தமிழகம் முழுவதும் நாளை (பிப்ரவரி 11ஆம் தேதி) ரேஷன் கார்டு குறைதீர் முகாம் நடத்தப்பட உள்ளது. இது குறித்து தமிழக அரசு வெளியிட்டுள்ள செய்திக்குறிப்பில் கூறியிருப்பதாவது: “ரேஷன் கார்டு தொடர்பான குறைகளை கார்டுதாரர்களிடம் இருந்து தீர்த்து, அவற்றைத் தீர்க்கும் நடவடிக்கையாக, ஒவ்வொரு மாதமும் மாவட்டந்தோறும் குறைதீர்க்கும் கூட்டங்கள் நடத்தப்படும் என்று தமிழக அரசு அறிவித்துள்ளது. அதன்படி, நடப்பு பிப்ரவரி மாதத்திற்கான மாதாந்திர குறைதீர்ப்பு முகாம், பொது விநியோகத் திட்டம் (பிடிஎஸ்) தொடர்பான ரேஷன் கார்டுதாரர்களின் சேவைகள் / புகார்கள் தொடர்பான மாதாந்திர குறைதீர் முகாம் 19 மண்டலங்களிலும் துணை ஆணையர் அலுவலகத்தில் காலை 10.00 மணி முதல் மதியம் 1.00 மணி வரை நடத்தப்படும். . இந்த குறைதீர் முகாம்களில் பெயர் சேர்த்தல் அல்லது நீக்குதல், முகவரி மாற்றம், அலைபேசி எண் மாற்றம், புதிய ரேஷன் கார்டு வழங்குதல் போன்ற சேவைகள் மேற்கொள்ளப்படும். மேலும், ரேஷன் கடைக்கு நேரில் செல்ல முடியாத மூத்த குடிமக்கள் அல்லது மாற்றுத்திறனாளிகளுக்கு, ரேஷன் பொருளை வாங்க பிரதிநிதிக்கு அங்கீகாரம் வழங்குவதற்கான ஒப்புதல் சான்றிதழ் வழங்கப்படும். பொது விநியோகக் கடைகளில் பொருட்கள் விநியோகம், கடை ஊழியர்களின் நடத்தை மற்றும் தனியார் கடைகளில் விற்கப்படும் பொருட்கள் மற்றும் அவற்றின் சேவைகள் தொடர்பான புகார்கள், குறைதீர்ப்பு முகாமில் உடனுக்குடன் தீர்வு காண நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும்.
Gold Rate Decreased Today Morning (10.02.2023)!
The cost of gold has decreased by Rs. 440 per sovereign on Friday Morning (February 10, 2023). The cost of the gold rate has decreased by Rs. 55 per gram. The gold rate has decreased and one sovereign is worth Rs. 42560.00 and a gram is Rs. 5320.00. The cost of 1 gram of pure gold (24 K) is now Rs. 5682.00. A kilo of silver is priced at Rs. 72500.00 and a gram is worth Rs. 72.50.
Tata Consumer Products launches Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India, a tea collection celebrating the streets of India
~Taking ahead the hyperlocal approach of Tata Tea Premium, the brand launches four unique and authentic tasting chai variants as part of Tata Tea Premium Street Chai collection ~The brand has launched four unique variants – Kolkata Street Chai, Mumbai Cutting Chai, Purani Dilli ki Mithai Chai, Hyderabadi Irani Chai Tata Consumer Products Limited launches Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India, a range of chais celebrating the unique flavoured teas inspired by the streets of India. The core concept of the carefully curated tea range is to bring alive the flavour of teas that one gets at the chaiwalas and the experience that comes with it, which is deeply rooted in the culture of every city. Each city has a distinctive flavour and a typical milieu, which invokes a sense of pride and nostalgia for the people from the city and conjures a memory for the people who visit the city. The brand wants to create this experience for its consumers at the convenience of their home with this unique range inspired from four different regions of India. The Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India features four iconic variants inspired by the signature flavours from the streets of India – Kolkata Street Chai, Mumbai Cutting Chai, Purani Dilli ki Mithai Chai, Hyderabadi Irani Chai. With this launch the brand aims to celebrate the authentic taste of local flavours of the East, West, South, and North regions. The authentic taste of these unique street-side chais can be hard to replicate at home, which is why the brand aims to help consumers to create the experience in the comfort of their homes. Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India is made to appeal to the chai lovers, taking them right back to their favourite tea stall in their hometown with every cup. Commenting on the launch, Puneet Das, President – Packaged Beverages (India and South Asia), Tata Consumer Products said, “Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India is a one-of-a-kind range of tea made with the intention of bringing the taste of street style chai to the comfort of the consumer’s home. The feeling of comfort and longing associated with the street style tea is very close to people’s hearts and makes them feel closer to their cities and homes. This innovation aims to disrupt the tea segment with city local chai flavours. Built on the insight of rise in demand for regional flavours and localized menu across the country, the product highlights various quirks and styles of making tea in each city. It is basically the flavour of the city packed in a tea cup”. Tata Tea Premium is known for its unique ‘hyperlocal’ approach of creating distinct blends, and Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India collection has further expanded on this approach by not only evoking pride and nostalgia but bringing alive the hustle and bustle of the city streets with the iconic street chais of these cities. The classic green colour and the rectangular box rightly brings out the premium-ness of the brand and highlights the story behind each variant. The four packs have unique packaging, representing the pride of each city and its various iconic elements, such as Victoria Memorial, and the yellow taxi signifying the old-world charm of Kolkata; The Chhatrapati Shivaji terminal and the red double decker bus reflecting Mumbai’s hustle bustle. Similarly, the packs for Delhi and Hyderabad narrate the stories of these cities with an absolute sense of pride and nostalgia. Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India is a collection that appreciates and celebrates the very local street flavours of India. All variants of Tata Tea Premium Street Chais of India are 250 g, priced at Rs. 145/- and available on Ecommerce and Grocery outlets near you. About Tata Consumer Products Limited Tata Consumer Products Limited is a focused consumer products company uniting the principal food and beverage interests of the Tata Group under one umbrella. The Company’s portfolio of products includes tea, coffee, water, RTD, salt, pulses, spices, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat offerings, breakfast cereals, snacks and mini meals. Tata Consumer Products is the 2nd largest branded tea company in the world. Its key beverage brands include Tata Tea, Tetley, Eight O’Clock Coffee, Tata Coffee Grand, Himalayan Natural Mineral Water, and Tata Gluco Plus. Its food portfolio includes brands such as Tata Salt, Tata Sampann, and Tata Soulfull. In India, Tata Consumer Products has a reach of over 201 million households, giving it an unparalleled ability to leverage the Tata brand in consumer products. The Company has a consolidated annual turnover of ~Rs. 12,425 Crs with operations in India and International markets. For more information, please visit https://www.tataconsumer.com/ ############################################
Ducab Group enhances presence in Indian market
Sets up its India & South East Asia office in Bangalore to further drive the India story Some of Ducab’s prestigious mobility and transport projects in India are located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Agra, Lucknow among others Ducab has already made trade transaction in India worth INR 2000 crores Ducab Group, one of the biggest end-to-end solutions providers and manufacturing firm based in the United Arab Emirates, (UAE) has announced that it is further enhancing its presence in India. As part of this growth plan, the company has set up its India & South East Asia office in Bangalore to further drive the India story. This expansion plan was announced in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Ahmad Belyouha, Board Member of Ducab Group; Mohammad Almutawa, Group CEO of the Ducab Group, and a number of officials from both countries. The new establishment is part of the Group’s strategic vision to be a leading global provider of high-quality integrated energy solutions. Ducab Group commenced operations in India in 1988, when cables were supplied to Nhava Sheva Port (Mumbai Port). Over the years, Ducab has supplied over 1,428 km of power cables to the Indian market, which is equivalent to the distance between Delhi and Mumbai. Ducab has made trade transaction in India worth INR 2000 crores. Some of Ducab’s prestigious mobility and transport projects in the country are located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra among others. Presently, the company is working on multiple projects in India and has strong relations with leading Indian industries, serving more than 100 clients and providing 263,000 metric tons of Cu-eq (copper equivalent), equivalent to powering 3 million houses. Commenting on this, His Excellency Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, UAE said: “The new office by Ducab Group, one of the National Champion companies in the UAE, builds on the strong bilateral trade and business ties between the UAE and India. The two countries share common interests and have strong resources and capabilities to develop industrial manufacturing. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022 has further catalyzed business relations between the two countries, enabling businesses to invest and expand their operations as well as drive cross-border trade and build new and constructive partnerships on a genuinely global scale. This is in line with one of the five top government priorities the UAE has outlined for 2023, namely ‘Expanding the UAE’s International Economic Partnerships”. Ducab supports the Make in India initiative and has been involved in a series of mega Indian infrastructure projects by supplying key materials. The Make in India initiative focuses on indigenous production in India and all our collaboration with India is geared towards fulfilling this objective. Sharing his thoughts, Mohammad Almutawa Group CEO of Ducab said: “Ducab considers India its new home. This set up in Bangalore in the state of Karnataka is another example of the significant commercial and international cooperation between the two countries. Ducab Group employs around 1000 Indians. This is an opportunity for us to explore new prospects in the Indian industry, as well as to benefit from the new advantages under the CEPA trade agreement building on the existing achievements and close ties that bind Ducab to the Indian market. It is an extension of the company’s ambitions and strategies, which is currently expanding its business in 55 markets around the world, where it exports 60% of its products.” Ducab Group is keen to take the opportunity of reduced taxes under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that was signed by India and UAE in 2022. Under the CEPA, the duties will come down to Zero in five years reducing 20 per cent each year. The pact is expected to boost non-oil trade between the two countries to $100 billion in five years from $60bn currently, opening additional avenues of investment. Ducab is relentless in its pursuit of quality and continue to expand across sectors and geographies, providing world-class products and services. Some of Ducab’s biggest projects in the UAE include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Emirates Palace, Burj Al Arab, Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Airport, Atlantis The Palm, and Yas Marina Circuit.
