Media Bulletins - Today News Bulletin in English

JSPL Felicitates its COVID-19 warriors

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Chairman Shri Naveen Jindal, #JSPL, #outstanding COVID-19 Warriors

JSPL, being an employee-first organisation, today felicitated twenty-five of its outstanding COVID-19 Warriors, who worked round the clock to see that every infected JSPL employee was back in the best of health in the shortest possible time. The group of these twenty-five outstanding employees included doctors, admin staff, drivers, cooks, security guards etc.

After felicitating these Corona warriors, Chairman Shri Naveen Jindal said: “We may be living in a challenging era, but we believe in putting our employees at the core of our operations, and doing everything possible so that they remain in their best of health. Today’s felicitation is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of these brave JSPL employees. These employees served their colleagues selflessly and courageously through these difficult times. These outstanding employees will further inspire others, in and outside the organisation”.

India is passing through one of the most challenging periods in its history. JSPL has taken several measures, in keeping with the Government guidelines and WHO protocol, to protect its employees from the virus, and to create a safe workplace. But, as the severity of the crisis shows, there could still be some instances where people get infected by the virus despite taking all possible precautions. Few of the JSPL employees contracted the virus. In this crisis, the rest of the JSPL workforce rose to the occasion and ensured that the infected employees recovered in no time.

JSPL stands with the Union Government and state governments in protecting the lives of its employees and their families, and ensuring their well-being, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, while contributing to the India Growth Story.

The JSPL employees felicitated during the occasion are:

1. Rahul Kumar
2. Sanjay Singh
3. Prem Singh.
4. Prakash Chandra.
5. Chander Shekhar.
6. Mukesh Kumar.
7. Naresh Kumar.
8. Rajendra Singh.
9. Pitambar.
10. Mahesh Pandey.
11. Dev Raj.
12. Sunil Kumar.
13. Pramod Kamath.
14. Mohan.
15. Nagender Singh.
16. Ashok Kamat.
17. Basant Malviya.
18. Arvind Kumar
19. Roshan Lal.
20. Neeraj Kumar.
21. Vidya Rani.
22. Dr Kirti Dahiya.
Press Release 23. Dr Gursharan Singh.
24. Dr Dinesh Kumar.
25. Mangal Sain.

News

“Don’t let yourself drown in the despair of depression!” says Digangana Suryavanshi as she releases a short film for mental health awareness

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #“Depression”, #1-minute video, #Digangana Suryavanshi, #her father Neeraj Suryavanshi, #Media Tribe Agency

Digangana Suryavanshi recently posted a 1-minute video shot in black and white colours in which she narrates a poem about mental health. Digangana herself wrote a short poem on mental health to help spread awareness around mental health. Through this short film, Digangana attempts to break the stigma around mental health.

The short video, taken in a single-shot, was filmed by her father Neeraj Suryavanshi while video editing and online promotions are being handled by Media Tribe Agency. The Hippi actress penned a long note to go along with it, in which she details on the importance of paying attention to mental health along with physical health during the pandemic.

Talking about the idea behind the short film, the actress says, “I agree with all mental hassle and honestly, nobody should be guilty or ashamed of feeling any of this but I don’t agree that there is no solution to it and you will have to live with it or struggle with it all your life! I absolutely don’t agree with that and that’s exactly why I thought of making this short film, which accepts all these struggles and feelings with grace, dignity, and vulnerability but powerfully says at the end that there’s a way out of it, only if you believe in yourself! Depression is a momentary reality, not the constant of our lives”

