All posts by Rabindra

Hyderabad, 20th September 2024: In celebration of International Day of Sign Languages, KFC is taking a monumental step in the hospitality industry, as it becomes the first QSR in India to launch a Sign Language training program for 100% of its employees. The first-of-its-kind training is required to be undertaken by all 17,000+ KFC employees, who are spread across 240+ cities in 1200+ restaurants, as well as those working in the brand’s corporate offices.

Designed in consultation with a Sign Language expert, the online training covers multiple modules specifically crafted for a beginner to grasp the basics of ISL. The first module is focused on the alphabets in ISL, while subsequent ones focus on greetings and regular phrases that are key for holding a conversation in Sign Language. The training is part of KFC India’s Kshamata program, which is aimed at feeding people’s potential, and bridging the gender and ability gap. Through Kshamata, KFC is committed towards empowering women and the speech and hearing-impaired across restaurants; and aims to double the number of speech and hearing impaired (SHI) employees, by 2026.

This year, as an extension of the #SpeakSign campaign, KFC aims to bring the entire hospitality industry together with the launch of India’s first interactive Sign Language kiosk that allows individuals to learn to order their favourite food items from across brands & cuisines using Indian Sign Language. This exhibit was unveiled at Select CityWalk, New Delhi and Ambience Mall, Gurugram, inviting consumers to learn to sign 30+ popular food items like Pizza, Burger, Dosa, Momos, Pasta, along with KFC favourites like Hot & Crispy, Chicken popcorn, Zinger.

Speaking about the initiative, Moksh Chopra, General Manager, KFC India & Partner Countries, said, “Through our KFC Kshamata program, one of the areas of focus has been to help unlock the potential and opportunities for the Hearing-impaired community. One of the most important steps towards this is spreading the usage of Sign Language and since 2021, our annual #SpeakSign campaign focuses on enabling this goal. This year, we are proud to announce that 100% of our teams will be trained in basic Indian Sign Language, making our restaurants across the country more inclusive. We’re also taking this Sign Language movement beyond just our organization into the hospitality industry. With the interactive kiosk at popular locations, we’re encouraging consumers to learn to order their favourite food items across brands using Sign Language.”

KFC India’s franchise partners Devyani International Limited (DIL) and Sapphire Foods India Limited (SFIL) have played an integral part in the Kshamata journey.

Pradeep Das, CEO, KFC at Devyani International Limited (DIL) said, “All of us at DIL are proud partners of KFC’s Kshamata initiative. Bridging the ability gap is critical to creating accessible and inclusive workplaces. The rollout of Sign Language training is a forward-thinking approach which will help ensure that we’re fostering an environment across all our restaurants and offices where speech and hearing-impaired individuals, whether teams or consumers, can interact confidently.”

Consumers can visit any of the 54 Special KFCs (operated by speech and hearing impaired employees) on International Day of Sign Language on 23rd September, and learn to #SpeakSign with team members as they encourage communication in ISL. Special Sign Language buckets and Sign Language menus have also been created to help consumers learn how to sign and order their KFC favorites, along with short tutorial videos on KFC’s social media channels and website.

Manipal, 20th September 2024: The third edition of the “Empowering Educators: Enhancing Counselling Skills for Student Support” workshop series was officially inaugurated today at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). This two-day workshop, organized by the Department of Student Affairs, aims to equip educators with advanced counseling techniques to better support students’ mental well-being and academic success.

The event commenced with a keynote address from Dr. E. Aravind Raj, Additional Professor of Psychiatric Social Work at NIMHANS, who delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking session. His insights set the tone for a productive workshop dedicated to fostering emotional support and effective student guidance.

Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director of Student Affairs at MAHE, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the workshop’s goals, emphasizing the importance of enhancing faculty counseling skills to better support students. The event was compered by Ms. Shilpa Joshi, Senior Counselor at MAHE.

Deputy Directors, Dr. Roshan David Jathanna, Dr. Rashmi Yogesh Pai, and Dr. Aravind Kumar Pandey, also graced the occasion with their presence, further underscoring the importance of this initiative. The workshop is being led by Ms. Karuna Devadiga, Senior Counselor, with strong support from the dedicated team of counselors in the Department of Student Affairs.

