Archive: September 30, 2020

News

Need to ensure good quality healthcare, accessible and affordable for all: Vice President of India

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Dr Alok Roy, #Dr Harsh Mahajan, #Dr Sangita Reddy, #FICCI HEAL 2020, #Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu

Mumbai, 30th September 2020: Mr M Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble Vice President of India today acknowledged the role of private hospitals in rising to the occasion and battling COVID-19. He also urged the private sector to take full advantage of the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan and give a fillip to the manufacturing of various medical devices.

Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day ‘FICCI HEAL-2020’ virtually, Mr Naidu said, “We have to make available good quality healthcare, accessible and affordable to all. We must capitalize on the core competence of each stakeholder in the country. We must also draw best from the world to strengthen our healthcare delivery system.”

Mr Naidu further urged the private sector to come forward and expand its footprint through public-private partnership and set-up modern healthcare facilities in the rural areas. “Private players have added to the capacity and capability of our healthcare system in the country. They will continue to play an important role in augmenting the infrastructure and skills in the sector. There has to be a collaborative effort from the industry and the civil society in supporting the government’s initiatives,” he emphasized.

Highlighting the potential of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Vice President added that with the expansion of the healthcare sector, the public and private hospitals, the demand for pharmaceutical products, medical devices and equipment will increase in the coming years.

Mr. Naidu also complimented FICCI members who have not only been sharing the best practices and solutions to combat the pandemic but have been supporting the government in augmenting healthcare facilities. He appreciated the role of private hospitals by offering their facilities, manpower, and equipment in the treatment of COVID and non-COVID patients during this crucial hour.

“The current pandemic has also created opportunities to transform our healthcare delivery system including new care delivery models with a focus on preventive and primary care, use of advanced technologies, home care facilities,” he said.

Mr. Naidu said that the world’s largest health coverage program, the Ayushman Bharat, is now being expanded to every section of the country. “This would ensure that much larger section of uncovered population including informal sector workers are provided health coverage,” he said.

Emphasizing on the need of adopting the traditional Indian lifestyle, Mr Naidu added that this pandemic has taught us the overriding importance of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. “We have to follow the concepts of ‘Dinacharya’ – daily regime and ‘Ritucharya’ – seasonal regime to maintain a healthy life. Fitness coupled with a balanced diet is essential to stave off illness. I suggest that Yoga and meditation should become part of daily time-table along with sports in schools and colleges once normalcy returns,” he stated.

Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said, “At no other time in the world has health care been so centre stage. At no other time have the problems been so intense and required us to innovate, ideate and collaborate.”

Dr Alok Roy, Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee and Chairman, Medica Group of Hospitals said that the private healthcare sector has been the bedrock of capacity and capabilities in India. FICCI has been working very closely with the government and the industry on the response to COVID-19 including recommendations on workable strategy and facilitation of logistics

Dr Harsh Mahajan, Co-Chair, FICCI Health Services Committee & Founder and Chief Radiologist, Mahajan Imaging Centre said that the deliberations during the three-day FICCI HEAL 2020 will lead to better diagnostic and treatment outcomes for patients and help in controlling the pandemic.

Business World

Centaur Pharmaceuticals launches for the first time in the world – a New Chemical Entity (NCE)–‘WOXHeal®’ in the treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Centaur Pharmaceuticals, #Diabetic foot ulcer, #DPOCL. WOXheal®, #Dr Dirk Kaiser, #Dr. Mark-Andre Freyberg, #Mr. S. D. Sawant, #WOXheal®

Mumbai, September 2020: Centaur Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of a New Chemical Entity (NCE) – WOXheal® – for the first time in the world. With its dual mechanism of action, WOXheal® is a unique product in the treatment of Diabetic Foot ulcers, and it will save millions of Diabetics who have to undergo foot amputation globally.

WHO predicts that there will be 10 crore Indians with Diabetes in the next 10 years. Amongst other complications of Diabetes; Diabetic foot ulcer is the most common complication seen in India. Apart from the fact that diabetic foot ulcers are non-healing, they not only hamper the Quality of life of the patient but may also lead to complications such as wet gangrene, cellulitis, abscess and necrotizing fasciitis all leading to a total or partial foot amputation. Data indicates that 25% of people with Diabetes, will develop a Diabetic Foot Ulcer in their lifetime. 1 in 5 Diabetics who are hospitalised due to severe foot infection, undergo a foot amputation affecting the livelihood of the family.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. S. D. Sawant, Chairman and MD of Centaur Pharmaceuticals, said, “We, at Centaur Pharmaceuticals, were deeply concerned with the alarming rate of foot amputations in India, and wanted to discover a drug to prevent it. Fifteen years ago, we collaborated with CytoTools AG, Germany, who had this promising molecule for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. We are very happy to offer this ray of hope to people with Diabetic foot ulcer in India.”

