Shiv Nadar University & Springer Nature Expand Global Research Access

Greater Noida, 25 February 2025: Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR, and Springer Nature have signed a groundbreaking Fully Open Access (FOA) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at the India Sustainability Conclave 2025. The MoU also includes a partnership with the Cureus series of journals covering engineering, computer science, business, and economics. This landmark agreement will provide wider access to the University’s high-impact, multi-disciplinary research, enabling greater global knowledge exchange and innovation.

Professor Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR, said, “This agreement marks a milestone in our vision for a more open, accessible research landscape. By broadening the reach of our academic work, we are contributing to the global discourse on sustainability and empowering change-makers across the world to drive innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Sustainability is a collective effort, and it will be great if we all can work together to advance this crucial mission.”

The event, hosted at the University’s campus, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and researchers with a shared goal of advancing sustainability and aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Delivering the keynote address, Shikhar Malhotra, Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR said, “At Shiv Nadar University, we believe that transformative research thrives at the intersection of academic rigor and real-world relevance. With Springer Nature, we begin a new partnership today, and I urge our faculty, research scholars, and students to maximise the benefits of this relationship for both partners. We see Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR to be at the forefront of leading change, and through the questions we ask and the solutions we provide, we can truly shape the future.”

This was followed by a special address from Professor Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), who highlighted the importance of research and innovation in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director, Springer Nature India Private Limited added, “We are pleased to see that the India Sustainability Conclave 2025 has brought together key stakeholders from across industry, academia and government to develop solutions for sustainability challenges. We are delighted to partner with Shiv Nadar University via our Fully Open Access agreement, reinforcing our shared vision of making high-quality research widely available to drive real-world change. I am sure this partnership will help provide impetus to ethical and indigenous research on sustainability and help widen its reach globally.”

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Bridging Research Through Industry and Academia,” moderated by Venkatesh Sarvasiddhi, Managing Director of Springer Nature. The discussion featured esteemed panellists, including Dr. Shashank Shah, Director, Higher Education, NITI Aayog; Dr. Suneet Tuli, Dean School Of Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR; Dr. Gitanjali Yadav, Group Leader, National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR); PP Sunil Acharya, India & South Asia Lead: Education, Space, NPO, Channels & Alliances, AWS. Together they explored the collaborative role of industry, academia, and government in advancing impactful sustainability initiatives.

During the event, six outstanding women faculty members from Shiv Nadar University, Delhi – NCR were felicitated for their immense contributions. These faculty members included Professor Bimlesh Lochab, Department of Chemistry; Dr. Geetanjali Chawla, Department of Life Sciences; Dr. Ipsita Mandal, Department of Physics; Dr. Vijayata Fulzele, School of Management and Entrepreneurship; and Dr. Sumedha Moharana, Department of Civil Engineering.

Telangana Life Sciences Sector gets a major boost at Bio Asia 2025

Hyderabad, 25th February 2025 – The 22nd edition of BioAsia 2025, Asia’s largest life sciences and healthcare conference, themed ‘Catalysts of Change – Expanding Global Healthcare Frontiers, Transforming Healthcare with Innovation, Collaboration and Progress’ was inaugurated by Mr. A Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble CM of Telangana, Dr. Jeannette Young, Hon’ble Governor of Queensland, and Mr D Sridhar Babu, Hon’ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana along with other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, Mr. A Revanth Reddy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana said “BioAsia over the years has helped position Hyderabad as the global Life Sciences capital of the country. This event is of great significance and will help position India as an important player in the growth of the healthcare sector. The city of Hyderabad has a long history of excellence in healthcare, biosciences, life sciences, pharma, bulk drugs, generics, contract manufacturing and biotech industries. We are excited to host Bio Asia today. We will develop Hyderabad and Telangana into one of the largest ecosystems for biosciences, biotech and life sciences innovation, R&D, manufacturing, skill development, and investment. We are the number 1 state which has attracted both domestic and foreign investment. We have the lowest inflation rate and are creating employment opportunities in the state of Telangana. We already have 160 Km ORR and we are building a Regional Ring Road of 360 KM outside the core urban area along with a network of radial roads connecting the two ring roads with radial roads and creating manufacturing hubs for pharma, EVs data centres, green energy, seed manufacturing, agri-processing and other sectors. We are developing 10 pharma Villages between ORR and RRR which will generate over 5 lakh jobs. The Green Pharma city is also a key initiative under the Future City Project and is progressing rapidly. We have already signed 6 MOUs and signing another 11 MOUs today creating more jobs for the youth. We are all set to launch a new Life Sciences Policy which will chart a bold new growth trajectory for the sector. With this, we will enter new domains such as cell and gene therapy, genomics, biologics, precision medicine, peptides, digital innovation, advanced R&D and complex manufacturing.”