India’s Leading Cloud Communication Platform MyOperator Launches Heyo, The Smart Business Number for 65 Million+ Small and Medium Business
The digital phone line aims to transform the way small and mid-size businesses manage their customer interactions. #BharatKaBusinessNumber Leading cloud communication company MyOperator launched Heyo Phone, India’s first digital phone line for small and medium businesses. The digital phone connection will help Small and Medium-sized Businesses manage their customer interactions, and improve their customer call + WhatsApp chat experience through a single business number. While MyOperator provides a full-stack communication platform (CPAAS) to 10000+ businesses including Lenskart, Apollo, PWC, Wow! Momo, E&Y, Amazon, Heyo aims to make communication simple for Small and Medium Business, professionalise their customer experience, and empower small and mid-market retailers, traders as well as freelancers. Heyo has been launched with the objective of digitising customer engagement and commerce for India’s 65 Million+ small and medium businesses. Offering one number and a single dashboard to manage all customer calls and chats, Heyo aims to help SMEs boost customer interactions and convert every conversation to a business opportunity. A business the owner can activate his Heyo number in less than a minute with digital Aadhar verification, link all his staff, connect WhatsApp and launch a full-fledged customer engagement platform. All on his smart-phone and at a price that he can afford. The Small and Medium Business communication market in India alone makes up to $4 billion, whereas globally it is a $40Bn market. As a first-mover, Heyo aims to disrupt the market while delivering on its mission of digitising the businesses of Bharat. Ankit Jain, CEO & Co-founder of Heyo Phone said, “We launched Heyo Phone with the belief that each customer call is a potential business opportunity. We want small and medium businesses to have equal tools as a large business or an MNCs. For that purpose, we wanted to digitise phone systems with cost effective technology. This will not only help business owners to monitor their customer interactions effectively, but also ensure that no prospect is missed out on. This is India’s techade and Heyo is the tech every business in Bharat needs.” Be it a courier company, a travel agency, or a salon, with Heyo Phone businesses can now handle a high volume of enquiries, greet customers with a professional welcome message, record and track all staff calls, manage WhatsApp engagement and keep personal and professional numbers separate. As a light-weight mobile app, Heyo does not require any hardware or software installation.. Heyo Phone’s pocket friendly subscriptions start at less than Rs 100 per month. About Heyo Phone Founded by Ankit Jain and Pratik Jain, Heyo Phone is a digital phone line designed for Small and Medium Business to streamline customer interactions. Heyo simplifies the way Small and Medium Business manage their staff and customer calls. Businesses can now get a business number of their choice by just completing their KYC. Heyo puts the control over the business, the customer and the revenue totally in the hands of the owner. With one smart phone number or Heyo number, owners can distribute customer calls amongst their staff helping them keep a track of all their business calls in a single place. From calls, WhatsApp to the ability of recording and analysing incoming and outgoing calls, Heyo aims to bring Small and Medium Business communication experience at the level playing field with that of MNCs. By owning the digital phone identity of businesses, heyo becomes an enabler of the conversation to commerce cycle. Heyo has just completed its beta launch in Delhi-NCR in November 2022. The beta app has attracted close to 100K downloads, 1000+ paid subscribers and 4.5* user rating. The app has now been launched across India. About MyOperator MyOperator is a cloud-based communication platform (CPAAS) helping businesses reimagine customer engagement. Founded by Ankit Jain and Pratik Jain in 2013, MyOperator started with a vision to help businesses sell more and serve more through world-class communication systems. The platform offers services and solutions such as virtual and toll-free numbers, mobile CRM, and voice analytics services to large and medium enterprises in India. Their clientele includes Lenskart, Myntra, Apollo, Amazon, PwC, Razorpay, ITC, Apollo, IRCTC, among others.. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio talk show, Mann ki Baat was launched on MyOperator.
KRAFTON sales reach KRW1,854B in 2022
2022 OP marks KRW751.6B and NP KRW500.2B, and OPM of 41% PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS attracts 45M new users, PC and console sales account for 31% of total sales Will enhance publishing and production capabilities and continue investment on new businesses such as deep learning and metaverse in 2023 KRAFTON Inc. (CEO CH Kim) announced its 2022 and 4Q22 preliminary earnings on February 7, and held a conference call on February 8. KRAFTON recorded 2022 sales of KRW1,854B, OP of KRW751.6B and NP of KRW500.2B in accordance with the Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS). Total sales retreated slightly YoY, but annual OP grew 16% YoY to achieve an OPM of 41%. 4Q22 sales landed at KRW473.8B, up 7% YoY, and OP reached KRW126.2B, up 179% YoY. In 2022, KRAFTON solidly operated its core gaming operations and engaged in full-blown efforts to push forward in the global AAA console market. Owing to this, PC and console sales grew 17% and 430% YoY to KRW465B and KRW104.1B, respectively, with combined sales growing significantly to account for 31% of total sales. The increasing contribution of PC and console sales is attributed to the continued growth demonstrated by PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, securing approx. 45M new users after the transition to free-to-play, and the release of The Callisto Protocol in 4Q22. Annual mobile sales reached KRW1,252.8B. Although it dropped 12% YoY, KRAFTON attracted more paying users and defended its top spot among mobile battle royale games with new mode updates, small map releases and more collaborations. KRAFTON solidified its position as a global game company with overseas sales accounting for 94% of total sales. Along with the earnings release, KRAFTON proposed strengthening publishing and production capabilities as the two points of direction for 2023. Backed by its experience gained from launching an AAA game in the global market in 2022, the company plans to focus on game development and publishing to secure a continuous game lineup. To discover a new IP, KRAFTON will open KRAFTON Montréal Studio, a new studio in Montreal, Canada. KRAFTON Montréal Studio will step up game development of The Bird that Drinks Tears, led by a prominent figure in the gaming industry, Patrik Méthé, Head of Studio. KRAFTON also unveiled its major game pipelines including ▲ Project BlackBudget ▲ Project GoldRush and ▲ The Next Subnautica. Moreover, KRAFTON emphasized its plans to continue investment in deep learning, as a new key business, and sustain game-led expansion. KRAFTON is currently engaged in deep learning projects in four major areas, striving to discover new gameplay based on deep learning and launch the early version of Virtual Game Friend in 2023. Using game production technology, KRAFTON is also preparing a mobile-oriented open world virtual platform service, planning to test in the first half of the year and officially release it within this year. With this opportunity, it will start activating a create-to-earn (C2E) ecosystem that connects creators and brands. KRAFTON’s CEO CH Kim said, “In 2022, the company internally solidified production and servicing capabilities while making new attempts in the global market”. He added, “Building on the experience gained in 2022, we will create more opportunities to showcase a lineup featuring strong gameplay and focus on reinforcing efficiency in 2023.” Earnings (4Q22) Earnings (3Q22) % chg (QoQ) Earnings (4Q21) % chg (YoY) Sales 4,738 4,337 9.2% 4,435 6.8% OP 1,262 1,446 -12.8% 452 178.8% ▲Table: KRAFTON’s 4Q22 (preliminary) earnings on a consolidated basis (unit: KRW100M) Earnings (2022) Earnings (2021) % chg (YoY) Sales 18,540 18,854 -1.7% OP 7,516 6,506 15.5% ▲Table: KRAFTON’s 2022 (preliminary) earnings on a consolidated basis (unit: KRW100M) About KRAFTON, Inc. KRAFTON, Inc. is a South Korean collective of independent game development studios brought together to create innovative and engaging entertainment experiences for gamers across the world. The company consists of PUBG Studios, Bluehole Studio, Striking Distance Studios, RisingWings, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds and 5minlab, each with its own unique expertise. KRAFTON is responsible for premier entertainment properties including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, NEW STATE MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, TERA, and ELYON. As a technology-driven company that boasts world-class capabilities, KRAFTON seeks to expand its areas of business beyond games to multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information about KRAFTON, please visit www.krafton.com.