A globally patented product, WOXheal® topical solution, is effective in treating diabetic foot ulcers. WOXheal® contains the NCE, Diperoxochloric acid, also called as DPOCL. WOXheal® has a dual mechanism of action, i.e. it has functional antibacterial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and it also promotes the growth of fibroblast cells, thereby yielding complete wound closure.

Randomized clinical trials conducted across India in over 15 clinical trial centres on WOXheal® elucidated that over 90% patients with non-healing diabetic foot ulcer showed a reduction in the size of the ulcer, and 75% out of these patients achieved complete healing within 6-8 weeks without any safety issue. The data and outcomes of the trial were submitted to the Indian Regulatory Authority and a manufacturing and marketing approval was granted to Centaur Pharmaceuticals for WOXheal®.

Dr. Mark-Andre Freyberg, the co-innovator of WOXheal® and the Chief Executive Officer of CytoTools AG, Germany said: ” WOXheal® has completed Phase III clinical trials in India and demonstrated rapid and effective wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, a condition that is notoriously difficult to treat.”

Dr Dirk Kaiser, the co-innovator of WOXheal® and the Chief Scientific Officer of CytoTools AG, Germany said: “WOXheal® is a novel drug born out of Indo-German collaboration and it will change the way Diabetic Foot Ulcer management is done and will help prevent amputation.” Dr Kaiser also added that phase III clinical trials were ongoing in Europe and the results from phase II clinical trials were similar to Indian clinical trials.

This pioneering effort by Centaur Pharmaceuticals, for an unmet medical need, enhances India’s stature as a self-reliant nation and a Pharma super-power. WOXheal® will be readily available in the entire country by the end of the month.

Business World

Pega India Expands Leadership Team with Deepak Visweswaraiah and Cynthia S Srinivas

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Cynthia S Srinivas, #Deepak Visweswaraiah, #Mr. Suman Reddy, #Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA)

Pegasystems Inc. (NASDAQ: PEGA), the software company empowering digital transformation at the world’s leading enterprises, expanded its India Leadership team with two new leaders, Deepak Visweswaraiah, vice president, platform engineering, and Cynthia S.Srinivas, vice president, technical service operations. The senior appointments fortify Pega’s commitment to driving growth and deliver digital transformation for its clients.

Mr. Visweswaraiah joins Pega from NetApp, where he served as SVP of engineering and managing director at NetApp India. He is a technology veteran with over 30 years of experience in the enterprise software development industry. He has held executive leadership roles in some of the most successful companies in the tech industry, including Dell EMC and i2 Technologies, and was the chief driving force behind establishing global in-house centres (GICs) for several multi-national companies. Mr. Visweswaraiah will lead the development of Pega Platform and help continue to evolve the software with innovative capabilities.

Ms. Srinivas is an engineering leader with 30 years of experience in product delivery and operations, spanning various technology industries. She joins Pega from Intuit India, where she served as an engineering leader in the Platform Engineering organization and was responsible for building foundational cloud hosting capabilities. In her previous roles with NetApp and [24]7.ai, Cynthia has led global engineering charters out of Bangalore. She will lead Pega’s Technical Systems and Operations (TSO) engineering in India and help accelerate Pega’s ‘as-a-service’ capabilities.

Quotes & Commentary

“As our clients look to us to help accelerate their digital transformation, Pega India continues to add exceptional talent to accelerate our own product innovation,” said Mr. Suman Reddy, managing director, Pegasystems India. “This expansion of our leadership team with Deepak and Cynthia’s wealth of experience will help support Pega’s growth trajectory and as-a-service business model. I look forward to seeing both these leaders contribute to our mission of helping our clients deliver superior customer experiences in the days ahead.”

Health

Oasis Fertility’s groundbreaking initiative to beat COVID apprehensions with IVF @ Home

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #‘IVF @ Home.’, #Dr Durga G Rao, #Dr Krishna, #Mr Kiran Gadela, #Oasis Fertility

Oasis Fertility – leaders infertility care, announced the unveiling of a groundbreaking initiative, ‘IVF @ Home’ to beat the COVID apprehensions and fears patients have while seeking treatment at Hospitals, in these unprecedented times. This is the first such initiative in the country, where IVF is being provided at the doorstep of the fertility care seeker.