She writes, “I strongly believe that mental health is the driving force behind all our decisions, actions and our happiness. Simple thoughts that make really big differences! This lockdown, COVID 19 situations around the world, conversations around it have been depressive and this word “Depression” has really been hitting my mind, and I’ve been thinking about it. How I look at situations is always trying to see the brighter side of everything as I believe that keeps me motivated, healthy and happy, of course, there’s a reality which can be very harsh sometimes but I’ve always dealt with situations with positivity as I believe “all shall pass by”. I agree to all mental hassle and honestly, nobody should be guilty or ashamed of feeling any of this but I don’t agree that there is no solution to it and you will have to live with it or struggle with it all your life! I absolutely don’t agree with that and that’s exactly why I thought of making this short film, which accepts all these struggles and feelings with grace, dignity and vulnerability but powerfully says at the end that there’s a way out of it, only if you believe in yourself! I strongly advocate for facing our feelings so we can resolve these issues.. If your life has got you in a bad phase or space, that’s only because your life is well aware that you have the potential to overcome that, so take it as an experience! Depression is a temporary reality, not the constant of our lives! Don’t let yourself drown in the despair of depression! No matter how ugly and dark it gets… your simple thought of self-help or seeking help can heal everything!”

//www.instagram.com/p/CDTnAzTjQZL/

While a lot has been said and done about physical health during this pandemic, not much has been spoken about mental health and even domestic abuse that many put up with during the lockdown and isolation. However, the last few months have seen a rise in awareness about such topics, with even stars speaking up about the same. Actress Digangana thanked the entire team for working hard on this awareness project shot and released during the pandemic

Digangana Suryavanshi, who was last seen in Valayam film opposite to actor Harish will soon be seen in Seetimaarr, which also stars Gopichand and Tamanna in the lead roles.

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV6czpvtBs0

News

Rotary Club of Secunderabad Sunrise to distribute Medical Equipment, Medicine and Medical Kits worth Rs 11 lakh to 2000 elders living in 40 Homes for the aged to help them fight the COVID-19

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #District Governor, #Medical Equipment, #Medicines and Medical Kits, #NV Hanmantha Reddy of Rotary, #President of the club Vijay Rath, #Rotary Club of Secunderabad

Rotary Club of Secunderabad Sunrise embarks on a novel and need of the hour project, ‘COVID Care For The Elders’ as gratitude and concern for the elderly.

As part of this project, the club will be distributing Medical Equipment, Medicines and Medical Kits to help Home for the Aged fight against the COVID -19 battle.

The distribution kits include Oxygen Concentrators, Oximeters, BP Machines, Nebulisers, Contactless Sanitiser Dispensers and assorted medicines among others.

The total number of beneficiaries will be 2000 inmates of 40 Homes located at various places in Hyderabad & Secunderabad. The cost of the project is pit at Rs 11 lakh.

President of the club Vijay Rathi long with the District Governor, NV Hanmantha Reddy of Rotary District 3150 along with volunteers and members of the club will be flagging off distribution of Medical equipment and Medicine to the Home for the Aged in a brief function to be held here in the city at Evolution Contemporary Arts, next to Lalitha Jewellery, Somajiguda Main Road on 5th August 2020 in the morning.

Rotary Club of Secunderabad Sunrise which falls under Rotary District 3150, taken up this project. It is taken up under the banner of Rotary Sunrise Service Trust a leading service-oriented club. It has taken up many services in the past.

We have taken up this project now, in the middle of a Pandemic, to express our gratitude and concern for the elderly. A rigorous enquiry was conducted before identifying the beneficiary Homes and ascertained the needs before raising the funds required for the purpose shared Vijay Rathi.

Director Community Services, Praveen Jain informs that this year number of activities will be conducted by Rotary Club of Secunderabad Sunrise which will include health care, sanitation and education.

Business World

Vietjet positive about the financial recovery with its LCC model despite the loss in the air transportation business in the first half of 2020

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #LCC model, #Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC), #Vietnamese airlines’ proposal

Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) reported its business result of 2020’s second quarter, the period that saw the most impact by Covid-19 pandemic. The carrier operated a flight network of 52 domestic routes with 14,000 flights and transported more than two million passengers during the quarter. With its proactive measures, cost optimization and LCC model, the airline’s results in the air transportation business and financial activities are considered positive, making it one of the very few airlines in the world to cope well with the Covid-19 pandemic and confident about its financial recovery.