BLOOD CANCER SURVIVOR MEETS HIS LIFESAVER FOR THE FIRST TIME
Mandeep, a techie from Bengaluru reinstates faith in humanity by donating his stem cells to save a blood cancer patient A surreal story unfolded as Mandeep, a blood cancer survivor met his lifesaver also named Mandeep for the first time. An event was organised by DKMS BMST Foundation India, to mark World Cancer Day and celebrate the first meeting between the stem cell donor and his recipient. Mandeep, blood cancer survivor, 35-year-old, a farmer from Punjab was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 2009. Unfortunately, though Mandeep was advised for a stem cell transplant, he could not find a Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matched stem cell donor within his family. Mandeep had to wait for over 3 years before an HLA matching unrelated donor was identified with the help of DKMS BMST Foundation India and he underwent stem cell transplant in January 2020. Mandeep (blood cancer survivor), said, “Cancer was a big shock to me and everyone around me. I was healthy and doing well, when suddenly everything just crashed. I was advised a stem cell transplant by the doctors, but we could not find any matching donor from my family. After a colossal struggle of over a decade against cancer, my struggle ended when a matching unrelated donor was identified with the help of DKMS-BMST. I was treated under the expertise of Dr. Dinesh Bhurani, Director, Department of Haemato-oncology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center, New Delhi. And it was amazing that I was able to get the transplant done in January 2020. Today, I am completely cured. I have waited for over two years to meet my genetic twin, whose stem cell donation saved my life, and coincidently he is my namesake. I am very grateful to Mandeep (Donor), because of him, I got a second chance at life.” As per the International guidelines, the identity of both the blood stem cell donor and recipient are kept anonymous for a period of two years and thereafter depending on their interest they are introduced to each other. Mandeep (Stem Cell Donor, 39-Year-old) said, “It was truly wonderful to meet with Mandeep (blood cancer survivor). After my stem cell donation in December 2019, I had always wondered about the well-being of my stem cell recipient, and finally today we get to meet. My wife is also a cancer patient, and I do understand the pain and agony of the family members. I registered as a stem cell donor in a registration drive organised by DKMS-BMST in my office in 2018. After being identified as a match, DKMS-BMST team guided me in every step and I donated my stem cells in a hassle-free manner.” Patrick Paul, CEO, DKMS-BMST Foundation India, said “It is always a very happy occasion for us when we introduce the cancer survivor with their lifesaver for the first time. So far, DKMS-BMST has registered over 80,000 potential donors and has helped 80 patients in India with a second chance at life. It is our endeavour to provide blood cancer and blood disorder patients with a second chance at life. India has one of the highest burdens of these life-threatening diseases in the world, and every year, over one lakh new patients are being diagnosed. These diseases are one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among children. Most people are unaware that a life-threatening disease like blood cancer can be treated by a stem cell transplant.” Dr. Govind Eriat Nair, Consultant Hematology Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Gleneagles Global BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, informed, “Stem cell transplantation from a related or unrelated donor is a standard treatment for blood cancer and disorder patients. This stem cell transplant after 3 to 4 months of chemotherapy helps the patients to recover from the disease. Without the stem cell transplant, the chances of relapse are quite high. When matching donor is not available within the family, a search is carried out with help of registries like DKMS-BMST to find a matching unrelated donor, just like in the case of Mandeep. Therefore, the need of the hour is to increase awareness and encourage more Indians to register as stem cell donors so that more lives can be saved.” Today, more than 40 million potential unrelated donors are listed worldwide with stem cell donor centres and registries. Of which only 0.04% are Indians. This situation can only be changed by recruiting many potential blood stem cell donors from India. If you’re between 18 and 55 and in general good health, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register ********* About DKMS BMST Foundation India A non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. Our aim is to improve the situation of patients suffering from blood cancer and other blood disorders in India and throughout the world, by raising awareness about blood stem cell transplantation and registering potential blood stem cell donors. By doing this DKMS-BMST provides patients in need of a blood stem cell transplant with a second chance at life. DKMS-BMST is a joint venture of two reputed non-profit organizations: BMST (Bangalore Medical Services Trust) and DKMS, one of the largest international blood stem cell donor centers in the world. For more information, please visit dkms-bmst.org Media Contact: Nitheen – Perfect Relations | 9686227227 | Manjunath : 7259579122 Aarohi Tripathy- DKMS-BMST| 8890103987| aarohi.tripathy@dkms-bmst.org
Bill Anderson to become CEO of Bayer AG
The Supervisory Board of Bayer AG has appointed Bill Anderson to become CEO of Bayer, effective June 1, 2023. He will join Bayer as a member of the Board of Management on April 1, 2023. Bill Anderson was elected unanimously after a thorough selection process which began mid last year. Werner Baumann (60), current CEO of Bayer, will work closely with him on a smooth transition before retiring from Bayer after 35 years of service at the end of May 2023. Bill Anderson (56), a chemical engineer by education, has served in various leadership positions in the life science industry over the past 25 years. Most recently, he served as CEO of Roche’s Pharmaceuticals Division, where he successfully led a comprehensive transformation program which resulted in many successful new product launches, significant revenue growth, and greater productivity across the organization. Before this role, Anderson was CEO of Genentech, one of the pioneering companies in the biotech field. Previously, Bill Anderson held several senior leadership positions in general management, product development, and finance at Biogen, another innovation leader in the biotech sphere, and Raychem, an American technology and electronics company. During his time at Biogen, Genentech, and Roche, Anderson was involved in the development and launch of 25 new medicines, including 15 blockbusters. In addition to his native country, the United States, Bill Anderson has lived and worked in several European countries with postings in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. In his new role, he will be based in Leverkusen, Germany. “We are very excited to welcome Bill Anderson as new CEO of Bayer. He is the ideal candidate to lead Bayer together with the team into a new, successful chapter at a time of a disruptive innovation cycle in biology, chemistry, and artificial intelligence. Bill has an outstanding track record of building strong product pipelines and turning biotech breakthroughs into products. Beyond that, he is a truly transformational leader who creates a culture that propels innovation, boosts productivity and performance, and allows people to thrive,” said Prof. Dr. Norbert Winkeljohann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Bayer AG. “Bill Anderson’s mission is clear: enable Bayer to realize its full potential and create sustainable value for our shareholders, farmers, patients, consumers, employees, and all stakeholders of the company.” Winkeljohann continued: “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would also like to sincerely thank Werner Baumann for 35 years of dedicated service with Bayer, including seven years as CEO. Today, Bayer is a leading life science company with outstanding innovation capabilities in health and nutrition, well positioned in highly attractive growth markets. The recent successful operational performance is clear proof that Bayer stands on a very strong foundation. We wish Werner Baumann all the very best in his future endeavors.” The new CEO-elect, Bill Anderson, said: “Bayer is an innovative company that is already delivering tremendous benefits for the nutrition, health, and environmental protection of the world. Its leading R&D investments in agriculture, medicines and consumer health hold the promise for additional breakthroughs. I look forward to working with the people of Bayer to accelerate innovation, increase performance, advance sustainability, and unleash the full potential of the company.” Heike Hausfeld, Vice Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board and Chairwoman of the Bayer Central Works Council said: “There is a long-lasting and strong partnership between the Works Council and Bayer’s management, which is a foundational element of the company’s governance and success. We thank Werner Baumann for the trustful collaboration over the years and wish him all the best in the future. We had tough debates on a number of topics – and ultimately we were able to advance a lot for Bayer together. In our conversations, Bill’s commitment to Bayer’s employees, its purpose “Science for a better life” and its vision “Health for all, hunger for none” was evident. I am confident that the close partnership with him as CEO and the Works Council will continue.” Bill Anderson holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas, and Master of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Bill Anderson is married and has three children.