Many faculty members from various MAHE institutions in Manipal and Mangalore participating, the workshop focuses on developing essential counseling skills. These skills will enhance faculty members’ ability to offer effective guidance and emotional support to students, contributing to a more supportive educational environment.

This initiative reaffirms MAHE’s commitment to prioritizing the mental well-being of its students and ensuring a nurturing atmosphere for their academic and personal growth.

Mumbai, September 20, 2024: ‘Belicia’ a luxurious residential project in Thane being developed by Prescon Group in collaboration with the esteemed House of Hiranandani has generated over 200 crores in revenue in Q1 of FY 2024-25, driven by the sale of more than 80 units.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Vedanshu Kedia, Director of Prescon Group said, “We are thrilled at achieving this remarkable milestone which underscores the strong market demand and the unparalleled appeal of our luxury offerings. As we continue to redefine upscale living in Thane, this achievement not only reflects our commitment to excellence but also positions Belicia as a beacon of luxury and a promising investment opportunity. We look forward to maintaining this momentum and delivering even greater value to our esteemed customers and investors, going forward.”

Belicia, a landmark 48-storey tower sprawling across 1.5 acres, is redefining luxury living in the Thane region with a RERA possession date set for June 2028. Located on the prestigious Nitin Company Compound near Nitin Company junction, it offers a prime address with easy access to top tier local transport, esteemed schools, renowned hospitals, business centers, malls, and dining options.

Belicia offers luxurious 2, 3, and 4 BHK apartments ranging from 779 to 1546 sq ft, starting at Rs. 1.85 crore. Each unit features marble flooring, expansive decks, ample natural light, and ventilation, with select apartments including foyer areas for added privacy. Residents will enjoy panoramic city views and serene Yeoor Hills vistas, with the first habitable floor starting on the 7th level.

According to a recent report by PropEquity, a leading real estate data and analytics firm, Thane has emerged as a standout performer in the real estate market for the first quarter of the calendar year 2024. The city achieved significant sales momentum, recording 26,702 units sold during this period. This impressive figure places Thane among the top cities in terms of quarterly sales, highlighting its robust real estate activity and growing market demand. The strong performance reflects a continued upward trend in property transactions and underscores Thane’s prominence in the real estate sector.

The recent approval by the Union Cabinet for the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail Project marks a significant milestone set to transform urban mobility and real estate in Thane. Set to become operational by 2029, this project will create vital connections between key residential and commercial hubs, driving substantial growth in the region. As a result, this will further epitomize Thane as an attractive market for investment and appreciation; significantly enhancing the area’s overall economic prosperity.

Panch Pakhadi in Thane (W) saw an 11% price appreciation and 3.02% rental yields in 2022, outperforming other Thane micro-markets. Limited housing supply, superior infrastructure, and upcoming projects are driving this growth. The area’s vibrant commercial hub around Nitin Company further boosts demand. With continued urban development, Panch Pakhadi offers strong investment potential and expected future returns.

Belicia in Panch Pakhadi, Thane is a prestigious address due to its strategic location near the Eastern Express Highway, Thane Railway Station, and upcoming Metro Line 4. Its rapid infrastructure development and connectivity make it highly desirable for both residential and commercial real estate, positioning it as one of the region’s top addresses.

20th September 2024: PropeEquity’s Q3 CY24 report reveals significant trends and developments in the Indian real estate market, highlighting a robust recovery driven by increased demand and investment activity. The report indicates a year-on-year growth in property transactions, reflecting renewed consumer confidence and a surge in homebuyer inquiries. Key metropolitan areas, particularly Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, continue to lead in sales, fueled by attractive financing options and ongoing infrastructure projects.