The section of the population impacted significantly by COVID are couples aspiring to be parents through IVF treatment. However, the pandemic compelled them to postpone the decision and continue to do so even now as the fear of COVID infection hasn’t subsided and apprehensions of visiting a hospital continue. Most couples opting for IVF treatment are those who exhausted all other options of conceiving children, in the process would have frittered away valuable years, some even crossing their prime reproductive years. Any further delay in seeking IVF care may permanently close the window of opportunity for many, as they would get biologically older to bear healthy offspring. To address the concerns and fulfil the dreams of such aspiring parents, Oasis Fertility is launching the ‘IVF @ Home.’

“Infertility is a global public health issue and in India, one in 6 couples suffer from infertility, the chances of a woman getting pregnant actually deteriorates with every passing month, as fertility is time-sensitive, hence it is believed that couples who make it to a fertility clinic immediately after trying to have a baby naturally for a year have got higher chances for conception. It’s also a fact that a woman with a positive attitude has a higher chance of getting pregnant than a woman who has stress. A recent study found that women with high levels of alpha-amylase, an enzyme that correlates with stress, have a harder time getting pregnant” says Dr Durga G Rao, Medical Director and Co-Founder, Oasis Fertility.

“There are no signs of COVID subsiding and makes sense for couples to not to delay having a baby any further. We realized the main concern of patients is being scared to seek IVF treatments during COVID times, the delay in having a baby is creating undue stress, therefore we came up with a very innovative, unique and first of its kinds idea of offering all our deserving patients a solution of IVF treatment at home, Dr Durga G Rao adds.

Oasis Fertility has framed a comprehensive SOP for providing care through IVF @ home, from the insights gained over a decade in treating patients. As per the SOP, treatment will be provided at the patient’s home through contactless patient engagement, the visits to the Clinic are restricted now. A dedicated Nursing Manager will render customized, flexible White Gloves Medical Support and ensure periodic Virtual Doctor Consultations. The nurse assigned to each patient is trained to carry out treatment protocols at the patient’s home. IVF journey during pre COVID period involved about 14 to 16 visits by the patient to the clinic, prior to embryo transfer to the women. The visits to Clinic through IVF @ home, are now curtailed to four including for Ultrasound scans, while the rest of the treatment is rendered at home.

Dr Sandeep, Clinical Head, Oasis Fertility, says, “This is definitely a forward-thinking initiative to reach out to the patients in the current unprecedented circumstances and fulfil their dreams of parenthood in the secure confines of their homes. The protocols are framed scrupulously to be breach-proof as we take IVF treatment out of the clinic to the patient’s doorstep.”

Mr Kiran Gadela, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Oasis Fertility, says “Oasis Fertility has been in the forefront of innovation and clinical excellence, during COVID times we have created some robust SOP’s to treat our patients as the safety of the patients is our highest concern. We are launching this very unique initiative of IVF @Home, to enable patients to avail the opportunity of fertility treatment from the comfort of their homes.

A dedicated Nursing manager will be allocated who keeps monitoring the treatment remotely with virtual consultations with our doctors and a nurse would be deployed at patients home to monitor, give injections and get the investigations done from the comfort of the patients home, we also would be extending white gloves medical support to the patients at home.“

Dr Krishna, Scientific Head and Chief Embryologist, Oasis Fertility; says “We are very excited to launch IVF @ Home which can bring smiles to thousands of childless couples who have always desired to have a child, but due to COVID scare are not venturing out. With this, the stimulation, monitoring, injections all part of IVF Care will be done at home, the only occasions when the patient has to visit the Clinic are for the egg pick up and its transfer.

Business World

Renewable Energy Jobs Continue Growth to 11.5 Million Worldwide

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Francesco La Camera., #International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), #IRENA

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, September 2020: Renewable energy continues to bring socio-economic benefits by creating numerous jobs worldwide, according to the latest figures released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) today. The seventh edition of Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review shows that jobs in the sector reached 11.5 million globally last year, led by solar PV with some 3.8 million jobs, or a third of the total.

“Adopting renewables creates jobs and boosts local income in both developed and developing energy markets,” said IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera. “While today we see a handful of countries in the lead, each country can harness its renewable potential, take steps to leverage local capabilities for industrial development, and train its workers.”

