The desludging operators in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli district have joined hands to form a Desludging Operators Federation to help address the growing need for scheduled cleaning of septic tanks in the region. The Federation, currently joined by 43 Desludging Operators, owning around 72 desludging tankers that will help in expediting septic tank cleaning operations for more than 2,74,538 households in the district. Desludging is the process of removing the layers of scum and sludge from the septic tank, which in turn promotes the usage of technology in sanitation and helps ensure safety of sanitation workers. A better system of FSSM is essential to ensure citywide inclusive sanitation. Public health and a clean environment depend highly on the safe management and treatment of faecal sludge. While Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants are necessary to ensure the safe disposal and treatment of faecal sludge, the maximum utilization of their capabilities can only be achieved through regular desludging. Citizens are now better aware of the need for desludging. Growing awareness alongside a rise in population has resulted in Tiruchirappalli witnessing a substantial surge in septic tank cleaning vehicles. – from around 6 trucks to 70 trucks in 8 years. To streamline addressal of rising desludging queries from the populace, a collaborative approach was required to provide an effective solution to manage the entire sanitation value chain in the district. This is where the Federation stepped in to help with better delegation of desludging requests to the operators along with standardization of rates. In the 14th edition of the Dasra Philanthropy Week, leading experts in sanitation and community-based leaders came together to discuss the role played by communities in ensuring safe and inclusive sanitation. Community-led solutions in sanitation help drive holistic impact. Community-based models and practices are a learning model with a potential to be adopted in newer geographies. Karuppaiya, a desludging operator from Trichy who initiated the formation of the Federation, recounted, “Our larger goal is streamlining the sanitation work in our region. We are happy to ensure parity among operators and use a collaborative approach for long-term results in the sector. Everyone came together to ensure that we came up with implementable solutions that led to better accountability and better sanitation services. More than a profession, we are pursuing this as a service to our people and the sanitation sector. There have been instances we did not charge money for the service we have delivered, like a query from a disabled person or an ultra-poor family living in slum area. Our vision is to nurture models which contribute to the entire sanitation value chain.” Indian Institute for Human settlements, a member of the National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFFSSM Alliance) has supported desludging operators in Tiruchirappalli to strengthen their operations and business models. Kavita Wankhade, Head – Practice (Governance & Services) at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), said,“Our focus is on the capacity building of sanitation workers across the value chain and to ensure Occupational Health and Safety of the workers. Delegating work systematically helps streamline the queries for faster delivery of services. We have been working closely with the sanitation workers and desludging operators to provide them training. Steps like the formation of the desludging operator's federation will certainly help in systematizing the sector to help both workers and citizens.” Suggested quote: “Our focus is on improving overall well-being and occupational safety of sanitation workers across the value chain. In Tamil Nadu there is vibrant private de-sludging market. We have worked with the government to ensure light touch regulation to streamline the service. We are working with desludging operators for its implementation by training them on first aid, safety and standard operating procedures. Steps like formation of desludging operator’s federation can help them to move towards the rights and working conditions they deserve.” About NFSSM Alliance The National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance, a national working group, comprises 30+ organisations and individuals across India. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the NFSSM Alliance was convened in January 2016, with a mandate to build consensus and drive forward the discourse on faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) in India. The Alliance works in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which are the central ministries responsible for sanitation in India.

