allocation framework, the Board has granted in principle approval for increase in the equity stake in Nebeskie taking the total shareholding up to 26%. This investment underscores our commitment to supporting Nebeskie’s ongoing capital expenditure and technology advancement plans.

As we look ahead to FY2025-26, our focus remains steadfast on long-term value creation, operational excellence and strategic resilience. The evolving market landscape presents new opportunities for innovation and leadership. We are confident in our ability to harness them through prudent capital deployment and customer-centric initiatives. With a strong financial foundation and a unified team across our group companies, we are well positioned to accelerate sustainable growth and deliver superior outcomes for all stakeholders.”

Miracle Survival: 32-Week Preterm Baby with Rare Birth Defect Successfully Treated at Ankura Hospital, Vijayawada

Vijayawada: 28th May, 2025: In a remarkable display of medical expertise and teamwork, a 32-week preterm baby weighing just 1.6 kg, diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition—Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)—was successfully treated and discharged in stable condition from Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Vijayawada.

The chest region contains vital organs such as the heart and lungs, while the abdomen holds organs involved in digestion, including the liver, spleen, and intestines. The chest and abdomen are separated by a sheet-like muscle called the diaphragm. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a serious birth defect in which a baby is born with an underdeveloped or defective diaphragm. This defect allows the intestines to move into the chest cavity, interfering with lung development. The condition carries a high risk of mortality, especially in preterm and low birth weight babies.

Despite the odds, the skilled medical team at Ankura Hospital rose to the challenge. The Neonatology team—Dr. Raja Ashok, Dr. Indusree, and Dr. Srimukhi—along with the dedicated NICU nursing staff, worked tirelessly to medically stabilize the baby, providing expert neonatal intensive care. Once stabilized, Pediatric Surgeon Dr. Varunkumar M performed the delicate and high-risk surgery to repair the diaphragmatic defect. The baby was safely delivered by Dr. Sowmya from the Obstetrics team.

Equally vital to the success of the surgery was the expert anesthesia management by Dr. Nagaraj, whose careful handling of the delicate anesthetic requirements in such a high-risk new-born made the operation both possible and safe. The baby responded well to both medical and surgical interventions and made a steady recovery. After weeks of dedicated care, the infant was discharged in a healthy and stable condition.

The parents expressed profound gratitude to the entire team at Ankura Hospital. “We are overwhelmed with joy and relief. Watching our baby recover and return home safely is nothing short of a miracle,” they said.

This case highlights the exceptional capabilities of the neonatal and pediatric surgical team at Ankura Hospital, reaffirming their commitment to delivering advanced care even in the most critical and challenging neonatal conditions.

Ankura Hospital has a multidisciplinary team with dedicated services for women and children. The hospital offers a wide range of pediatric and women’s health services, committed to providing compassionate and specialized care for both women and children.