By the end of Q2/2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietjet recorded the air transport revenue at VND1,970 billion (approx. US$84.5 million), a decrease of 54% year-on-year, and a loss of VND1,122 billion (approx. US$48 million). For the first six months of the year, the airline’s loss in air transportation business stands at VND2,111 billion (approx. US$90.5 million), which is considered a modest number compared to the total loss of over US$84 billion for the global aviation industry.

To support the cash flow, Vietjet has proactively sought for partners and implemented many financial solutions such as asset transfer and financial investment, which resulted in a financial revenue of VND1,174 billion (approx. US$50.4 million) with a post-tax consolidated profit of VND1,063 billion (approx. US$45.6 million) in Q2/2020 and a consolidated profit of VND73 billion (approx. US$3.2 million) in H1/2020, increasing the financial resource for the airline’s air transport business.

Aiming to become a new-age carrier, Vietjet always steps upon carrying out commercial solutions based on 4.0 technology platform and mobile application development. Thanks to its tech-based cost optimization capacity, the airline has seen effectiveness when following LCC model, which has been proven to be the right choice for the past economic crises. Vietjet has been proactively implementing cost-saving measures with an average cost drop of 55% due to operation capacity reduction of 30%-35% and service cost decrease around 20%-25%.

As Vietnam opened its sky for domestic operation, Vietjet resumed its entire domestic flight network with 300 daily flights in June, a triple to five times growth compared to daily flights at the country’s Covid-19 pandemic peak. The airline also launched eight new routes to meet rising domestic travel demand, increasing its total domestic flight network to 52 routes with an overall flight operated reached 14,000 flights. Its total passenger carriage reached 1.2 million passengers in June, marking a positive recovery for the domestic market.

The airline’s total asset is VND48,392 billion (approx. US$2.075 billion) with the owner’s equity being at VND17,339 billion (approx. US$745 million) including treasury shares. Its current liquidity is kept at a good rate of 1.4 while debt to equity ratio is 0.57, which are among the lowest rates in the global aviation industry. It allows Vietjet to proceed with its long-term financing plan in order to enhance its internal resources for fighting the current pandemic.

Being active on measures to weather Covid-19 pandemic, Vietjet has implemented many solutions since early 2020, including expanding the cargo transportation business, developing SkyBoss product and ancillary services, offering “Power Pass”, the unlimited flight pass, etc. In particular, Vietjet has also worked on many solutions to increase revenue and optimize operations. It has boosted cargo transport service since April, is the first airline in Vietnam to gain the government’s approval to deploy cargo operations in the passenger cabin (CIPC).

Apart from the effort of the airline itself, the support of the Vietnam government is also anticipated to reduce the pressure and boost aviation recovery. Following the Vietnamese airlines’ proposal, the Government and industry authorities are in consideration of aviation support packages, including exemption of taxes, fees, aviation services, environmental tax exemptions for flight fuels, financial assistance, an extension of the payment term, etc. These supports should be urgent and specific amid the tough situation to strengthen domestic carriers’ resources. All over the world, airlines are strongly supported by local governments to recover from the devastating impacts of the pandemic as it is the crucial sector to stimulate economic development.

News

“Handle Corona patients with patience and humanity. Currently, such a situation is missing in many hospitals” : Harish Rao, Finance Minister

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #“JITO COVID CARE CENTER(JITO-CCC), #Chairman of Mahavir Hospital & Research Center, #Govt of Telangana, #Harish Rao, #ITO Hyderabad Chapter, #Minister for Finance, #Motilal Bhalgat

Amidst so much negative news here comes the good news. JITO Hyderabad Chapter turns Hotel Manasarovar The Fern at Chiraan Fort Club in Begumpet, Hyderabad into “JITO COVID CARE CENTER(JITO-CCC), offers services for isolation and treatment for asymptomatic & mild COVID- 19 Patients.

The JITO-CCC was formally inaugurated by Harish Rao, Minister for Finance, Govt of Telangana -accompanied by K. Prabhakar Reddy, MP and Kanthi Kumar, MLA.