Nissan Formula E Team Takes Inaugural Hyderabad E-Prix
Formula E comes to India as Nissan Formula E Team targets double-points finish in the first new venue of Gen3 era On Saturday, the Nissan Formula E Team is set to compete in Round 4 of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as it heads to India for the first of four new venues in Season 9. With 85 years of motorsport history and over a decade of EV expertise, Nissan’s participation in Formula E is the perfect showcase of its commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. Sustainability is at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030 and the company is dedicated to providing innovative and high-performance electric vehicles to promote EV adoption globally. Formula E represents the pinnacle of EV technology and Nissan is driving the road-to-track transfer, bringing the joys of electrification to consumers and sports fanatics worldwide. As Formula E comes to Hyderabad for the first time, the race marks a transition in the Indian market, showcasing a commitment to electrification and zero-emission vehicles. Nissan shares the vision of India Government on promotion of electric vehicless and believes in a future of electric mobility for India. Through Ambition 2030, Nissan is working with stakeholders to make electrification a reality in India. The knowledge and insights gained from racing in Season 9 will be invaluable in making electrified mobility more accessible and sustainable in this market and will support Nissan’s track-to-road transfer more broadly. “Nissan’s participation in Formula E is about electrifying the track and bringing the excitement of electrification to the forefront,” stated Frank Torres, President of Nissan Motors India Pvt Ltd. “In Season 9, we not only aim to compete and excel, but also demonstrate the thrill of electric vehicles to the world. The NISSAN e-4ORCE 04 is our most efficient racing car to date, highlighting the capabilities of our EV powertrain technology and our expertise in electrification.” This season marks Nissan’s debut competing as a unified team under its new name and sees Nissan take full ownership of all its operations in Formula E. Alongside the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04’s enhanced powertrain capabilities, the team has also elevated the cars design. Unveiling a striking new livery, inspired by its Japanese DNA, the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04, features a cherry blossom pattern, commemorating a new age not only for the championship, but for the team itself. When the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04 takes to the new street circuit in Hyderabad on Saturday, February 11th, the race will present a fresh challenge, as no previous data or experience is available on the 2.83-kilometer track. The track features high-speed corners, intense braking zones, and presents opportunities for overtaking at Turns 1 and 3. Nissan Formula E Team drivers, Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato, aim to improve upon their previous round results and target a double-points finish in the upcoming race. “New circuits offer a whole new training ground,” said Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director, Nissan Formula E Team. “There are many unknowns, so we’ve been working hard in the simulator to know what to expect when we arrive. It’s all about finding the small gains that can help us when it comes to race day. Based on Mexico and Diriyah, we know we have a good car, and we can see where we need to improve. It’s clear that qualifying is extremely tight, so we’ll be aiming for strong lap times to give us more chance of scoring points with both cars.” Through Formula E, Nissan is bringing the best of Global Nissan to India and reinforcing its commitment to provide sustainable and authentic technologies for its customers. Nissan is taking steps towards this goal, recently showcasing its global premium vehicles – JUKE Hybrid, Qashqai e-POWER, and X-Trail e-POWER – as a demonstration of its electrification ambitions. Season 9 marks a new era for Nissan’s participation in the championship and the team is putting its expertise to the test, daring to do what others don’t. The upcoming race in Hyderabad, India will deliver innovation and excitement both on and off the track as the thrill of electrification is celebrated on a global platform. Qualifying at the Hyderabad Street Circuit begins at 10:40 IST (UTC +5:30) on Saturday, February 11th, followed by the race at 15:00 IST. Sacha Fenestraz, Nissan Formula E driver, said, “I’m excited about racing in Hyderabad. The new circuit levels the playing field for me as a rookie. I’m looking forward to improving and learning at every race and getting used to the energy and tire management. I hope to keep progressing and finding the consistency needed to succeed in this championship.” Norman Nato, Nissan Formula E driver, added, “I’m eager to discover the new track in Hyderabad. We made progress in the previous round, and now we need to build on that to compete at the front of the field. The competition is tight this year, but we know where we need to improve. The hot and humid conditions will be a physical challenge, but we know our targets and will work to achieve them.” With its top three-star rating in the Environmental Accreditation Programme, a sustainability certification by the FIA, Formula E is the first carbon neutral sport in the world since its inception, and Nissan races in this all-electric world championship to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience. More information Please visit Global.NissanNews.com/FormulaEPressKit
KRAFTON, Inc. to open its first Canadian AAA game studio in Montréal
KRAFTON Montréal Studio will hire 150 people in the next 3 years to work on a new IP based on a fantasy novel series KRAFTON Inc., a collective of independent game development studios, is proud to announce today the opening of its first Canadian AAA game studio located in Montréal, Quebec. KRAFTON Montréal Studio will be led by Patrik Méthé, a prominent figure in the gaming industry with over 20 years of experience in leadership roles on some of the world’s most renowned franchises. A team of industry veterans including Benoit Frappier, Producer; Frédéric Duroc, Game Director; and Martin Paradis, Technology Director; has already joined Méthé. The studio is looking to hire 150 people in the next 3 years with key positions including animation, programming and Head of HR. KRAFTON Montréal Studio’s first project will be the adaptation of the acclaimed fantasy novel series The Bird That Drinks Tears, created and written by Yeong-do Lee, who is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of the Korean fantasy genre. As one of the best-selling fantasy authors in Korea, Mr. Lee is an exceptionally imaginative writer who builds elaborate worlds and fills them with complex characters. The Bird That Drinks Tears has been loved by readers for the past 20 years for its elaborate worldview and three-dimensional characters. It is characterized by its unique settings and characters that exquisitely encompass the East and West, and it tells the story of four races, humans, Leckorn, Dokkaebis, and Nagas, which begin as they become entangled through events. Since 2021, KRAFTON has been working on visualizing the world and characters of the novel to expand the IP of The Bird That Drinks Tears. In particular, the art book, prepared in November 2022 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the serialization of The Bird That Drinks Tears, topped the weekly bestseller list of major Korean Internet bookstores within four days of pre-sale. “We are thrilled to open our first Canadian AAA studio in Montréal, one of the world’s top cities for video game production. The local pool of creative and specialized talent is impressive, and we hope that many will join our team. KRAFTON Montréal Studio will be our third studio in North America and we have found a great leader in Patrik who has extensive experience bringing franchises to new heights,” explains CH Kim, CEO at KRAFTON, Inc. “Our team is currently made up of seasoned talents with a proven track record of successful games. We share a common goal: to deliver the finest adaptation of the novel and to provide an exceptional experience to gamers. As a fan of medieval fantasy since my teenage years, I’m excited to bring to life a fantasy masterpiece as an ambitious and memorable game. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of the KRAFTON family,” shares Patrik Méthé, Head of Studio, KRAFTON Montréal Studio. For more information on KRAFTON Montréal Studio and career opportunities, please visit www.kraftonmontreal.com About KRAFTON, Inc. KRAFTON, Inc. is a South Korean collective of independent game development studios brought together to create innovative and engaging entertainment experiences for gamers across the world. The company consists of PUBG Studios, Bluehole Studio, Striking Distance Studios, RisingWings, Dreamotion, Unknown Worlds and 5minlab, each with its own unique expertise. KRAFTON is responsible for premier entertainment properties including BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI), PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, NEW STATE MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, TERA, and ELYON. As a technology-driven company that boasts world-class capabilities, KRAFTON seeks to expand its areas of business beyond games to multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information about KRAFTON, please visit www.krafton.com.