Last year, sixty-three per cent of all renewables jobs were recorded in Asia, confirming the region’s status as a market leader, the new report reveals. Biofuels jobs followed closely behind solar PV, reaching 2.5 million. Many of these jobs are in the agricultural supply chain, particularly in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, with labour-intensive operations. Other large employers in the renewables sector are the hydropower and wind industries, with close to 2 million and 1.2 million jobs, respectively.

Renewables jobs have shown more inclusion and a better gender balance than fossil fuels. The report highlights that women held 32 per cent of total renewables jobs, as opposed to 21 per cent in fossil fuels sectors.

Although precise estimates remain scarce and absolute numbers are small for now, off-grid renewables are creating growing employment, led by solar technology. Decentralised renewable energy can also propel productive uses in rural areas. This job multiplier effect can be seen in farming and food processing, healthcare, communications, and local commerce.

Comprehensive policies, led by education and training measures, labour market interventions, and industrial policies that support the leveraging of local capacities, are essential for sustaining the renewables jobs expansion.

The 2020 edition of the Annual Review highlights promising initiatives to support the education and training of workers. Such efforts revolve around vocational training, curricula-building, teacher training, the use of information and communications technology, promotion of innovative public-private partnerships, and recruitment of under-represented groups such as women.

Policymakers must also prioritise reskilling for fossil fuel sector workers who have lost or are at risk of losing their livelihoods. Many have considerable skills and expertise to contribute to a reoriented, clean energy industry.

The world has seen encouraging growth in renewables jobs. But it can bring about much larger employment by adopting a comprehensive policy framework that drives the energy transition. Never has the importance of such a push been clearer than at this momentous juncture. Even as the world is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, humanity receives near-daily reminders of what lies in store if we fail to address the gathering climate disruptions.

The need to chart a different course is undeniable, as are the benefits to be reaped. IRENA’s recently-released Post-COVID Recovery Agenda found that an ambitious stimulus programme could create up to 5.5 million more jobs over the next three years than a business-as-usual approach. Such an initiative would also allow the world to stay on track for creating the 42 million renewables jobs that the agency’s Global Renewables Outlook projects for 2050.

Business World

Private sector should join PM Jan Arogya Yojana to deliver tertiary care: Cabinet Secretary Public health to be the focus of PPP: Former Secretary, MoEF&CC

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Dr Sangita Reddy, #FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’, #Mr CK Mishra, #Mr Rajiv Gauba, #PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

Mr Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary, Government of India today said that in just two years after its launch, the PM Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) movement has become a hugely successful platform for delivering tertiary care to some of the most vulnerable sections of our population.

Addressing webinar on ‘FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’, during the three-day ‘HEAL-2020’, Mr Gauba urged the private sector to come forward and join the PM Jan Arogya Yojana movement. “The private sector hospitals, particularly the big groups should come forward and join this platform,” he said.

Mr Gauba said that as a country we have emerged from a state of total dependence on imports to being exporters of COVID-19 necessary medical items. “Today we have 187 labs in the government sector and 749 private testing labs for COVID testing,” he added.

He further stated that the larger challenge of making healthcare affordable and accessible will continue to be with us even after the COVID-19 situation. “We need to improve our health infrastructure by coming up with innovative solutions, new approaches so that healthcare delivery can improve, especially at the last mile. We must improve healthcare indicators and make them comparable to the developing countries,” added Mr Gauba.

“I urge FICCI and the healthcare industry to launch mass awareness on COVID-19 appropriate behaviour as economic activities open up. With the advent of the festival season and winter it’s extremely important that people don’t let their guard down, he further added.

Mr Gauba also complimented FICCI in recognizing excellence in the healthcare sector. “The awards are a recognition of not only the outstanding work done by individuals and institutions but, in fact, the entire fraternity of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals,” he said.

Mr CK Mishra, Former Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt of India said that the private sector has proven to the world that India is the hub of providing best cost-effective treatment. “As a country, we have moved ahead, the speed or the destination can be questioned but the fact that we are taking the correct path cannot be denied. It is time to celebrate the success and good work and move ahead,” he said.

Emphasizing on the importance of PPP, Mr Mishra added that healthcare is a partnership between the private and public sector along with the pooling of resources from both sides in taking the country ahead. “It is the government’s responsibility to create a platform to facilitate this. The private sector participation adds value to the entire spectrum of public health which should be at the core of our belief,” he added.