Addressing the gathering Harish Rao, told doctors at JITO—Corona Care Center to handle Corona patients with patience and humanity. Such a situation is missing in many hospitals currently, he added.

Responding to the request made by Motilal Bhalgat, Chairman of Mahavir Hospital & Research Center to make Mahavir Hospital a Freehold so that they could construct a new building and expand, Harish Rao gave them an assurance to organise their meeting with Chief Minister and pursue the matter.

JITO a global body which works with a motto Seva, Knowledge and Economic Empowerment has inaugurated 15 such Corona Care Centers across the country. The 16th was inaugurated today. JITO plans to set up more such centres across the country.

Harish Rao who inaugurated the 16th Center in India described it as a need of the hour. Society needs more such centres. Our CM tells us to talk less and work more. The more we talk, the patients are more confused. Corona is invisible. So contracting Corona or not is not in our hands. The victims must not be discriminated. So he told doctors and nurses at JITO-CCC handle patients with care, positivity and good attitude. Handle with humanity. Good words used, confidence given to patients help them mentally and contributes for faster recovery he said.

Jain community is always at the forefront in taking up such projects, furthermore providing care in the most affordable cost, Harish said.

Addressing the gathering Motilal Bhalgat, Chairman of Mahavir Hospital & Research Center appealed to Harish Rao to give Mahavir Hospital a FreeHold on the land. Hospital is located on land on a long lease. The first 30 years lease expired in 2007 and the next 30 years lease will end in the year 2037. But, given the yeoman services offered by it to the poor, I urge Government of Telangana to give us Freehold on the land, so that we will construct a new building and expand current 220 beds to 400. We can pump in, raise money and make a huge structure with 1,50,000 sq feet constructed area. We are willing to invest anywhere above Rs 25 crore on such an expansion and if need be we will raise more money, he shared

Further, he added, Mahavir Hospital created 25 bedded COVID wing and if the need arises we will expand it to 100 beds, shared Mahavir Hospital Chairman.

Speaking on the occasion Narendra Surana said, JITO members risked their lives in setting up this care Center with a sole motive to make COVID care affordable.

The JITO-CCC will have three doctors and nurses 24×7 stationed in the premises itself shared Ashok Kothari who worked tirelessly behind this project. The idea behind this care Center is to provide affordable care. We are even willing to admit deserving poor for free on a case to basis and the need, he shared

Manoj Dugar, Chairman of JITO, Hyderabad Chapter said it is a community service project. We unitedly want to help fellow citizens in this hour of crisis. JITO has 15000 members all over the world he shared.

Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) is a worldwide body of Jains is committed to spiritual awakening to perpetuate the Jain principles of non- violence, noble charities among others for a peaceful world with compassion towards all living beings and as a result have a harmonious and a happy world informed Vinod Ranka.

As private hospitals fleecing patients, the victims of Corona are more terrified about going to hospitals rather than Corona. In this light of the background, JITO has decided to come and offer the most affordable solution.

The pricing is kept based on the affordability of the patients. The Package includes all meals, Medication, treatment & Stay

The JITO Corona Care Centre is permitted and approved by the Telangana State Health department

COVID 2019 has turned the world upside down. First, it was lockdown, job, business loss and now the probability of hospitalization. All these are put together are taking the toll on the people.

JITO Hyderabad Chapter decided to set up this facility on humanitarian ground in association with Mahavir Hospital & Research Center. JITO COVID CARE CENTER’ (JITO-CCC) will be formally functional from 5th August 2020 onwards

The JITO-CCC will function strictly adhering to ICMR Guidelines shared Dr Aarthi. It will only admit strictly Asymptomatic & Mild COVID Patients between the age of 15-55 years based on current COVID Positive Test Report. It will have an Emergency Backup arrangement with Super Specialty Hospital. It is equipped with an Oxygen Facility for emergency usage. Personal & Medical Kit will be provided on Admission. Round the clock Doctors / Nurses / Ambulance services, will be made available. All Day – In house Healthy Vegetarian Meals, Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Hitea & Dinner will be provided. In case if some need Jain food the same will be arranged on demand. Occupancy will be provided on a Single or Twin Sharing basis.