Additionally, the report emphasizes the growing interest in commercial real estate, particularly in the office and retail segments, as companies embrace hybrid work models and seek modern, flexible spaces. Investment in affordable housing remains strong, supported by government initiatives aimed at promoting home ownership. Overall, PropeEquity’s Q3 findings underscore a positive outlook for the real estate sector, with expectations for sustained growth as the market adapts to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

Kochi, 20th September 2024: The 31-year-old pregnant woman was facing the dilemma of her baby developing complications of anemia due to blood group incompatibility or facing complications of prematurity if delivered early. But the medical team Aster Medcity carried out a life-saving procedure for the unborn child . The procedure, known as Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion (IUT), was performed to treat severe anaemia in a 32-week fetus, caused by Rh incompatibility between the mother and the father.

The mother, who is Rh-negative, was carrying a Rh-positive fetus, a scenario that can lead to severe complications if the mother is already immunised by prior pregnancy. The fetus was at risk of developing life-threatening conditions such as hydrops fetalis( accumulation of fluid causing extensive swelling) and heart failure. So both the mother and fetus were being monitored closely using blood investigations and ultrasound examinations.

When the fetus started showing Doppler changes, the medical team at Aster Medcity decided to perform an Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion, a delicate outpatient procedure where O-negative blood was transfused directly into the fetus’s umbilical vein through the mother’s abdomen, all under the guidance of ultrasound. This approach was critical, as delivering the baby at that time could have resulted in lifelong complications due to extreme prematurity.

Over the course of three weeks, we monitored the fetus’s condition closely, allowing the baby to continue developing in the womb. Finally, the baby was safely delivered with minimal issues related to prematurity. This shows the importance of pre-natal scanning ” said Dr. Sindhu Pudhukudi-Consultant – Fetal Medicine, Aster Medcity -Kochi.

Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion is a highly specialized procedure used to treat severe fetal anemia, often caused by Rh incompatibility. When a Rh-negative mother has previously been sensitized by delivering an Rh-positive baby, her immune system can produce antibodies that attack the red blood cells of a future Rh-positive fetus, leading to anemia. The procedure involves carefully transfusing compatible O-negative blood directly into the fetus, thereby stabilizing the baby and preventing severe complications.

Visakhapatnam, September 20, 2024: Brandix India Apparel City (BIAC) is pleased to announce its rebranding as Adhistan Integrated Industrial Park, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its journey. Since its inception in 2006, BIAC has evolved into a vertically integrated hub, employing over 100,000 employees. The rebranding to Adhistan represents a strategic shift towards creating a more inclusive environment for its diverse local and international customer base.

A Vision for Growth and Partnership

With its world-class infrastructure, Adhistan is uniquely positioned to foster opportunities for businesses seeking to thrive in a well-connected, integrated industrial environment. Spanning 1,000 acres, the Park will serve as a hub for industries beyond apparel, offering seamless connectivity, cutting-edge facilities, and access to a highly skilled workforce. This transformation aims to create a vibrant and diverse ecosystem, driving sustainable and inclusive growth.

Commitment to Sustainability

While diversifying its industrial focus, Adhistan will uphold BIAC’s legacy of sustainability, by continuing to prioritize environmentally responsible practices. Adhistan remains committed to supporting its partners and the wider community through sustainable industrial development.

Adhistan’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and unwavering focus on sustainability offer businesses a solid foundation for growth, collaboration, and long-term success.

20th September 2024, Mumbai- Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd., a reputed chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals in India, celebrated Patient Safety Week Patient Safety Week 2024, aligning with the global efforts of World Patient Safety Day. This year’s theme, “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety,” highlights the critical role that accurate and timely diagnosis plays in enhancing patient safety and healthcare outcomes. With the slogan, “Get it right, make it safe,” the hospital is focusing on reinforcing the importance of diagnostic accuracy and engaging patients, families, and healthcare professionals in a collective effort to improve safety across all departments and units.

Running parallel to the global patient safety campaign spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), this week-long initiative at Wockhardt Hospitals will feature a series of educational activities and competitions designed to engage staff, patients, and their families. From interactive safety quizzes to poster competitions and safety pavilions, the hospital aims to create a comprehensive approach to patient safety awareness.