Mr Mishra said, “We (the public and private sector) must look closely at promoting public health. We should not be looking at a society where we are too eager to treat a sick man but not that eager to push preventive health. Public health should be at the centre of what we do,” he said.

Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said that there has been no time in the history that healthcare has been so centre-stage. “We must collectively ideate, build new solutions and stand up to serve in the face of all kinds of adversities. India has handled the COVID crisis with tremendous innovation, bravery, alacrity and has come together in a way that we can all actually be very proud of,” she said.

Dr Reddy further said that the award ceremony is to celebrate the COVID-19 heroes of the healthcare sector. The concepts of innovation, sustainability, impact and scalability are very critical parameters. FICCI HEAL is a confluence of the best minds in healthcare, she added.

Dr Narottam Puri, Advisor, FICCI Health Services Committee; Former Chairman-NABH; Advisor- Medical Operations, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, said that the Healthcare Excellence Awards have evolved as the most credible and coveted in the healthcare sector in a short span of time. “It has taken us a long journey of trying to keep modifying the awards from time to time in keeping up with the traditions of the practices,” he stated.

Mr Dilip Chenoy, Secretary-General, FICCI said that excellence in healthcare awards are special and relevant during these times. “Over the years we have been able to create a credible platform that not only recognizes but provides a fillip for further innovation and excellence in healthcare,” he added.

List of winners – 12thFICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards: 

Winners – Individual Categories

Sr  Category  Name  Designation  Organization/ Location 
1. Lifetime Achievement Award Prof K Srinath Reddy President Public Health Foundation of India
2. Healthcare Personality of the Year Dr Preetha Reddy Vice Chairperson Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited
2. Healthcare Personality of the Year Dr Om Prakash Manchanda Managing Director Dr Lal PathLabs Ltd
4. Healthcare Humanitarian Award Dr Ravindra & Smita Kolhe Social activist Melghat, Maharashtra
5. Special Award for COVID 19 Dr Camilla Rodrigues Consultant Microbiologist, Chairperson Infection Control Committee P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre
6. Special Award for COVID 19 Ms Minimole Varghese Chief Nursing Officer Fortis Hospital, Mulund

 

Winners – General Categories 

Sr  Category  Winner (S) 
1. Excellence in Scaling-up of Manufacturing for COVID demand Vanguard Diagnostics Private Limited
2. Excellence in Hospital Preparedness for COVID 19 – Hospital 1. Apollo Hospitals Chennai
2. Christian Medical College, Vellore
2. Excellence in Hospital Preparedness for COVID 19 – Standalone Diagnostic Centre or Blood Bank Max Lab, Saket
4. Excellence in Home Healthcare HealthCare atHOME India Pvt Ltd.
5. Excellence in Telemedicine/ Digital Health Aster DM Healthcare
6. Innovative Medical Device/ Technology Translumina Therapeutics LLP
7 Excellence in Capacity Building Apollo MedSkills Limited
8 Excellence in Social Initiative Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences
News

Kooku OTT APP Launches Latest Web Series ‘Jal Bin Machli’

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Jal Bin Machli, #Kooku OTT App, #Mr. Harshvardhan Joshi

September 2020: Kooku OTT App has launched its latest web series ‘Jal Bin Machli’. The script of these four episodes web series captures fantasy, mystery and romance.

The protagonists in this web series are continuously exploring relationships in their unending quest for finding love.

‘Jal Bin Machli’ has been released by Kooku OTT App as per its September monthly calendar of the release of new programs. Kooku OTT App had earlier announced release of three new web series during September 2020. The new series launched during September 2020 include My Girlfriend’s Love Story and Jal Bin Machali.

Announcement of the monthly calendar by Kooku OTT App was one of its kind initiatives to keep its subscribers abreast of forthcoming programs.

Web series from Kooku have been liked by the common man. Kooku OTT App has a lineup of successful web series like Golden Hole, SunoSasurji and Woh Teacher. In house script-writers of Kooku app write relatable stories thus appealing to the common man.

Elaborating on the viewer experience with Kooku OTT App, CEO Mr. Harshvardhan Joshi, said, “The programs of Kooku OTT App are being loved by audiences from tier I city to smaller towns, from teenagers to elderly people, and from both sides of the gender divide. We will keep bringing newer web series keeping the entertainment requirement of our audience in mind.”