We are sure many people will find this as a god-sent opportunity. JITO knows only one religion that is humanity.

Nothing is more and nothing is less, shared JITO Hyderabad Chapter members presented

JITO’s COVID Care Centre will follow and meet all the systems and practices as prescribed under the ICMR guidelines for isolation and treatment for asymptomatic & mild COVID- 19 Patients.

Team of experts which includes Doctors, Nurses, Dietician and others (24/7) will be devoted to assisting in the speedy recovery of a patient, without compromising on the basic tenets of treatment practices and requirements.

JITO Advisors—Narendra Surana, Ashok Kothari, Surender Bantus, Motilal Bhakghat; Core Committee Members—Gautam Bhansali, Basant Bafna, Goutam Sehlot, BL Bhandara, Arvind Srimal, Manoj Parmar, Ashok Vajavat, Ashok Barmecha, Vinod Ranka and Sub Committee—Anil Anchaliya, Jitender Doshi, Jitender Lunia, Umesh Bagrecha, Hitesh Vanigota, Arvind Seth; JITO HYD Chapter office bearers—Manoj Dugar, Mahesh Golecha and Jayant Jain grace the inaugurated function.

Uncategorized

Urban Indian youth says ‘IT’S NOT OK’ to sexual harassment

Aug 4, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #“IT’S NOT OK”, #a feisty entrepreneur, #Be.artsy, #POSH (prevention of sexual harassment) awareness programs., #Shikha Mittal

Be.artsy, India’s premier awareness enterprise has recently established a baseline of awareness levels among educated urban Indian youth on sexual harassment.

Be.artsy was started by Shikha Mittal, a feisty entrepreneur, while in her early twenties, when she had to shift multiple jobs, having faced sexual harassment in eight companies in rapid succession. Realising that laws depend on implementation by officials with little awareness of the adverse impact of such harassment, Mittal decided that raising social awareness and subsequently converting it to action, would be her mission in life.

While Be.artsy runs awareness programs on diverse issues like financial literacy and road safety, prevention of sexual harassment has been its flagship program. Since 2010, over 25,000 people at workplaces have undergone training sessions through Be.artsy’s POSH (prevention of sexual harassment) awareness programs. The proprietary “IT’S NOT OK” campaign, started in 2018, has been well received by British Telecom, MediaTek, Tata Coffee, Volvo cars, Sterling and Wilson and Yulu Bikes.

Catch them early

Youth has been Mittal’s prime target. Be.artsy has organised V4V: Be on the street, a prestigious street-theatre based youth festival, since 2010. Shortly before COVID19 hit India, Be.artsy had surveyed V4V participants on sexual harassment. The survey received over 1200 responses, making this one of the most robust surveys on the topic, among youth in urban India. Following the V4V footprint, the responses were mainly from Delhi, Maharashtra, UP, Haryana and Karnataka.

As expected, youth were slightly more aware than older people of what constitutes sexual harassment, and unfortunately, men continue to think that this is a women’s problem. The response rate for the survey was a high 50% for women and a below-average 24% for men. The average age of respondents was 21. Women averaged 22 years, while men averaged 19 years old. Half of the respondents were under 21.

Confusion abounds

Most young people are unaware that what they are experiencing or witnessing constitutes sexual harassment. They seem to be under the impression that violence or sexual assault needs to be involved for any action to be sexual harassment. Up to 50% men and 32% of women are unaware that requests for sexual favours are a form of sexual harassment. 26% to 37% men and 10% to 26% women are unaware that circumstances surrounding the actions, like coercion by threats/benefits in exchange for sexual favours, are factors in determining whether the actions constitute sexual harassment. Physical contact, unwelcome sexual conduct and showing pornography are more easily identified as sexual harassment (85% to 88%), yet, 12% -15% don’t even recognise these obvious forms! Men’s lack of recognition is as bad as 23%. A small, but very confused, minority consider any form of sexual activity at all as harassment.