Mr. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana, said: “The BioAsia has been built over the past 2 decades as a culmination of excellence and it has become a cornerstone for the healthcare and sciences industry. For the past 12 months, we have witnessed a huge surge of investment from several international and domestic companies who have chosen Telangana as the gateway to India which is rapidly growing in terms of the life sciences ecosystem. From Pharma manufacturing and R&D centres to GCCS innovation hubs. We have witnessed several global life sciences companies open operations in the city and have created more than 51,000 direct jobs and 1,50,000 indirect jobs over here. We inaugurated Amgen’s largest innovation centre yesterday along with Miltenyi, a cutting-edge cell and gene therapy centre. As we look to the future, our focus remains steadfast on skilling and workforce development. We have established a skills university Young India Skills University which will focus on covering this gap. A key pillar in this mission is to establish a life sciences university which is progressing rapidly to equip the Hyderabad workforce with industry-relevant expertise. By collaborating closely with GCC Hyderabad we are designing a specialised curriculum in science and technology ensuring our talent remains globally competitive and Future-ready. I am delighted to share that the first batch of the chemistry skill programme successfully concluded this month. We are determined to insert Telangana into the global Pharma supply chain as a key player in terms of Bulk drug and also in generic pharma and be a world leader in the life sciences space”

The inaugural day also featured four insightful panel discussions. The session on AI Transformation in Healthcare brought together eminent speakers, including Dr. Ken Washington, CTO, Medtronic; Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman and Founder, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG); Dr Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare; Dr. Olga Kubassova, President, Image Analysis Group (IAG); and Dr. Ricardo Gaminha Pacheco, Director, Insilico Medicine.

The second-panel discussion, ‘Unleashing the Tiger: The Indian CRDMO Sector,’ featured industry leaders such as Peter Bains, CEO Designate, Syngene; Manni Kantipudi, CEO, Aragon Lifesciences; Krishna Kanumuri, Managing Director & CEO, Sai Lifesciences; Nandini Piramal, Chairperson, Piramal Pharma Ltd; Ramesh Subramaniam, CEO, PI Health Sciences; Guilano Perfetti, Managing Director & CEO, Jubilant Biosys; and Akhil Ravi, CEO, Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services.

Additionally, the panel on ‘Innovations Shaping the Future of the Global Life Sciences Landscape’ featured distinguished speakers such as Dr. Shekar Mande, Former Director General, CSIR; Dr. Boris Stoffel, Managing Director, Miltenyi Biotec; Christian Jones, Chief Commercial Officer, Nanoform; Nitin Dharmadhikari, Chief Operating Officer, SPARC; Sandhya Sreepathy, Novartis Biomedical Research Head; and Dr. Anil Kaul, Vice President & Head, Global Public Health Discovery, Johnson & Johnson.

In the last panel of the day, Strengthening the Global Bioeconomy and Transforming Human Health Through Generative Biology (in collaboration with the World Economic Forum), key insights were shared by Dr. Toon Overstijns, CEO, of Miltenyi Biomedicine; Dr. Marinna Madrid, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Cellino Biotec; Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited; Sanjiv Navangul, Managing Director and CEO, Bharat Serums and Vaccines Ltd; Prof. Ullas S Kolthur, Director, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics; and Sai Prasad, Executive Director, Bharat Biotech International Ltd.

Lastly, a high-profile CEO Conclave, titled ‘India’s Century: Leading the Global Innovation Charge in Life Sciences,’ also took place, featuring distinguished speakers, including Dr. S. Somanath, Former Chairman, ISRO; G.V. Prasad, Co-Chairman & Managing Director, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories; Dr. Satyanarayana Chava, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Laurus Labs; Cesar Concepcion, Chief Commercial Officer, APMA Region, Novartis; and Winslow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India, USA.

InsuranceDekho Expands Agent Network by 92Percent, Now Reaches 99 Percent of India’s Pin- codes

25th, February 2025: InsuranceDekho, India’s fastest-growing Insurtech platform, today announced a remarkable expansion in its agent partner network. In the past year, the company has onboarded more than 95K new agent partners, reflecting a 92 % year-on-year surge in its partner network, now totaling 2,20K Dec 2024.