Kooku OTT App was launched in January 2020 and has been offering popular programs on its platform. It has a line-up of hit programs titled Wife for Night, Office Scandal, She-Male, What the F!!!, Chutzpah and ShaadiVivah.

The appeal of Kooku App is not only across the length and breadth of India but it also boasts of viewership from countries such as US, UK, Canada and other countries.

Kooku has ~ 10 lakh, active monthly users, with weekly user engagement being over 2 hours and 30 minutes. As a responsible OTT player, Kooku successfully weaves in a social message in the storyline of its programs, thus delivering socially conscious entertainment.

Kooku boasts of an ex-Qualcomm Director as a strategic advisor to its Board of Directors. Kooku is available on Android and on the web.

Business World

Glance Launches Its First Exclusive Cricketainment Series with Danish Sait on Roposo

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Bikash Chowdhury, #Cricketainment Series, #Danish Ki Googly, #Danish Sait, #Glance, #Glance Danish, #Intellectual Property (IP) series, #Roposo

Glance today announced the launch of its 1st Intellectual Property (IP) series “Danish Ki Googly” on Roposo. The IP series would feature stand-up comedian, television host, radio jockey, actor, and writer, Danish Sait doing what he does best. Bringing cricket and entertainment together, he would be giving his take on cricketers, their performance on the field and off the field, team owners, cheerleaders, the lack of audience, the bubble and who broke it. The series will launch exclusively on Roposo @danishsait and Glance Lockfeed, as the cricket action kicks off on September 19th, 2020

Roposo, India’s No. 1 social video app with close to 100 Mn downloads and 55 million monthly active users intends to drive higher engagement on the platform during the upcoming cricket season. The series would also be available on Glance Lockfeed which has a daily active user base of more than 100 Mn.

Speaking about his new series on Roposo,  Glance Danish said “I am thrilled to join Roposo, India’s No.1 Social Video App, and Glance, India’s 3rd largest content platform. Roposo and Glance give me a chance to reach and entertain a huge audience of 200 Mn users during this cricket season.”

“Our focus during the upcoming season is on bringing great narratives to life and sharing them with our users. We have a fantastic line-up of narratives for the festive season that cut across genres, all backed by great new partnerships,” said Bikash Chowdhury, CMO Glance.

Business World

A. O. Smith India launches ProPlanet series of water purifiers

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #A. O. Smith India, #Parag Kulkarni, #ProPlanet series, #water purifiers

A. O. Smith, a leader in water heating and treatment, today announced the addition of the ProPlanet series, India’s first 5-star-rated water purifiers in terms of water savings. The ProPlanet water purifiers are equipped with reverse osmosis (RO) and Silver Charged Membrane Technology (SCMT) that provides 100% RO-purified, baby-safe water, using an 8-stage purification process. The elegant design enhances a kitchen’s beauty and also saves two times more water than an ordinary RO water purifier with its innovative Advance Recovery Technology™, adding to its environmental appeal.

Commenting on the launch, Parag Kulkarni, managing director, A. O. Smith India said: “A. O. Smith has been gaining the trust of consumers ever since we entered the water purifier category. A. O. Smith has always been a premium brand with style, quality and technology being its hallmarks. Today’s consumers have a greater inclination for advanced purification technologies when it comes to drinking water and this has resulted in increased demand for such water purifiers in the country. We have always believed in introducing products that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable. The ProPlanet series, which has raised the bar in its segment yet again, is designed for the discerning consumers who are both environmentally-conscious, as well as health-conscious. This water purifier helps save water and promotes a greener environment.”

Innovation is a key focus at A. O. Smith and this reflects in the range of benefits it offers in the ProPlanet series, which is packed with a distinct combination of technologies and cutting-edge features. A. O. Smith’s unique RO and SCMT offers a more superior purification technology than UV (Ultra Violet), UF (Ultra Filtration), and MF (Micro Filtration) as it not only removes bacteria, virus, and cysts but also colloids, particulates and endotoxins. The water purifier also ensures that water retains natural taste with essential minerals using Alkaline Min-Tech and also saves water with a 60% recovery rate, the highest in the industry, through its Advanced Recovery Technology (ART MAX). It ensures all-time freshwater with in-tank UV purification. The series also comes with a smart Intelli-display panel and has a ProHealth indicator, Green Leaf indicator and Go Green Indicator that shows the consumption of baby-safe water and the extent of water saved after completion of each cycle. The product comes with a 1-year comprehensive warranty that includes RO membrane and filters.