It’s common, it’s enraging, but youth feel helpless

Sadly, most respondents have faced sexual harassment already. 57% of women and even 17% of men report yes. An additional 16% are unsure whether what they experienced is sexual harassment, but they suspect it is. Only 22% of women have not been harassed, while 66% of men were free from harassment. 72% of women and 58% of men know someone who has been sexually harassed. 15% suspect, but aren’t sure. Either because they are not sure that incidents they know about constitute sexual harassment, or maybe the victim didn’t confirm it. Men seem to be more oblivious of sexual harassment of their peers, 27% saying they don’t know of any case. More women (97%) than men (95%) are aware that men, too, can be sexually harassed. Certainly, this is a live issue. However, Be.artsy has found during its POSH campaigns that older, more senior people, who are in positions where they can make a difference, think this is a minor problem, and that incidence is low.

Unfortunately, the redressal mechanisms put in place by law do not inspire confidence. Hearteningly, youth don’t want to take it lying down. 85% are sure that the victim should take action, though men are twice as likely to advise silence than women. Going to the police is most popular at 64%, followed by telling family at 58%. Men are 16% more likely to go to the police and 7% more likely take matters in their own hands than women. 8% more women than men would tell peers. The POSH Committee/ICC/Dean or HR are seen as viable by only about 40% of people. Professors/ managers are even less trusted at 27%.

In general, urban Indian youth is somewhat aware of what sexual harassment is, but Mittal would like the numbers to be much higher than 70% for ‘herd immunity’. Mittal says that awareness of sexual harassment and other gender-based crimes can only be created by focusing early education on bodily autonomy and informed consent. As an expert in facilitating conversations on this almost-taboo topic, she says that building empathy, understanding one’s rights and responsibilities, and commitment by the leaders of organisations are the critical base on which efforts to eliminate sexual harassment and other gender violence have to be based. It is heartening that young India is more aware and more empathetic than the previous generations.

Business World

Restaurant should have a library to promote reading habit among people: Nila Madhab Panda

Aug 3, 2020 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Director Nila Madhab Panda, #Odisha Library Academy

Bhubaneswar: Bollywood Film Maker and Director Nila Madhab Panda & Ollywood Actor Chandan Kar joined as speakers in the 12th webinar series of Odisha Library Academy held on 1^st August 2020 (Saturday) at 11 a.m on the theme, “Promoting Libraries through Movies.” It’s a rare gathering where Dignitaries, Celebrities, Fans, and Dynamic Library Professionals gathered in one platform.

In this webinar, two celebrity speakers and four panelists had joined. Padma Shree Dr. Nila Madhab Panda who is a unique film Director & Producer and Mr. Chandan Kar who is an actor, philanthropist and IT professional have joined as speakers on this occasion. Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Sahoo, IIT Bhubaneswar, Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahoo, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar and Mr. Bijoy Ketan Panda, TCS Bhubaneswar as panelists. Padma Shree Dr. Nila Madhab Panda highlighted changing a traditional library system to become a community center, suggested to initiate small libraries in restaurants, and requested the public to go to the library rather than going to the temple. He finally concludes his speech by giving the commitment to promote the library system by small documentaries in the coming days. Another speaker Mr. Chandan Kar highlighted the importance of libraries in everyone’s life and he also suggested shooting out small content through social media. He expressed his interest in promoting libraries and be a brand ambassador of Libraries in Odisha. In the end, the four panelists discuss to promote libraries and librarians. The webinar ended with a question and answer session.

OLA President Dr. Banamber Sahoo Chaired and Dr. Bedarata Dash Hota along with Dharitri Mallick organized the event. To host the session technical support was provided by Mr. Niranjan Mohapatra, Mr. Jayanta Kumar Sahu, and Mr. Satyajit Nayak as Webinar System Administrators. More than 400 concurrent participants joined the online session and asked different issues faced by their Libraries and Information Centres for promoting Library services.