Key Activities for Patient Safety Week 2024:

● Workstations on International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG)

● Poster competition focusing on “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety”

● Patient & Family Quiz – Engaging patients and families in safety awareness

● Quiz competitions for associates and consultants

● Patient Safety Reels – 60-second videos by consultants with unit and group-level prizes

● Slogan competition and safety ideas

● Active involvement of patient safety officers, both clinical and non-clinical

● Education on critical test result awareness

Safety pavilions will be set up in collaboration with lab, imaging, and inpatient areas to educate patients about the importance of accurate diagnosis and safety procedures. These interactive stations will provide valuable insights to patients and their families, reinforcing Wockhardt Hospitals commitment to delivering safe and effective care.

Ms. Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director of Wockhardt Hospitals Group said during the launch, We are deeply committed to advancing patient safety and quality care. During Patient Safety Week 2024, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a culture of safety where every patient receives the highest standard of care.”

Dr. Clive Fernandes, Group Clinical Director and Chief Operating Officer of Wockhardt Hospitals Group, added: “Patient safety is an ongoing journey, and improving diagnosis is one of the key steps to enhancing patient outcomes. Through this initiative, we aim to engage associates, patients, and their families in fostering a safer healthcare environment.”

Dr. Parag Rindani, Chief Executive Officer of Wockhardt Hospitals Group, shared his thoughts: “At Wockhardt Hospitals, patient safety is at the heart of everything we do. Patient Safety Week 2024 highlights the vital role of accurate diagnosis in providing high-quality care. This initiative reinforces our commitment to excellence and patient-centric healthcare.”

Mumbai, September 20, 2024: Credlix, a leading global provider of supply chain financing, has announced its expansion into the USA and Mexico, backed by $50 million in funding from Moglix — Asia’s largest B2B e-commerce platform. This move aims to empower SMEs by providing fast, collateral-free financing solutions, addressing critical working capital challenges, and fostering business growth. This expansion aligns with Credlix’s broader vision of empowering SMEs in emerging markets to participate in global trade opportunities, reflecting India’s emphasis on boosting exports and enhancing global trade partnerships.

SMEs in India and Mexico face similar challenges such as limited access to affordable financing, operational inefficiencies, and extended payment cycles. Credlix’s expansion into US and Mexico aims to address these challenges by offering fast, collateral-free financing solutions that improve cash flow, reduce financial burdens, and enable SMEs to scale operations — challenges that are well recognized in India’s own economic landscape.

Credlix’s expansion is set to boost trade between developing markets in this region, providing businesses in the US and Mexico with a stable supply chain, diversified sourcing options, and quicker access to quality goods. The growing nearshoring trend, which strengthens supply chain resilience, is further supported by Credlix’s presence in the region.

Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO of Moglix, emphasized the importance of this expansion: “Our investment in Credlix demonstrates our commitment to empowering global supply chains. Just as we’ve supported manufacturing and infrastructure businesses in India, Credlix’s expansion into Mexico will enable SMEs to overcome financial challenges and capitalize on opportunities in a dynamic global trading environment.”

Credlix’s expansion focuses on the manufacturing sector, including key industries such as automotive, textiles and apparel, aerospace components, industrial and consumer chemicals, agriproducts, and electronics. By offering collateral-free financing covering up to 90% of invoice value upon shipment, Credlix aims to immediately improve SMEs’ access to working capital. This move aligns with India’s broader efforts to strengthen manufacturing capabilities and foster stronger trade ties with emerging markets.

New Delhi, 20th September 2024: The Habitats Trust (THT), in collaboration with the HCLFoundation, formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Coast Guard, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at addressing critical marine and coastal conservation challenges. This partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to safeguard India’s unique marine life, address growing environmental challenges, and strengthen conservation efforts by combining scientific expertise with operational capacity and community involvement. The collaboration is committed to ensuring the long-term health of India’s coastlines and oceanic habitats through targeted interventions.

The Habitats Trust and HCLFoundation along with the Indian Coast Guard will work towards protecting India’s marine ecosystems by mapping and classifying ghost gear aggregation areas, conducting joint expeditions to explore and survey remote areas of ecological importance, and engaging coastal communities in conservation initiatives. A central objective of this partnership is to enhance the understanding of marine biodiversity while supporting the restoration and protection of endangered species along India’s coastline.