“A. O. Smith India is one of the country’s major players in the water purification segment, with double-digit growth in the reverse osmosis category. This inspires us to innovate and offer solutions for not just the problems of today but also tomorrow. The A. O. Smith ProPlanet water purifier is now available in more than 50 cities across India, and the customer response from Tier II and Tier III markets are as positive as we received from the metros. This product stands as a testimony to our commitment towards understanding the customers’ needs. We are confident that we will continue to set benchmarks in the industry with our innovative products and efficient service delivery, redefining the categories we are present in.” added Parag.

News

Sajs, Vasundhara & Spic Macay, Ghaziabad Chapter Host 1st Virtual Lec-Dem by Kavita Dwibedi, a Renowned Odissi Danseuse

Sep 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Kavita Dwebedi, #Mr. Vinod Malhotra, #Mrs. Manju Rana, #Sajs, #Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, #Shri Shishir Jaipuria, #SPIC MACAY, #Vasundhara

Hindustani classical dance is a cultural enigma and carrying forward the Indian virasat, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Vasundhara in association with SPIC MACAY, Ghaziabad Chapter was a proud host to the first-ever Virtual Lec-Dem by illustrious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Kavita Dwebedi, an Odissi Danseuse on September 28, 2020.

A maestro and exponent of Odissi dance form, Kavita Dwibedi ji, enthralled and captivated around 500 spectators virtually in the Virasat Series 2020. Through her performance, she exemplified that Dance is an art that imprints on the soul, it is a ritual performance of human expressions that and energises the mind and the body. A dancer of vision and versatility, Kavita ji said that the unprecedented times of Covid-19 cannot dampen the spirit of the Indian cultural heritage and through this first virtual performance, it was her endeavour to continue the holistic learning of the youth. Ebullience personified, Kavita ji, mesmerised the audience with her vibrant Abhinaya and highly individual dance style. With her graceful movements, supple footwork, subtle eye movements and a sinuous grace, Kavita ji’s performances on Shiva Stuti and Radha Krishna Leela had a divine quality. She showcased a vast range of emotions, serenity, pathos of varied notes and the Nav Rasa. Through her lecture, Kavita Dwebedi elaborated upon the historical background of Odissi, sculpturesque postures, music, costume, jewellery, percussion instruments and the distinct devotional flavour of the Odissi dance style.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the divine lamp by the Chief Guest Kavita Dwebedi and the Principal cum Director, Mrs. Manju Rana. Guest of Honour, Vice-Chairperson, Seth Anandram Education Society, Mrs. Sunita Jaipuria extended a hearty welcome to Kavita Dwebedi and congratulated the efforts of the school and SPIC MACAY in hosting the 1st Virtual performance and carrying forward the Indian legacy during trying times.

Principal cum Director, Mrs. Manju Rana also welcomed the esteemed dignitaries and in her speech recounted with nostalgia as the school missed the buzz and fervour of SPIC MACY due to COVID -19. But on a positive note she said that the pandemic had in another way opened up the whole world virtually and brought everyone on one virtual podium. She also enumerated that, it was heartening to see the way SPICMACAY was making the best of it, reaching out to more students, crossing boundaries and bringing the acclaimed celebrities on one platform.

The event was also graced by the Virtual presence of Shri. Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman, Seth Anandram Education Society, Mr. Vinod Malhotra, Senior Advisor, Jaipuria Group of Institutions and Mr. Harish Sanduja, Director Schools, along with other eminent guests, teachers, Jaipurians and students from neighbouring schools.

Kavita Dwebedi ji was overwhelmed by the hospitality and welcome of Jaipuria School. She also praised the well-organized and humble demeanor of the students and teachers under the mentorship of Principal cum Director Ma’am. She expressed her gratitude to the School and the Head Mistress & Coordinator Spic Macay, Mrs. Indu Kohli for smoothly organising the first Virtual lec-dem. In her lecture-demonstration, Kavita ji shared with the students how classical art spurs the imagination of the youngsters. She advocated the importance of discipline to sustain art in this world of multi-tasking and mentored the students to practice with complete sincerity and dedication.

The day concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Vinod Malhotra who conveyed his appreciations to Kavita ji and lauded about the abhinaya and divineness of Odissi dance styles. He also said that gone are the days when the realms of learning were confined to books alone and students should retrace their roots while taking up a multitude of career options.