This aggressive growth has enabled InsuranceDekho to extend its reach to 99% of the country’s pin codes, with an impressive 86% of its agents operating in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

The company’s expansion is particularly evident in Tier 3 towns such as Sikdar in Rajasthan, Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Zunheboto in Nagaland, and Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. It has even reached some of the country’s most remote regions, including Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and Serchhip in Mizoram, showcasing its commitment to providing insurance services to every corner of the nation.

Pankaj Goenka, Vice President and Head of B2B2C at InsuranceDekho, commented on this achievement, stating, “The remarkable expansion of our agent network reflects our dedication to making insurance accessible to every corner of the country. By reaching 99% of India’s pin codes, we are addressing critical gaps in accessibility and bringing financial protection closer to underserved communities. This milestone is not just about numbers; it represents our commitment to empowering individuals and families at the last mile with reliable insurance solutions. The resulting growth in our premium run rate further underscores the impact of our efforts, reinforcing our role as a trusted enabler in the insurance ecosystem.”

Driven by a tech-first approach, InsuranceDekho’s platform offers a diverse range of over 720 insurance plans from 49 insurers, providing comprehensive options for every customer. This wide range of choices, combined with the platform’s seamless digital experience, has contributed to the company’s stellar financial growth.

As of March 2024, InsuranceDekho’s annual premium run rate hit INR 3,300 crore, nearly doubling from the previous year. Further, its ambitious vision includes expanding its footprint to 6 lakh villages, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for job creation and financial inclusion in rural India.

This expansion is not just about growth but about empowering individuals and businesses across the country by making insurance accessible to all.

The SocioFare by Sabri Helpage: Honoring Unsung Heroes of Service

Kolkata, 25th February 2025: In a world where awards and accolades often celebrate power, wealth, and fame, The SocioFare was born out of a simple yet profound realization—the true heroes of society are often those who work quietly in the background, expecting nothing in return. These are the teachers who shape young minds without seeking recognition, the doctors who serve in remote villages without the promise of fame, and the social workers who uplift communities without applause.

Established on March 18, 2023,T he SocioFareis a movement dedicated to recognizing and celebrating these selfless individuals who devote their lives to the service of others. The initiative by Aarti BR Singh, Founder of Sabri Helpage a social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for mental health and community development created to ensure that acts of kindness, sacrifice, and humanitarian service do not go unnoticed.

The inaugural SocioFare Awards was a moment of truth. The stage was not filled with celebrities or business leaders, but with individuals whose lives were defined by compassion and resilience. Among them was an elderly man who had spent decades feeding the homeless, a young woman who used her life savings to educate underprivileged children, and a doctor who dedicated years to providing free healthcare in slums. Their stories were not just inspiring—they were a reminder that the real measure of success is not personal gain, but the ability to uplift others.

As The SocioFare continues to grow with its 3rd Edition on March 8, 2025, it remains committed to reshaping the way society defines heroism. It is not about trophies or grand ceremonies, but about ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to service are given the recognition they truly deserve. Because true heroes are not the ones in the spotlight—they are the ones who illuminate the path for others.

IIIT-Bangalore Hosts RISE 2025, Showcasing Innovation & Emerging Tech

Bangalore, February 25, 2025: IIIT-Bangalore successfully hosted the 8th edition of RISE (Research Innovation, Society and Entrepreneurship), offering participants an immersive experience in the latest advancements in research and innovation. The two-day event served as a dynamic platform to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships. It provided students and scholars with opportunities to explore PhD and research prospects, engage in technical discussions with IIIT-B faculty and research scholars, and establish potential collaborations.

Speaking on its success, Prof. Debabrata Das, Director IIIT-B said: “RISE 2025 provides students with a unique platform to discover diverse research opportunities, explore cutting-edge emerging technologies, and collaborate with experts. At IIIT-B, our focus on translatable research ensures that innovation leads to real-world solutions. By fostering a culture of curiosity and problem-solving, we aim to equip students with the skills and opportunities to address pressing societal challenges through technology-driven advancements.”

The first day of the event, “RISE Innovation Conclave” focused on the theme of Empowering the future: The 5G/6G Disrupt and their transformative applications across critical sectors, particularly healthcare and smart manufacturing. The conclave brought together industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge innovations and foster meaningful collaborations.