Gold Rate Decreased Today Morning (09.02.2023)!
The cost of gold has decreased by Rs. 64 per sovereign on Thursday Morning (February 09, 2023). The cost of the gold rate has decreased by Rs. 8 per gram. The gold rate has decreased and one sovereign is worth Rs. 43000.00 and a gram is Rs. 5375.00. The cost of 1 gram of pure gold (24 K) is now Rs. 5737.00. A kilo of silver is priced at Rs. 73500.00 and a gram is worth Rs. 73.50.
Ecom Express celebrates its 10th anniversary; launches Ecom Magnum as end-to-end order fulfilment suite
Ecom Express Limited, one of India’s leading technology-enabled full-stack logistics service providers to the e-commerce industry, today announced the launch of its Warehouse Management Solutions (WMS) and Order Management Solutions (OMS), Ecom Magnum as a service offering for sellers. This new SaaS offering is suitable for online sellers seeking order and warehouse management solutions to integrate with e-marketplaces. The scalable, cloud-based WMS system is designed to plug-and-play with integration channels, tracking orders and handling large SKUs and tech-led inbound & outbound processes, resulting in high accuracy and cost efficiencies for sellers. The feature-rich WMS platform complements and integrates into warehousing and shipping stacks of Ecom Express or can be utilised as a stand-alone solution. Online businesses that utilise the platform can access Ecom Express’ robust network of 60+ fulfilment centres and shipping services across 27000+ PIN codes in India. Most of the company’s fulfilment centres are strategically located sites in proximity to urban centers and beyond. Ecom Fulfilment Services (EFS) is powered with automated warehousing, order management and fulfillment center service and the launch of Ecom Magnum will further establish its position as one-partner logistics solution provider to the e-commerce industry. Satyanarayana, Co-founder & Director, Ecom Express Limitedsaid,“As an industry leader, we are constantly working to bring more value to small and medium sellers in a cost-effective manner, and are proud to bring state-of-the-art WMS and OMS system built on usage experience and learnings from 100K+ sellers who engage with us. With this new platform, we are trying to remove the pain points for small sellers in the standard OMS and WMS available in the market by offering a feature-rich ecosystem. In order to fulfil the orders seamlessly, we provide sellers with a one-stop order-to-deliver set-up resulting in scale, efficiency, and control over both their inventory and customer experience.” Ecom Express has been actively catalysing towards simplifying the SMB e-commerce companies’ journey. The company recently launched ExpressPlus as air dominant multi-modal logistics solution for faster transit time users in D2C and SMB space. Last year, the company announced that it is in an advanced stage of integration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and had launched its easy sign up portal, E-zippie thereby, making the sellers’ journey easy, convenient, and rewarding with 30-minutes onboarding.
JUBILEE CELEBRATION
MADRAS SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK (An Autonomous Institution Affiliated to the University of Madras) 32, Casa Major Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008 College Off. : 2819 4566 / 5126 Website : www.mssw.in International Conference on “Mental Health – A Holistic approach” 6-8 February 2023 The International Conference on “Mental Health a Holistic Approach” is organized by Department of Psychology, Madras School of Social Work, Egmore, Chennai-8. The Inaugural function was held on 6 th ,10.30 am at MSSW campus. It was initiated with the welcome address by Dr. S. Raja Samuel, Principal, MSSW followed by the Head of the Department Dr. Subasree Vanamali who introduced about the conference theme as an Organizing Secretary followed by, Presidential Address by Chairman Mr. K.A. Mathew IASRtd., MSSW by mentioning about Platinum Jubilee year of MSSW and wished the conference grand success. The Honorable Vice chancellor of University of Madras, Prof. Dr. S. Gowri was the Chief guest and delivered the Inaugural address to commence the 3 days International Conference and the Special Guest Commissioner of Rural development Dr. DarezAhamed, IAS delivered the special address. The Chief Guest mentioned in his talk about the concerns and challenges of mentally unwell person and their caretakers by illustrating live examples from his own experiences, he also said that the stigma towards seeking help for mental health is even now high among Indians, which requires change in mindset of people to work on better life with happiness and wellbeing. The commissioner mentioned the significance of mental health professionals in the promotion of awareness on prevention and intervention among the public and how community health needs to be prioritized for healthy living. The Special guest Dr. AssumptaAneas Faculty of Education, University of Barcelona joined via. Zoom in the Inaugural and in her address, she was explaining about the challenges in facing discrimination in education and intercultural competences. Dr. Subashini, Dean, MSSW briefed about the new project initiative of Center for Excellence of Health Psychology, currently headed by Dr. Priscilla Sathianathan and the project is on Mental Health concerns among adolescents in Chennai Schools. Followed by Vote of thanks by Dr. Hannah John, Program Head, MSc Family Counselling. The conference has topics related to current trends and needs pertinent to mental health and covers the entire life span across settings. The eminent resource person from Psychology, Psychiatry, Medicine, Education and Economics are part of this conference. National and International Invited speakers and participants are from USA, Spain, Australia, South Africa , New Zealand and China are joining us via. Zoom also. The three days conference started with pre- conference workshop on 5 th Feb 2023 on CBT by Dr. kadhiravan, COE &HoD Dept. of Psychology, Periyar University and Psychodrama by Magdalene Jayrarathnam , East-West center for Counselling. The International conference is hosting 500 participants namelystudents, scholars, professionals and academicians across globe.