Dwarka-based HCMCT Manipal Hospital, in association with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Delhi state, and the Down Syndrome Parent Society (DSPS),and DFSI organized a special health camp today, March 19, for children with Down syndrome. More than 70+ parents enrolled their children with Down syndrome in the multispecialty health camp. During this health camp, more than 30 subspecialties in Manipal hospital and Delhi NCR, participated and screened the children. Free echocardiography was also done. The chief guest of the program was Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, who attended the program with his wife and had photograph sessions with jubilant children which he shared on the UN website. guest of honor was Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; and Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, Chairperson and Founder of the Down Syndrome Federation of India, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, President of IAP West Delhi; and Ms. Rashmi Joshi, President, DSPS, also interacted with the parents of the children with Down syndrome during this health camp. Meanwhile, children with Down Syndrome showed their versatility by performing Ganesh Vandana and reciting poems. The children played around and enjoyed food, specially prepared for them. Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra, Chief of Clinical Services, Head of Cardiac Sciences and Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon welcomed the guests. HOD of Pediatrics and PICU, Dr. Vikram Gagneja tendered the vote of thanks. The following points were emphasized by the Chief guest, guest of honor, and other specialists: Down syndrome is caused by an excess (three) number of chromosome 21. It is a condition and not a disease but it can be associated with multiple problems. Children with Down syndrome have peculiar features, and slow growth; they must not be compared with a chronologically matched peer group and must be monitored on a separate growth chart. They are trainable, employable, and joyous chaps and need sensitive handling. During the health camp Dr. Smita Mishra, HOD and Consultant Cardiology Pediatrics at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Delhi said “With an incidence of 1 in every 1000 live births. In 40-60% of children, congenital heart disease may be associated and must be recognized and treated on time so that developmental interventions can be done and maximum IQ can be attained.” About Manipal Hospitals As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 4.5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out of hospital care. With the completion of acquisition of 100% shareholding in Columbia Asia Hospitals Private Limited and Vikram Hospital (Bengaluru) Private Limited, the integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 28 hospitals across 15 cities with 7,800+ beds, and a talented pool of 4,000 doctors and an employee strength of over 11,000. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognised the most respected and patient recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.

“Oral hygiene is a largely neglected health issue in India. Indians are widely affected by tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. With almost 85–90% of adults facing oral health problems, India is considered the world capital for oral cancer. This begins during childhood due to a lack of awareness and an unequal distribution of oral health care amongst India’s underprivileged population. Over the last 6 years, Embassy and its corporate and NGO partners have been working to provide a holistic health and hygiene programme that focuses on the provision of preventative health kits and awareness three times a year, along with annual check-ups. Included in the kit are a tube of toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a tongue cleaner for each student, which are supplemented with regular awareness sessions on how to correctly and efficiently use them. This year, we distributed health kits to over 41,000 government school students across India. We created an oral hygiene storybook on the importance of dental care, which includes a calendar to help students ensure they brush their teeth twice a day. 15,000 books, titled Swami’s New Lesson, were translated into 4 languages and distributed across government schools in Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Noida, and Mumbai. During our annual comprehensive health screenings, doctors help students understand any dental issues they might be facing and guide them on how to take the best care of their teeth. This year, more than 16,000 children across 68 government schools were screened. Understanding common dental problems and why they happen will help children learn how to prevent them. Untreated dental conditions can cause poor and misaligned tooth development, leading to more serious problems as a child grows up. We must do our best to teach children across our country how to take care of themselves, especially those who have little or no access to regular dental care.”

Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s leading telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of unlimited 5G data for its customers with the view to encouraging them to experience the power of the Airtel 5G Plus network.Customers will now be able to experience ultrafast, reliable and secure 5G Plus services without having to worry about data exhaustion as the company removes the capping on data usage across all existing plans. All postpaid customers and those prepaid customers with a data plan of Rs. 239 and above will be able to avail of the offer. The Airtel 5G Plus service will be available to customers in over 270 cities in the country. All they will need is: 1. A 5G compatible device 2. Being in a 5G network area. Customers can simply log on to the Airtel Thanks App https://www.airtel.in/airtel-thanks-app and claim the offer. Commenting on the launch, Shashwat Sharma, Director Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel said, “We are obsessed with delighting our customers with best-in-class products and services. This introductory offer is in line with the philosophy of wanting our customers to be able to surf, stream, chat and enjoy multiple benefits at blazing speeds without having to worry about data limits. We hope our customers enjoy the power of world-class Airtel 5G Plus.” Airtel 5G Plus has three compelling advantages for its customers: it has up to 30 times higher speeds than 4G, a technology that’s accepted the world-over and a network that is kinder to the environment. Its service availability is also rapidly expanding ─ including to the remotest towns and villages. The company is working towards offering nationwide coverage and is well poised to cover every town and key rural area with 5G services by the end of March 2024. In the last one year, alone, Airtel has demonstrated the power of 5G with a host of powerful use cases that will change the way customers lead their lives and do business. From India’s first live 5G network in Hyderabad to India's first private 5G network at the BOSCH facility in Bengaluru to partnering with Mahindra & Mahindra to make its Chakan manufacturing facility, India’s first 5G enabled auto manufacturing unit, Airtel has been at the forefront of 5G innovation.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aster RV Hospital launched ‘Parthi Well Woman Clinic’. The event was inaugurated by popular Sandalwood Actress Pranitha Subhash. Through the initiative, the hospital is offering complimentary Pelvic Scan at Aster RV Hospital till 30th April 2023 to create an awareness on endometriosis which is generally a neglected issue. The name aptly titled ‘Parthi’ which translates to ‘Female Warrior’ is a tribute to all the women who combat various health issues due to Endometriosis in their day-to-day life. Commending the initiative by Aster RV Hospital, actress Pranitha Subhash said, “Women are classically conditioned from a young age to bear pain. It could be physical, emotional or mental in nature. Throughout our lifetime, we endure period pain, labor pain and pains related to gynecological issues. Most often, these pains can be eliminated or at least be minimized through proper diagnosis and treatments. ‘Parthi’ aims to do that through creating awareness of endometriosis through diagnosis. Dr. Sunil Eshwar, Lead Consultant – Laparoscopic Surgeon, Aster RV Hospital said, “Endometriosis, a gynecological condition characterized by endometrial-like lesions outside of the uterus, has variable clinical presentations. Despite the serious impact endometriosis can have on the quality of a woman’s life, it alarmingly takes an average of eight years from its onset of symptoms for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis, and as many as six out of every ten women remain undiagnosed.” “Some of the most common misconceptions about the condition include the normalization of severe period pain. This normalization pattern of dysmenorrhea (often referred to as menstrual cramps) and other menstrual pain symptoms cause women, particularly adolescents, to avoid seeking medical attention leading to delays in diagnosis and progression of the condition with further negative impacts on quality of life and fertility. Too much stigma surrounds a women’s menstrual cycle and the associated painful symptomology. A patient’s own knowledge gap may lead to delayed diagnosis. Historically, healthcare professionals are the primary sources of health education. However, the rise of technology, internet and social media has enabled a shift in knowledge sources to a more individualized approach to symptom recognition,” Dr Sunil further added. About Aster DM Healthcare Aster DM Healthcare Limited is one of the largest private healthcare service providers operating in GCC and in India. With an inherent emphasis on clinical excellence, we are one of the few entities in the world with a strong presence across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary healthcare through our 27 hospitals, 118 clinics, 323 pharmacies and 66 labs & patient experience centers in seven countries, including India. We have over 24,350 plus dedicated staff including 3,110 doctors and 7,063 nurses across the geographies that we are present in, delivering a simple yet strong promise to our different stakeholders: “We’ll treat you well.” We reach out to all economic segments in the GCC states through our differentiated healthcare services across the “Aster”, “Medcare” and “Access” brands.