The conclave featured four thematic sessions:

  1. Inaugural Session: “Transforming India’s Communication Landscape: The 5G/6G Revolution” Focusing on India’s journey in developing and implementing next-generation communication technologies.
  2. Healthcare Track: “Revolutionizing Healthcare: Navigating Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities in the 5G/6G Era” Exploring how advanced connectivity is transforming healthcare delivery, telemedicine, remote surgery, and medical innovations.
  3. Manufacturing Track: “Industry 4.0: Smart Manufacturing in the 5G/6G Era” Examining applications in automated factories, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and supply chain optimization.
  4. Closing Fireside Chat: “The Road to 6G: Transforming Connectivity for Tomorrow” A forward-looking discussion on emerging research, potential applications, and policy considerations for 6G development.

The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, technology demonstrations, and networking opportunities. Participants gained insights from industry pioneers and academic experts at the forefront of communication technology research and implementation.

The second day of the event “RISE Open House 2025” featured an extensive display of posters and demos covering a broad spectrum of research domains, including Data Science, Computer Science & Software Engineering, Physics, Network Communications and Signal Processing, IT and Society, and VLSI. The showcased research highlighted state-of-the-art technologies and innovative methodologies driving innovation in these fields.

A major highlight of the event was the keynote address by Ms. Suma Varughese, Director General of DRDO on “Emerging Technologies: Shaping the Future”. She delved on how academic research contributes to advancing autonomous systems, AI-driven decision-making, high-quality sensors, secure communications, and advanced computing for military applications.

Attendees benefited from insights into the latest research trends, collaboration opportunities, and educational pursuits for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. For collaborators, the event facilitated in-depth discussions on research funding and flexible collaboration models offered by IIIT-B, ensuring meaningful engagements in the field of innovation.

With over 80 poster presentations and demos, showcasing diverse topics in technology research and innovation, RISE Open House 2025 successfully fostered knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration among students, academia, and industry. Moreover, the RISE Open House 2025 presented an exciting opportunity for students to engage with top researchers through 20 exclusive internship opportunities. Participating students can apply for internships and gain hands-on experience, working alongside leading experts in diverse research fields.

The event also featured interactive workshops conducted by various research centers at IIIT-B, including the COMET Foundation, CAGS, E-Health Research Centre, and the Centre for Applied Sciences. These workshops provided hands-on exposure to groundbreaking research and advanced technologies.

RISE Open House 2025 reaffirmed IIIT-Bangalore’s commitment to fostering a culture of research, innovation, and collaboration. With a strong focus on translatable research and societal impact, IIIT-B continues to drive technological advancements that shape the future.

Ishq Mein’ comes with a twist after Ibrahim Ali Khan & Khushi’s Pawful Reel

Ibrahim Ali Khan & Khushi’

Love is still in the air! With the release of Nadaaniyan inching closer, the excitement surrounding the film is only intensifying. The latest reel featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor grooving to Ishq Mein has set social media on a buzz, offering fans a playful glimpse into their chemistry. The video captures the duo vibing to the track, but the real twist comes when Ibrahim amusingly chooses Khushi’s dog over her, perfectly captioned as “When Ishq takes a paws.” This lighthearted moment has sparked speculation amongst the audience, could this reflect their dynamic in the film, where love comes with unexpected distractions? Or is it simply a fun nod to their off-screen camaraderie?

The reel hints at a youthful, quirky romance with a playful twist. Ishq Mein sets the tone with Ibrahim and Khushi’s effortless banter and is already drawing comparisons to Bollywood’s favorite rom-com pairs. If this is a teaser for their on-screen chemistry or Nadaaniyan might just deliver a refreshing take on modern love.

With Netflix backing the project, the film is tapping into Gen-Z humor and social media culture. Directed by debutant Shauna Gautam and produced by Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra. Nadaaniyan is shaping up to be a love story with surprises at every turn. Whether “When Ishq Takes a paws” is just a fun inside joke or a subtle hint at the storyline, one thing is certain, this film is bringing a fresh, unexpected take on romance.

Understanding How Neurological Disorders Can Affect Fertility

Dr. N Sapna Lulla,

Dr. N. Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant, Obstetrics&Gyneacology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore

Neurological disorders include various conditions affecting the nervous system, with implications extending beyond motor and cognitive functions. Surprisingly, these disorders can also impact fertility, disrupting the complex network of signals between the brain and reproductive organs. By exploring the mechanisms through which neurological disorders affect fertility, individuals can gain insights into potential challenges and avenues for intervention.
Navigating the intersection of neurological disorders and fertility requires a nuanced understanding of how disruptions in brain function can hinder reproductive processes. By unravelling the complex interplay between the nervous system and reproductive axis, individuals can address fertility concerns stemming from neurological conditions and explore tailored treatment approaches.