Q3 Performance – Impressive feat: Revenue rises 62% over FY20 to INR 118 Crores, Footfalls over 9 Lakhs
Wonderla Holidays Limited, India’s largest Amusement Park chain has announced its financial results for the third quarter of the financial year ended 31 st December 2022. Highlights: Footfall surpasses pre-pandemic level. Achieved 28% growth in Footfalls compared to Q3 FY20. Bangalore Park recorded 3.21 lakhs footfalls (42% above Q3 FY20), Kochi Park recorded 3.16 lakhs footfalls (19% above Q3 FY20) and Hyderabad Park recorded 2.82 lakhs footfalls (23% above Q3 FY20). Double digit revenue growth across units, driven by robust footfall numbers. Sharp rebound in Resort performance. Highest ever occupancy at 72% and Revenue up by 71% compared to Q3 FY20. Quarter update: Footfalls for the Third Quarter ended 31 st December 2022 was 9.2 lakhs as against 7.2 lakhs during Q3 FY20. Footfall contribution from both the retail and institutional channels. Gross Revenue for the Third Quarter ended 31 st December 2022 was Rs.117.8 crores as against Rs.72.7 crores during Q3 FY20. EBITDA for the Third Quarter ended 31 st December 2022 was Rs.61 crores as against Rs.27.7 crores during Q3 FY20 Profit After Tax for the Third Quarter ended 31 st December 2022 was Rs.38.9 crores as against Rs.21 crores during Q3 FY20. Nine Months’ update: Footfalls for the Nine Months surpasses 25.1 lakhs as against 19.8 lakhs during the corresponding period of FY20. Positive and affirmative response from all the segments. Gross Revenue for the Nine Months ended 31 st December 2022 was Rs.339.8 crores as against Rs.238 crores during the corresponding period of FY20. EBITDA for the Nine Months ended 31 st December 2022 was Rs.178.3 crores as against Rs.108.6 Cr during the corresponding period of FY20. Profit After Tax for the Nine Months ended 31 st December 2022 was Rs.113.9 crores as against Rs.63.2 crores during the corresponding period of FY20. Recorded highest ever EPS since inception. Business Outlook: Commenting on the performance during the quarter, Mr. Arun K Chittilappilly, Managing Director said “We delivered a strong performance during the quarter. The significant boost in the number of visitors was due to the increase in domestic tourism, walk-in customers, and the revival of student excursion trips. Our success was attributed to a focus on attracting visitors through various segments such as Events, Ride Plus activities, F&B offerings, and efficient operations. We are happy with the overall business performance during the quarter and growth is expected to continue in the coming quarters. The construction of our new park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha has begun, and the aim is to open it by 2025.” 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, Bengaluru, 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
First DKMS clinical trial improves therapy for blood cancer patients
First DKMS clinical trial improves therapy for blood cancer patients. Faster transplantation Less drug-related side effects Reduced treatment costs Date, 4, 2023 – February 4, 2023 is World Cancer day, which focuses on the prevention, research and treatment of cancer. The first ever completed clinical trial facilitated and organized by DKMS that may be practice changing for patients suffering from AML (acute myeloid leukemia). Patients in urgent need of a stem cell transplant could be transplanted much faster – and benefit from shorter hospital stays as well as fewer side effects by not having to undergo lengthy high-dose chemotherapy. This important conclusion was reached by the researchers at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, the National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), and the University Hospital Münster (Germany). The trial was supported by the Study Alliance Leukemia (SAL), the Cooperative German Transplant Study Group, and the Gert and Susanna Mayer Foundation. The ASAP study was a Germany-wide randomized controlled trial in which 18 clinics participated. The goal was to get AML patients to stem cell transplantation as soon as possible without requiring complete remission before allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Attempting complete remission prior to transplantation has been considered the standard of care. “The surprising finding of the clinical trial was that patients did not benefit from a full course of chemotherapy prior to transplantation to induce complete remission. Rather the study suggests, that if a matched donor is available, 12 days of preparatory chemotherapy followed by immediate transplantation yields comparable treatment outcomes with fewer side effects and shorter hospital stays”, summarizes Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig who heads the Clinical Trials Unit of DKMS as well as the Stem Cell Transplantation Unit at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Germany. Patients worldwide can benefit If the results are translated into clinical practice, numerous patients worldwide may benefit in the future, as patients who urgently need a stem cell transplant could be transplanted much faster – without the stressful phase of salvage chemotherapy and long hospital stays. Even with intensive chemotherapy, the previously targeted complete remission can only be achieved in about 50 percent of patients. If the corresponding treatment is unsuccessful, most patients have so far received further anti-leukemic drugs with potentially burdensome side effects, depending on their overall state of health. Immediate transplantation could also allow more patients access to this potentially life-saving treatment. The results of the ASAP trial demonstrate that AML patients will have the same chances of cure in the future without having to be hospitalized longer than necessary and the cost of therapy will be significantly lower. Why is it important that DKMS as a non-profit organization funds clinical research? “It is our declared goal to improve the survival of people with blood cancer. To achieve this, it is essential to continuously develop existing forms of treatment and to constantly explore new approaches in blood cancer therapy. To fulfill our life-saving mission, we invest in science and research: with success, less side effects and hospital stays with equally good treatment results,” highlights Elke Neujahr, Global CEO DKMS. DKMS is an economically operating non-profit organization and its revenues go to social or scientific purposes. This way, the organization is able to financially support meaningful projects that help blood cancer patients around the world. “Often, sponsors of clinical research pursue economic interests. It is therefore less common to conduct a clinical trial that challenges a standard medical intervention than to investigate new therapeutic approaches. That’s why it’s necessary for non-profit organizations like DKMS to also conduct clinical research. This way, we can help ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment and that we actually advance patient care,” says Dr. Alexander Schmidt, Global Chief Medical Officer at DKMS. The organization also employs a wide range of programs and services to improve the access to transplantation for patients in low- and middle-income countries who would otherwise not receive treatment. For example, DKMS provides free HLA typing to identify family donors and funds stem cell transplantation for children with thalassemia in India to lessen the burden for patients and their families. The organization has also funded a transplant station in Bangalore where up to 120 children annually get their second chance at life. In Poland, DKMS is helping to ensure that hospitals are better equipped to treat leukemia patients. And in Chile, the lack of resources and infrastructure are main barriers for blood stem cell transplantation. There, the organization supports patients and the healthcare system so that more people can receive life-saving treatment. Details about the study and the link to the publication can be found here. Would you like to learn more about our commitment to medicine and research? Then visit our DKMS Professionals’ Platform. Publication: Stelljeset. al.: In Patients with Relapsed/Refractory AML Sequential Conditioning and Immediate Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HCT) Results in Similar Overall and Leukemia-Free Survival Compared to Intensive Remission Induction Chemotherapy Followed By Allo-HCT: Results from the Randomized Phase III ASAP Trial. Blood (2022) 140 (Supplement 1): 9-11.https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2022-159962 Videos: https://vimeo.com/dkmsglobal/asapengut (long version) https://vimeo.com/dkmsglobal/asapengshort1sub (short version) “Patients did not benefit from a full course of chemotherapy prior to transplantation,” Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig explains why the results of the ASAP-trial are a good message for patients. Photographs: Caption: Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig heads the Clinical Trials Unit of DKMS as well as the Stem Cell Transplantation Unit at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Germany. © Tobias Ebert for DKMS Caption: The DKMS Clinical Trials Unit was founded in 2013 by the stem cell donor center DKMS. Its goal is to advance medical and scientific progress in the field of blood cancer therapy in order to continuously improve the survival and chances of recovery of blood cancer patients. From left to right: Prof. Dr. Johannes Schetelig, Head of the DKMS Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) and Head of the Stem Cell Transplantation Unit at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden; Sarah Trost, Team Leader Clinical Trials of the CTU.© Tobias Ebert for DKMS Caption: The ASAP trial challenges
Dos and Don’ts for kidney transplant recipients
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Consultant – Nephrology & Renal Transplantation, Aster RV Hospital Lot of prominent personalities in India from various fields (cinema, politics) have undergone kidney transplantation surgery in the last few years. A very famous senior politician from Bihar has recently undergone kidney transplantation in Singapore with daughter being the donor. Since then, there is a lot of discussion and hype in the social media and mainstream media about the pros and cons of kidney transplantation. No doubt, kidney transplantation is the better modality of treatment for patients suffering from end stage kidney disease (permanent form of kidney failure). Alternative option is dialysis which has its pros and cons. However, kidney transplantation is also not devoid of all problems. Even though the quality of life is much better after kidney transplantation when compared to dialysis, the recipient has to be more careful, cautious and responsible after transplantation. To answer that, I am mentioning the dos and don’ts after kidney transplantation surgery. Do’s: Take plenty of oral fluids. During the initial days after transplantation, 3 to 5 litres of fluid intake is recommended. Take anti-rejection medications (immunosuppressive drugs) at appropriate dose and at appropriate time as prescribed by the doctor. Keep alarms or reminders in the mobile phone so that you will not skip any dose. Wear a surgical mask while going out, take boiled and cooled water. Take freshly prepared food from home. If you are non-vegetarian, cook the meat and fish properly before consuming. Regular exercise for 30 to 45 minutes a day for at least 5 days in a week (total of 150 minutes in a week). Brisk walking, running, cycling and swimming can be considered. You can get back to your job, three months after the transplantation surgery if the clinical status is stable. Regular follow up with the doctor as advised is very much important. During initial days, you may have to visit the doctor twice a week and the frequency of visit will reduce over a period of time. Your appetite increases considerably after the transplant. There is a risk of weight gain and developing diabetes and high cholesterol after kidney transplantation owing to the medicines used. Following a healthy diet is very important. Consume food rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains, lean meats, poultry and fish. Reduce the salt intake, reduce fatty foods and a high carbohydrate diet. Isolate yourself if any family member develops fever, cold and cough till their symptoms subsides. Don’ts: Avoid lifting heavy weights for at least one month after kidney transplantation surgery. Don’t skip anti-rejection medicine without the doctor’s advice. Non-compliance with medicines can trigger rejection. If you miss a dose, please take a tablet immediately when you remember it. Avoid NSAID’s (pain killers) and other nephrotoxic medications (medicines which can damage the kidneys). Always consult a nephrologist before taking any new medicine. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juices. Avoid pomegranate and its juice. Both these fruits will interact with the anti-rejection treatment. Certain antibiotics also interact with the anti-rejection treatment. Take the opinion of the treating nephrologist before taking it. Avoid half cooked meat. Avoid eating food from outside or getting food parcels from outside and consuming it. Avoid crowded places like visiting malls, religious worship places, and family functions. Be careful while using the public transport system especially in the early stages. Avoid too many visitors during the initial days after surgery as there is increased risk of infection. In our country, it is a common practice for friends, relatives, and neighbors to pay a courtesy visit to a person after any major illness. That should be strictly avoided. Immunosuppressive medications are given to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. If you miss a dose, it can lead to rejection. At the same time, these medicines reduce your body immunity and thereby increase the risk of infection. Strict adherence to infection control practices is of utmost importance. Finding the right balance between these two factors determines the success of transplantation.