Music is a powerful tool that can transport you into a different world and compel you to forget everything and just immerse into the beautiful symphony of sound. In an effort to make your day better Nexus Vijaya Mall takes pride in presenting you with a live performance by the Greedy Grooves. The melodious band with their distinctive voice and style fuses Indian and western music from all eras with a touch of pop and creates unique renditions of evergreen Indian singers and composers. Event Details: What:  Live performance by Greedy Grooves When: 18th March 2023, 6 pm Onwards Where: Nexus Vijaya Mall, Chennai So, if you are a music enthusiast and want to reminisce the classics of music, Nexus Vijaya Mall should be your destination.  Save the date, head on to Nexus Vijaya Mall with your family & friends and get ready to be blown away by the impeccable musicianship. About the Band: A brilliantly gifted five-piece band with Sowndharya Uma as the female singer, Jude Frederic as the male singer, Arun Tommbly as the keyboardist, Sam Sundar as the guitarist and AkshyKumar as the drummer. The Band specialises in blending alt and indie rock with classical ragas. The most notable performances of the band are Taj coromandel, Taj Willington, Hilton, Phoenix market city, Skywalk, Providence mall, Barracuda Brew, MCC college, Vels university, Stella marries, Ethiraj college, Thiruvizha Chennai with Arivu Rapper, Rotary events, Doctor conferences, Neelam Book opening ceremony with Kamal Hassan as a chief guest.

The Academy of Fashion & Art (AFA) is inviting Online/ Offline applications from candidates for admission to the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) for the year 2023. AFA delivers programs that provide students with quality coaching for Design Entrance Exams across India. Eligibility No candidate shall be admitted to an architecture course unless he has passed an examination at the end of the 10+2 scheme of examination with at least 50 percent. Aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and also at least 50 percent. Marks in aggregate of the 10+2 level examination or passed the 10+3 Diploma Examination with Mathematics as a compulsory subject with at least 50 percent marks in aggregate. The Course Academy of Fashion & Art offers various courses for NIFT/NID/NATA/JEE B ARCH/BFA Entrance Preparation for DAT- Design Aptitude tests, GAT-General Aptitude Tests, NIFT Situation Test/Studio Test, NID MAINS, Group Discussion, Interview, Portfolio Preparation. The preparation includes Weekday/Weekend – Online/Offline classes, Summer Crash Courses, Winter Crash Courses, 10 Days Express Courses, AFA Special Courses, and Test Series. Do join exclusive crash courses for JEE BARCh/NATA preparation now.  Admission Open For More Info: – https://www.afaindia.com/registration_form Website: https://www.afaindia.com/index.php

 Wonderla Holidays Ltd, India’s largest amusement park chain is hosting ‘DECYBƎL’, a DJ Night in its Bengaluru Park on 25th March 2023 from 7 PM to 10 PM. DECYBƎL DJ Night will have performances by Le Twins and Lost Stories. Le Twins is a duo ranked #92 on DJ Mag, are recognized for their live singing during their performances and have sold out shows all over the world. Lost Stories is known for their excellent production skills and high-energy performances, making them one of the most popular acts in India and abroad. In addition to the amazing performances, there will be a live bar and food counters, ensuring a great time all night long. Wonderla encourages visitors to book their entry tickets for DECYBƎL DJ Night in advance through their online portal https://apps.wonderla.co.in/dj_night_wonderla_bengaluru/. For more details check out the Wonderla website: https://www.wonderla.com/events/le-twins-lost-stories-at-wonderla-bengaluru-on-25th-march.html, or reach out to +91 80372 30333 or +91 80350 73966. About Wonderla Holidays Ltd: Wonderla Holidays Limited is India’s largest and most popular amusement park operator. The company currently owns and operates three amusement parks in Kochi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and a resort at Bangalore named ‘Wonderla Resort’. Many of its rides are custom made and imported from reputed international suppliers, making them unique in India. Wonderla parks have been visited by over 3.5 crores visitors since 2000 making them the most visited amusement parks in India. Wonderla is among the top ranked amusement parks in India and Asia. For further information on Wonderla, visit www.wonderla.com