1. Neuroendocrine Dysregulation
a. Hypothalamic Dysfunction
Neurological disorders can disrupt hypothalamic function, impairing the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) essential for regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Hypothalamic dysfunction can lead to menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and reduced fertility, as GnRH plays an important role in coordinating the release of reproductive hormones.

b. Pituitary Disorders
Disorders affecting the pituitary gland, such as pituitary tumours or Sheehan’s syndrome, can disrupt hormone production and secretion, impacting fertility. Pituitary tumours may interfere with releasing gonadotropins (FSH and LH), crucial for follicle development and ovulation. In contrast, Sheehan’s syndrome, resulting from pituitary infarction during childbirth, can lead to hypopituitarism and hormonal deficiencies affecting fertility.

2. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
a. Sympathetic Overactivity
Increased sympathetic nervous system activity, seen in conditions like autonomic dysreflexia or autonomic neuropathy, can disrupt reproductive function by altering blood flow to the reproductive organs. Reduced blood flow to the ovaries and uterus may impair follicular development, ovulation, and implantation, impacting fertility outcomes.

b. Vagal Tone
Dysregulation of the vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, can affect reproductive function by disrupting hormonal balance and ovarian function. Vagal tone influences the release of reproductive hormones and ovarian blood flow, and alterations in vagal activity may contribute to menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and subfertility.

3. Neurological Medications and Fertility
a. Anticonvulsants
Certain anticonvulsant medications commonly used to manage epilepsy can interfere with reproductive hormone production and ovulatory function, impacting fertility. These medications may alter the metabolism of sex hormones, leading to menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and decreased fertility in women of reproductive age.

b. Dopaminergic Agents
Medications that modulate dopamine levels, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease, can affect fertility by altering the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Dopamine plays a role in regulating prolactin secretion, and medications that increase dopamine levels may suppress prolactin levels, influencing menstrual regularity and ovulatory function.

4. Psychological Factors and Fertility
a. Stress
Neurological disorders often coincide with increased stress levels, which can impact fertility through neuroendocrine pathways. Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to dysregulation of reproductive hormones, menstrual irregularities, and reduced fertility.

b. Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression, common comorbidities of neurological disorders, can adversely affect fertility by disrupting the delicate balance of neurotransmitters and hormones involved in reproductive function. Imbalances in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels may contribute to menstrual irregularities, anovulation, and subfertility in affected individuals.

5. Surgical Interventions and Fertility
a. Neurosurgical Procedures
Surgical interventions for neurological disorders, such as brain tumours or vascular malformations, may inadvertently impact fertility by damaging critical structures involved in reproductive function. Surgical trauma to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or autonomic nerves can disrupt hormonal signalling pathways and impair reproductive health.

b. Spinal Cord Surgery
Spinal cord surgeries, particularly those involving the lumbar or sacral regions, can affect fertility by disrupting neural connections between the brain and reproductive organs. Damage to spinal cord pathways controlling pelvic organ function may result in sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, or impaired ejaculation, affecting fertility outcomes.

The complex interplay between neurological disorders and fertility underscores the multifaceted nature of reproductive health. By recognizing how neurological conditions affect reproductive function, individuals can advocate for comprehensive care approaches that address neurological and fertility concerns. Collaborative efforts between neurologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and mental health professionals are essential for optimizing fertility outcomes in individuals with neurological disorders.

Synopsis:
Neurological disorders impact fertility via hormone dysregulation, medication effects, stress, and surgical interventions, requiring comprehensive care.

200 teams to take part in regional-round of NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 in Noida on 26th February

NTPC Ltd.,

New Delhi, 25th February 2025: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, is set to host the last edition of the regional rounds of NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 in Noida on 26th February 2025 at NTPC Power Management Institute (PMI).

The event will bring together some of the brightest engineering and management students, competing for a chance to advance to the national finals. About 200 teams from engineering and management institutes in and around Delhi-NCR have already registered for the event. This initiative reflects NTPC’s commitment to fostering intellectual talent and strengthening industry-academia collaboration.

The top two teams from the regional-round competition in Noida will qualify for the national semi-finals, scheduled for 27th February 2025 at NTPC-PMI, Noida.