Inspector General (IG) Anupam Rai, Deputy Director General (Operations & Coastal Security), Indian Coast Guard emphasized the importance of collaboration in safeguarding marine resources, stating, “This partnership is a pivotal step toward ensuring the health of our coastal ecosystems, which are vital to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.”

Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, emphasizing on the scientific and ecological importance of this collaboration said, “India’s coastline, spanning over 7,500 kilometers, is home to diverse and fragile marine ecosystems that are facing unprecedented threats. The Indian Coast Guard is at the forefront of securing marine species and habitats. This partnership will mark a new era where The Habitats Trust along with Indian Coast Guard and HCLFoundation will embark to secure critical habitats species such as whales, turtles, corals, and more. This MoU brings a shift in paradigm. THT and Coast Guard will collect scientific data to reduce Indian Coast Guard’s ecological footprint and further their efforts in securing marine habitats. With help of HCLFoundation we will retrieve ghost nets and secure turtles and other marine species. We at THT are very excited at the possible positive outcomes this collaboration will bring and serve as an example for the world to emulate.”

Dr Nidhi Pundhir, SrVice President, Global CSR, HCLTech and Director of the HCLFoundation, echoed these sentiments saying, “At the HCLFoundation, our commitment to environmental sustainability runs deep, and this partnership is a natural extension of our efforts to create a positive environmental impact. By working alongside The Habitats Trust and the Indian Coast Guard, we are addressing a critical need to protect marine ecosystems while engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Through this collaboration, we hope to foster a greater awareness of marine conservation among coastal communities and ensure that our collective efforts lead to long-term, meaningful change.”.

The partnership also seeks to promote broader environmental awareness among coastal communities and Indian Coast Guard personnel, supporting conservation through targeted training programs and local interventions.

Chennai, 20th September 2024: Kriya Medical Technologies, a leading medical devices company headquartered in Chennai, has introduced the ICHOR Medical Molding System, a fully automated, state-of-the-art system designed to deliver 250 million units of blood collection tubes annually. The machinery was unveiled by Thiru. DR. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, at KRIYA Medical’s manufacturing facility at Oragadam Industrial Corridor in Chennai on Wednesday, 18th September.

The ICHOR System is a state-of-the-art, fully integrated high-speed manufacturing system for Evacuated Blood Collection Tubes. With a production capacity of 7 lakh tubes per day, amounting to 250 million tubes annually, this advanced system will play a key role in localizing production of blood collection tubes. This initiative places India on the global stage as a high-tech manufacturing hub, positioning the country to export these products to key markets such as the United States, Canada, and Japan.

Commenting on the inauguration, Thiru. DR. T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “ It was my pleasure to inaugurate Kriya Medical Technologies’ highly innovative ICHOR Medical Molding System at their manufacturing facility today at the SIPCOT Medical Devices Park in Oragadam near Chennai. Such one-of-a-kind facilities align perfectly with our Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru. MK Stalin’s vision of boosting advanced manufacturing capabilities in the state.”

Anu Moturi, CEO and Founder, KRIYA Medical Technologies, said, “ Our mission at Kriya is to make quality healthcare accessible to all. The ICHOR system is a crucial part of this mission, allowing us to significantly scale up the production of essential diagnostic and therapeutic tools that can improve the lives of billions worldwide. We believe that every life is valuable, and through the ICHOR system and our other offerings, we are dedicated to being a trusted partner in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare.”

The ICHOR system operates 24/7 with full automation and remote monitoring capabilities from Canada, Japan, and Luxembourg. Developed through a global partnership, Kriya Medical Technologies was responsible for the product design and quality standards, while Husky managed the automation and equipment design.

About KRIYA

KRIYA is a Make in India initiative. It’s an emerging Medical Device company headquartered in Chennai, India. The company is focused on innovating digitally integrated diagnostic solutions designed to expand access to affordable health care delivering good health for all.