The session ended with vote of thanks by Mr. Bijay Ketan Panda, Joint Secretary of Odisha Library Academy, Dr. Banamber Sahu informed to the media houses that this year Librarian’s Day celebration and 5^th Annual meet of Odisha Library Academy will be held on 9^th August 2020 through an online and virtual platform.

News

SRM AP faculty receives the prestigious grant by DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance

Aug 3, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #‘Early Career Fellowship’ grant, #Assistant Professor, #Department of Biology, #Dr. Sutharsan Govindarajan, #SRM University-AP

Dr. Sutharsan Govindarajan, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, SRM University-AP has been awarded the prestigious ‘Early Career Fellowship’ grant by DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom. The fellowship supports outstanding young scientists to pursue high-quality research in the field of biomedical science and establish themselves as independent researchers in India. Dr. Sutharsan sought a total research grant of 1.1 crore for a period of 5 years as a DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Early career fellow. The India Alliance grants are highly competitive and are based on the profile of the applicant and the novelty and the importance of the proposed research. Nationwide only less than 10 Early Career grants are awarded every year. Dr Sutharsan is a highly accomplished scientist, having published research articles in highly reputed journals, including the most prestigious Nature and Nature Microbiology. Through this fellowship, Dr. Sutharsan will establish an independent research laboratory at SRM University – AP with the support of Prof. Jayaseelan, Head, Department of Biology, and the fellowship supervisor of the project.

In this project, Dr. Sutharsan plans to venture and explore the biology of a novel class of bacteriophages called Jumbo-phages. “Bacteriophages, which are the most abundant biological entities on the planet, are viruses that infect bacteria but do not harm humans. Jumbo-phages, as the name suggests, are giant viruses with large genome. A sneak peek into their lifestyle during my postdoctoral research led me, to realize that these phages build fascinating complex structures inside the bacteria they infect. Such complex structures are well known to be formed in eukaryotic cells like human cells but was not thought to be made by bacteriophages, which have evolved billions of years before eukaryotes. Thus, studying how such cellular structures are formed by jumbo-phages provides a unique opportunity to investigate the origin of complex life” informs Dr. Sutharsan. He also explains that the proposed research has several biotechnological applications such as phage therapy and synthetic biology.

Dr. Sutharsan further shares, “This is one the best fellowships a young scientist can obtain in India. It is an honour, prestige and a recognition for the scientist as well as to the University. In the next 5 years, I anticipate major fundamental discoveries in the field of bacteriophage biology and evolution”.

Business World

Vedanta Nand Ghar leads with ISO Certification in Odisha

Aug 3, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #CEO Nand Ghar, #Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, #Former Director General & CEO, #Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, #Ms. Ritu Jhingon, #prestigious ISO certification.

03 Aug 2020, New Delhi: Nand Ghar, Vedanta Group’s flagship corporate social responsibility project, announced on Tuesday that three of its centres in Kalahandi, Odisha, have received the prestigious ISO certification.

The Nand Ghars have been awarded the `ISO 9001 2015’ certification for providing a wide gamut of services including improving quality of services in early childhood education, improved maternal and child healthcare at doorsteps, improved nutrition outcomes and sustainable skill livelihood for women.

The Nand Ghars that were recognized is located at Basantapada, Kansari and Kendubardi villages in Lanjigarh block. The ISO certification has been issued for a period of three years.

Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, Former Director General & CEO, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, also popularly known as Father of CSR in India lauded Vedanta’s efforts. He said, “The conferment of ISO Certification to 5 Anganwadi centres in Kalahandi district of Orissa under the aegis of the Vedanta Foundation is a huge shot in the arm for the entire National initiative that seeks to improve child health and nutrition, impart joyful learning to the very young and empower women at the grass-root level. This is one the most backward, tribal-dominated regions in our country and providing quality services to women and children here, is a tribute to the dedication and drive of the entire Nand Ghar team headed by the vision and compassion of its founder Mr. Anil Agarwal.”