Procter & Gamble Health Announces Half Yearly Results
Sales up by 11% for quarter ended December 31, 2022 Procter & Gamble Health Limited today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. The company has recorded a robust performance with sales of ₹ 304.7 crores for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, vs ₹ 273.3 crores a year ago, up by 11%. The Profit After Tax (PAT) was ₹ 76.8 crores vs ₹ 44.9 crores a year ago, supported by improved margin through portfolio premiumisation, healthy mix and optimization of expenses. Sales for the six-month period ending December 31, 2022, are ₹ 596.6 crores, vs ₹ 541.0 crores a year ago, up by 10%. Profit After Tax for same period is ₹ 140.5 crore vs ₹ 100.2 crore a year ago up by 40%. Mr. Milind Thatte, Managing Director, P&G Health India, said, “We delivered sales of ₹ 596.6 crores for half year, up by 10% over year ago, despite macroeconomic challenges, including rising inflation and high input costs. We have witnessed consistent growth over the second quarter and an overall promising first half of the year. Our encouraging financial results in the second quarter can be attributed to our core belief of bringing care closer to patients through innovative approaches. With continued focus on the health and wellness of patients and consumers, we launched Polybion A injection, a new and improved formulation, which can help doctors effectively manage the recovery of their patients, while giving a good boost to energy levels. On World Iron Deficiency Day, P&G Health in partnership with FOGSI (The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India) initiated the ‘Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra’, a 40-day Bus Yatra across 20 cities and 5 states to create awareness on Iron Deficiency Anemia. As a leader in Nerve Health and a partner to International Diabetes Federation, on World Diabetes Day 2022, P&G Health launched a large-scale collective awareness effort on Peripheral Neuropathy which was recognized among India’s top diabetes campaigns by Obesity International. The quarter also saw recognition of our Brand and Citizenship efforts through the prestigious awards – (1) CIMS Annual Wellness and Nutrition Awards ‘Trusted Brand of the Year’ (Polybion), (2) CIMS Annual Wellness and Nutrition Awards ‘Health and Wellness Product of the Year’ (Neurobion), (3) India Health & Wellness Awards ‘Gold’ for Health Awareness Campaign of the year (Neurobion ‘Feel Life’ and Livogen ‘LetHerBreakFree’) and (4) India Health & Wellness Awards ‘Silver’ (SEHAT Public Health Initiative). This has further encouraged us in our commitment to serve Indian consumers and empower them to live healthier and more vibrant lives,” he added. About Procter & Gamble Health Limited: Procter & Gamble Health Limited is one of India’s largest VMS companies manufacturing and marketing vitamins, minerals, and supplements products for a healthy lifestyle and improved quality of life, including Neurobion, Livogen, SevenSeas, Evion, Polybion and Nasivion. Please visit www.pghealthindia.com for the latest news and information about Procter & Gamble Health Limited and its brands. About Procter & Gamble: P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. P&G operates in approximately 70 countries worldwide.
EESL makes headway in promoting energy efficiency across Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand markets after signing of MoU with IMT-GT JBC
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of Public Sector Undertakings under the Ministry of Power, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business Council (IMT-GT JBC) Malaysia at India Energy Week (IEW) to further promote the adoption of energy efficiency and sustainable practices in the region. As part of this strategic partnership, EESL will provide technical advisory, project management support, contracting and implementation support to execute select energy efficiency programmes from its portfolio with proven track records of successful implementation. The MoU was signed Mr. Vishal Kapoor, CEO, EESL, Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad as well as other dignitaries from IMT-GT & EESL in the august presence of High Commissioner of India to Malaysia Shri B.N. Reddy, Additional Secretary Shri Ajay Tiwari Ministry of Power, Government of India. Under this partnership, EESL will implement Rooftop Solar, LED Street Light Project, Electric Mobility, UJALA, and Building Energy Efficiency Programme in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. EESL will also collaborate with IMT-GT JBC Malaysia to identify opportunities for saving energy and lowering carbon emissions. Additionally, the IMT-GT JBC Malaysia will identify other new interventions to achieve its targets under Green City Action Plans 2022-2025 and assist EESL for various sector-led negotiations as well as provide support for the successful roll out of energy efficiency projects in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Speaking about the agreement Mr. Vishal Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer, EESL said, “EESL is steadfast in its commitment to provide universal access to energy efficiency through affordable and innovative solutions. Building on our brand commitment, we have collaborated with the esteemed Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle Joint Business Council. EESL has pioneered energy efficiency improvement across India and empowered millions of people through its services. Our partnership with IMT-GT will further promote sustainable growth across businesses and make energy efficiency central to the growth trajectory of all the cities under the council.” Commenting on the strategic partnership, Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad, Director, IMT-GT Joint Business Council, Malaysia added, “We are excited to partner with EESL, whose expertise in streamlining energy efficiency and related practices in India is well known. Today, nations all across the globe have realized the value of sustainable development and the need to reduce carbon emissions to safeguard the ecological balance of the planet. Our partnership with EESL is a testament of our efforts to promote low carbon and climate resilient development powered by renewable sources as well as energy efficient measures.” About Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) A joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, Rural Electrification Corporation and POWERGRID, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) was set up under the Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. EESL is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO) that seeks to unlock energy efficiency market in India, estimated at Rs. 74,000 crore that can potentially result in energy savings of up to 20 per cent of current consumption, by way of innovative business and implementation models. It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs, ERCs, SDAs, upcoming ESCOs, financial institutions, etc. About IMT-GT Joint Business Council (IMT-GT JBC) Malaysia IMT-GT is positioned as part of the ASEAN building block, linking ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy with IMT-GT Sustainable Urban Development Framework 2019 – 2036 (SUDF). To leverage on the IMT-GT, a Joint Business Council (IMT-GT JBC) Malaysia was established and formally incorporated in 2021 to formulate robust business strategies, expand its membership base, augment its panel of professional and specialised services, act as a the secretariate of the IMT-GT, among others. The IMT-GT JBC Malaysia has the vision of becoming the leading body to spearhead the private sector in Malaysia to exploit and benefit from trade and investment opportunities in IMT-GT. To realise the vision, IMT-GT JBC’s mission is to promote participation of the private sector in Malaysia, promote domestic and foreign direct investment in IMT-GT, provide investor-focused services, forge international, national and subnational partnerships to attract investments and provide top-notch and out-of-the-box business services and policy solutions for the private sector in Malaysia.
The season of love just got lovelier!