Orchids The International School organized Pan India event for all their students  Orchids The International School, a leading K12 school chain, recently organized the Junior Einstein Competition, aimed at promoting application-based learning and encouraging budding scientists across the branches. Approximately 200 teams took part, each of which consisted of 2 to 5 members, representing all branches throughout India. The Junior Einstein Competition was conducted in three rounds, each level comprising a set of challenges and guidelines. In level 1, the students were asked to present a working model of their choice, while in level 2, they were required to redesign their models based on the modifications given. The final round, level 3, saw the jury giving problems to the students that they had to solve via their working models. The competition was well structured and designed to align with the Orchids STEAM education and its application-based curriculum which includes robotics, DIY, science, and math. The result of the competition was phenomenal, with students displaying their creativity and innovative thinking skills.  The competition proved to be an apt platform for young minds to showcase their talent and passion for science and technology.Portable solar water Desalinator model from Nigdi branch, Pune  and  Weed Cutters Model from Aurangabad, Maharashtra emerged as winners and runners of the competition. Commenting on the event, Jimmy Ahuja, the Academics Implementation Head of Orchids The International School said, “We are extremely proud of the success of the Junior Einstein Competition. The competition was designed to promote application-based learning and encourage the budding scientists in our school. We are delighted to see the level of creativity and innovation displayed by our students and it was amazing to witness the enthusiasm and passion for science and technology in these young minds. We realized that the competition has not only encouraged the students but also inspired them to think beyond the textbooks and explore their potential in the field of science and technology.” About Orchids The International School Orchids The International School is one of India’s leading international K12 school chains. It started its journey in 2002 with its first branch in Hyderabad. In less than two decades, it has grown into 90 branches spread over 25 major cities- Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, Chennai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Nasik, Indore, and Aurangabad. Modern physical infrastructure, personalized attention, and a carefully curated curriculum provide uniformity in all OIS schools. OIS follows the CBSE and ICSE curriculum infused with international teaching methodologies to provide a strong emphasis on personality development along with academic excellence. Currently, it has over 750000+ students and 7000+ teaching and non-teaching staff.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), Israel is now inviting applications for its Master’s program in Environmental Physics and Solar Energy. The program is led by the Albert Katz International School for Desert Studies (AKIS) located on the Side Boker Campus of the University. The program is designed for students to gain a deep and diverse understanding and capability in fields related to the environment and natural resources, while also developing their mental flexibility, enabling them to employ methods, terms, and concepts from different areas of research and move between such areas. Emphasis will be given on training students in classical physics areas that are relevant to environmental studies (nonlinear dynamics, continuum mechanics, fluid flow and heat and material transfer, light–matter interaction, semiconductor physics), applied mathematics (asymptotic methods, statistical methods, numerical methods), and other physical sciences-related fields (surface chemistry, optoelectronic properties of materials, optics). Program delivery: The 2-year program is taught completely in English. Admission Cycle: Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2023 Course dates: Courses will begin October 2023. Academic year is October 2023 – July 2025 Application deadline: Rolling Admission Admission Requirements: Admission requirements for the program include a BSc. Degree in Natural Sciences or in Engineering Sciences in disciplines related to physics, mathematics, and chemistry, and to chemical, electrical, mechanical and materials engineering. The admission requirements and terms will comply with the AKIS’s admission requirements and require approval of the program’s teaching committee. Tuition: Approximately $5000/year Scholarship:  Scholarships covering tuition and living expenses may be available to outstanding students. How to Apply: Complete the online application form here: https://bgu4u.bgu.ac.il/pls/scwp/!app.gate?app=reg&f=1&d=2&lang=en Send the following documents directly to dschool@bgu.ac.il : a)A certified copy of your diploma b)Certified copies of your academic transcripts c)Curriculum Vitae d)Two letters of recommendation along with the reference form, written by academicians e)Class rank (if available) f)Official copy of TOFEL examination score or IELTS examination score g)Student Housing Form h)A photocopy of the first page of your passport The admission requirements and terms will comply with the AKIS’s admission requirements and require the approval of the program’s teaching committee. –ENDS— About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev:  Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible. We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity, and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere. At a glance: 20,000 students |   800 senior faculty |   3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research We invite you to set aside existing paradigms and to view the world from our unconventional perspective.