Nand Ghars are a transformative leap dedicated to benefiting rural children and women in India. A measure undertaken by Vedanta together with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), the project aims to ensure rural India is not left behind in India’s march towards progress. The project is committed to the Prime Minister’s national vision of eradicating child malnutrition, providing education, healthcare and empowering women with skill development.

On this achievement, CEO Nand Ghar, Ms. Ritu Jhingon said, “We are very proud as a team to come out with the ISO certification for Nand Ghars and Anganwadis, which is a first for Vedanta and a first for Odisha state as well. We look forward to many more milestones for the Nand Ghar project contributing to inclusive development of our communities”

In response to COVID pandemic, Nand Ghars had recently rolled out e-learning modules for homeschooling across villages in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha. The Basantpada Nand Ghar was also used as a quarantine centre for the community women in the village.

Vedanta’s 1400 plus Nand Ghars across seven states are working towards creating a better tomorrow for women and children. The programme aims to touch lives of 40 lakh people, directly impacting 2,00,000 children and 1,80,000 women, annually.

News

As private hospitals fleece Corona patients, here comes JITO-CCC offering the most affordable corona care ever in the city purely with the motto of service and on humanitarian grounds

Aug 2, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Government of Telangana, #Jain International Trade Organization (JITO), #Mr. Harish Rao

Hyderabad, August 02, 2020……Amidst so much negative news here comes the good news. JITO Hyderabad Chapter turns Hotel Manasarovar The Fern at Chiraan Fort Club in Begumpet, Hyderabad into “JITO COVID CARE CENTER, offers services for isolation and treatment for asymptomatic & mild COVID- 19 Patients.

Mr. Harish Rao, the Minister, Government of Telangana will inaugurate the facility on Monday at 10 am. Mr. Kotha Prabhakar, MP to grace the inaugural. Mr. Harish Rao, the Minister, Government of Telangana Mr. Harish Rao, the Minister, Government of Telangana will inaugurate the facility on Monday at 10 am. Mr. Kotha Prabhakar, MP to grace the inaugural.

As private hospitals fleecing patients, the victims of Corona more terrified about going to hospitals rather than Corona. In this light of the background, JITO has decided to come and offer the most affordable solution. Offers COVID Recovery 7 day package for just Rs 28,000/- to Rs 35,000/- depending on single and double sharing occupancy.

The pricing is kept on the basis of the affordability of the patients. The Single Room costs – Rs 35000.00 per person (incl of GST) for 7 days Package and Twin Sharing Room – Rs 28000.00 Per person (incl of GST) for 7 Days Package. The Package includes all meals, Medication, treatment & Stay

The JITO Corona Care Centre is permitted and approved by the Telangana State Health department

COVID 2019 has turned the world upside down. First, it was lockdown, job, business loss and now the probability of hospitalization. All these are put together are taking the toll on the people.

The JITO-CCC will function strictly adhering to ICMR Guidelines. It will only admit strictly Asymptomatic & Mild COVID Patients between the age of 15-55 years on the basis of current COVID Positive Test Report. It will have an Emergency Backup arrangement with Super Specialty Hospital. It is equipped with an Oxygen Facility for emergency usage. Personal & Medical Kit will be provided on Admission. Round the clock Doctors / Nurses / Ambulance services, will be made available. All Day – In house Healthy Vegetarian Meals, Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Hitea & Dinner will be provided. In case if some need Jain food the same will be arranged on demand. Occupancy will be provided on a Single or Twin Sharing basis.

We are sure many people will this as a god-sent opportunity. JITO knows only one religion that humanity. Nothing is more and nothing is less.

JITO’s COVID Care Centre will follow and meet all the systems and practices as prescribed under the ICMR guidelines for isolation and treatment for asymptomatic & mild COVID- 19 Patients.

Team of experts which includes Doctors, Nurses, Dietician and others (24/7) will be devoted to assisting in the speedy recovery of the patient, without compromising on the basic tenets of treatment practices and requirements.