February brings the season of romance and love as Valentine’s Day takes center stage! Taj Hotels present an exciting array of dining and stay options to make your Valentine’s Day special this year! Taj Coromandel LA PATISSERIE, the city’s favourite Cake Shop & Delicatessen at Taj Coromandel, offers an exotic range of goodies, specially crafted by Chef Ravi Varma. Add to the romance with edible bouquets of marshmallows & dark chocolate ganache, bouquet of doughnuts & berries, or the beautiful ‘I Love U’ chocolate rose bouquet. Woo your valentine with delicious heart-shaped cakes like Red velvet, Raspberry Praline, Strawberry, and Stack cakes (Berry /Rose / orange & caramel / Hazelnut / Chocolate). Guests can also choose from the ever-romantic Valentine goodies like a set of personalized cupcakes; set of edible personalized chocolate mugs; name embossed dual chocolate heart; box of personalized macaroons; and a box of hand-rolled rose truffles. La Patisserie, Taj Coromandel | February 10-14 | For further information please call +91 44 66002827 The city’s most stylish Italian restaurant, PREGO at Taj Coromandel invites you to an indulgent Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart! Indulge in a candle-lit dinner with your loved one as you immerse in the culinary delights from Italy like Zuppa Di Patate E Porri Di Pollo (Chicken dumpling, potatoes, leeks, thyme); Ravioli Di Spinaci E Ricotta (Half-Moon Shaped Ravioli, Garlic Spinach and Ricotta, Brown Butter); Spaghetti Carbonara (Egg Yolk, Crispy Pancetta and Pecorino Romano Cheese); Pizza Al Pesto Di Pollo (Pesto, Grilled Chicken, Peppers); Gamberoni Alla Griglia (Grilled king prawns, sautéed puy lentils); Costoletta D’agnello Alle Erbe (Grilled New Zealand lamb chops, sauté spinach, mushroom bolognaise, lamb jus); Medaglioni Di Bufalo Con Jus Di Pepe Rosa (Grilled Buffalo tournedos, truffle mash, buttered peas, pepper jus); Raspberry chocolate pot de crème; Strawberry stack cakes; and Lemonchillo tiramisu. Savour the meal accompanied by premium wine as you enjoy the soothing live music in the background. What’s more, after the lovely dinner take home souvenirs of photo frames of some special moments, and teddy chocolates! Prego, Taj Coromandel | Dinner | INR 6000++ per couple | For further information please call +91 44 66002827. For those who wish to make it more special, go for the bespoke dining experience by the POOLSIDE! Romance your valentine with a special Valentine’s Day experience that starts with the couple being driven to the restaurant in a luxury car for a romantic candlelit seven-course dinner. Choose your favorite spot by the poolside, get pampered by a dedicated butler on the table, and revel in a specially crafted customized menu with a bottle of Champagne and select premium beverages. You also get to take home a lovely Valentine hamper and a photo frame of loved moments. This wonderful Valentine Day experience by the Poolside is priced at INR 100000++ per couple. For further information please call +91 44 66002827 Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa Come February and the colour of the season changes to romance! Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa presents an exciting evening to make your Valentine’s Day special this year! Whisk your partner away to the beautifully fascinating WATCH TOWER for an exquisite private dinner overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This experience begins the moment the guest enters the hotel. A charming cart drives the guest to the venue through the lush green landscaping and hotel cottages. A personal butler receives the guests in the quintessential Taj Fisherman’s Cove tradition with a welcome drink and shell garlands and helps you get comfortable in the tranquil setting of the machan (thatch-roofed space on stilts) overlooking the gorgeous waters. Revel in your private nook and reclaim your romance amidst a flower and candle inspired décor, while savoring a four-course customized meal specially prepared by the chef live! Celebrate this day of love with the wide variety of wine and spirits, while relaxing on the lap of Mother Nature by the bay. This experience is priced at INR 60,000 plus taxes onwards per couple, for more details, please call +91 44 6741 3333. Indulge in a romantic dining experience with fine cuisine in the soothing ambience of the UPPER DECK at Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa. Savour a 6-course classic European menu paired with wine, and enjoy live entertainment. February 14 | Upper Deck | Dinner | For more details, please call +91 44 6741 3333. Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway Celebrate the day of love with this beautiful opportunity of indulging your partner with a delightful Valentine’s Day experience at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway. Romance your Valentine with a stay at the Executive Poolview Room with a themed décor including strawberries and a bottle of bubbly. Dine under the stars as you savour an exquisite 7-course meticulously crafted meal by Chef Kannan, by the pool deck. The experience comes with a complimentary pick-up and drop by a Chauffeur-driven lux MUV. February 14 | Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway | | INR 50,000 (all-inclusive) per couple with a bottle of Moet Chandon Champagne | For further information please call +91 44 6680 2500. Light up this Valentine’s Day with a special romantic dinner at SIAN, the contemporary Chinese restaurant at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway. Spend a wonderful time with your loved one as you sip on your favourite beverage and savour Chef’s Sichian Sizzlers at Sian, – a 7-course Chef’s Tasting Menu by Chef Kalyan, served on sizzling plates. Savour Lobster tail, Soft Shell Crabs, Duck roasts galore, Seafood dumpling, Xoscallop, Prawn ShiuMai, Sizzling Spare ribs, and much more! February 14 | Sian, Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway | Dinner only | INR 4500 (all-inclusive) per couple (non-alcoholic); INR 6500 (all-inclusive) per couple with a glass each of Moet Chandon Champagne | For further information please call +91 44 6680 2500. Celebrate this special day at MYNT, the all-day diner at Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway with an aphrodisiac buffet designed by Chef Aswini, as you enjoy live music! The buffet includes Oyster bar, Mezze bar, Doner kebab, Shawarma on the Rotisol, on-site action stations of Seafood grills and Carving station of Saddle of Lamb, and a decadent Chocolate bar. February 14 | Mynt, Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway | Dinner only | INR 4500 (all-inclusive) per couple (non-alcoholic); INR 6500 (all-inclusive) per couple with a glass each of Moet Chandon Champagne | For further information please call +91 44 6680 2500.
Cervical Cancer: Why women need to be vaccinated
Dr. Rohit Kumar C, Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, HIPEC & PIPAC Specialist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore Cervical cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer among women. Every year January is observed as Cervical cancer awareness month to raise knowledge about the disease’s signs, symptoms and preventive measures and call to action to increase efforts to curb its incidences. Even though cervical cancer is curable, it remains the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with India contributing to one-fourth of these cases. What are the factors that cause cervical cancer among women? The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common factor that causes cervical cancer among women. This virus usually takes 15-20 years from the contraction stage to cancer development. Individuals diagnosed with cervical cancer develop a precancerous condition called dysplasia which, when left untreated, leads to cancer. Most women contract this virus during their reproductive age with or without any symptoms. Most HPV infections clear without any interventions within two years. Only when the virus integrates with the cells, it progresses to cervical cancer, making regular screening and vaccination essential for women. What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer? Common signs and symptoms of the disease include – Abnormal bleeding –If you are experiencing excessive bleeding after intercourse, during the menstrual cycle and in-between periods, you must seek immediate attention and evaluation. Postmenopausal bleeding – If vaginal bleeding occurs more than a year after your last period, you must undergo a complete evaluation of your uterus and cervix to rule out the emergence of cervical cancer. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge – While this is a sign of vaginal infection, however, vaginal discharge emitting a foul odour could also be a sign of cervical cancer. Severe strain in lower-back strain –This often occurs in advanced stages of cervical cancer. How early screening and HPV vaccination can prevent you from cervical cancer? It is widely recommended that women between the ages of 21-65 should undergo regular pap smears once every three years. In case you have been screened with the HPV DNA along with a pap smear (Dual testing) after 25 years of age, then this screening interval can be increased to 5 years. Currently, the most effective way to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer is HPV vaccination. These vaccines are administered to girls between the ages of 9-14 and have proven effective in reducing the incidence of precancerous lesions and cancer. Additionally, teenagers and women aged 15-45 who have not received these vaccines during their childhood can take HPV vaccines only after discussion with their physician, because its effectivity in them is not like in young teenagers. The usual dosage for young girls is two doses at an interval of 6 months and for teenagers and women is three doses. It is important to consult your physician before taking the HPV vaccine. The HPV virus can also cause other types of cancers, such as anal cancer, vulval cancer, vaginal cancer & head and neck cancer; therefore, all young women should get vaccinated. Lastly, following safe sexual practices can help reduce the risk of developing an HPV infection and thus cancer. The World Health Assembly adopted the global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. The definition of elimination of cervical cancer has been set up as a country reaching the threshold of less than 4 cases of cervical cancer per 100 000 women per year. To reach this threshold by the end of 21st century, WHO has set up the 90-70-90 targets to be reached by 2030 and to be maintained. 90% of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age 15; 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35, and again by 45 years of age; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with pre-cancer treated; 90% of women with invasive cancer managed).