A total of 18 teams, i.e. 02 teams each from nine regions such as Ranchi, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Raipur, Lucknow, and Noida, will take part in the semi-finals out of which the best six teams will be shortlisted for the final round.

The grand finale will take place on 28th February 2025 at NTPC PMI, Noida where the best six teams will compete for the championship title.

The NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 offers lucrative cash prizes at both regional and national levels. Participants in Noida will compete for rewards of Rs 30,000 for the winners, Rs 20,000 for the runners-up, and Rs 10,000 for third place, with consolation prizes of Rs 4,000 for teams ranking fourth to sixth. At the national level, the champions will take home Rs 50,000, followed by Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 for the second and third-place teams, respectively.

Since its inception in 2004, the NTPC Electron Quiz has become a premier platform for students to demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills. This year’s edition is particularly significant as NTPC celebrates its golden jubilee, reinforcing its dedication to knowledge enhancement and leadership development among future industry professionals

Apex Group of Hospitals Mumbai Performs First-Ever Combined PTBD, Biliary Stenting & Cryoablation

Dr. Maunil Ajay Bhuta

Mumbai – A 62-year-old male patient (Shrikant Parjanjpe) name changed admitted to Apex Multispeciality Hospitals in Borivali (East) with abdominal pain and jaundice. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound (USG) and a CT scan, revealed gallbladder cancer with metastatic spread to the liver. When gallbladder cancer is “revealed” to have spread to the liver, it means that the cancer is already at an advanced stage (typically stage IV) and has metastasized beyond its organ of origin. This situation is unfortunately common with gallbladder cancer because the disease is often silent in its early stages and tends to be discovered incidentally or once symptoms develop. Many gallbladder cancers are found only after they have invaded adjacent liver tissue, given the close anatomical relationship between the gallbladder and the liver.

A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, and Dr. Maunil Ajay Bhuta, Chief Interventional Radiologist at Apex Group of Hospitals, devised a comprehensive treatment plan. Giving more information in this rare medical case Dr. Maunil Ajay Bhuta, Chief Interventional Radiologist says,” In Apex Multispeciality Hospitals (Part of Apex Group of Hospitals) we performed a pioneering, “first‐of‐its‐kind” combined procedure where a patient with obstructive jaundice received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) with biliary stenting to relieve the blockage and, in the same session or closely timed intervention, cryoablation was applied to a liver tumor. This dual approach simultaneously addressed the high bilirubin levels (by decompressing the obstructed bile ducts and restoring bile flow) and directly targeted the tumor with cryoablation. The fact that the patient recovered well and was discharged is an encouraging sign that this innovative combination may offer a safe and effective palliative or even potentially curative option for select patients with complex hepatobiliary disease. After a smooth recovery, he has been discharged in stable condition. This ground-breaking procedure underscores the advancements in interventional radiology, providing minimally invasive yet highly effective solutions for complex cancer cases.”

Apex Group of Hospitals is a trusted chain of healthcare facilities, managed and operated by expert medical professionals with over 25 years of experience. With a capacity of 350+ beds, Apex Hospitals is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Mumbai and surrounding areas. Our hospitals are strategically located in Borivali, Kandivali, and Mulund, ensuring accessible and comprehensive medical care.

Muthoot Exim Enhances Gold Valuation with 38th Gold Point in Lucknow

Muthoot Exim

Lucknow, February 25th, 2025: Muthoot Exim (P) Ltd., the precious metal arm of 137-year-old business conglomerate Muthoot Pappachan Group (also known as Muthoot Blue), proudly announces the grand opening of its newest Gold Point Centre in Lucknow. The new Muthoot Gold Point Centre is strategically located at Shop No. B-305/B-304, 1st Floor of Sahara Plaza, Situated CP-5, Pratkarpuram, Vikas Khand, Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226010.

This marks the opening of 3the 8th Gold Point Centre in India and the 3rd branch in Uttar Pradesh.
The new Gold Point Centre will unlock the value of gold to the residents of Lucknow who will get an opportunity to acquire the much-needed liquidity transparently. Muthoot Exim’s Gold Point Centres are renowned for their commitment to transparency and customer trust. At these centres, customers can sell their old and used gold items with the assurance of receiving fair and accurate valuations. The entire process is conducted transparently, allowing customers to witness the valuation firsthand. Instant cash payments are made for gold valued up to Rs 10,000 with higher amounts processed via IMPS, NEFT, or RTGS, ensuring a seamless and trustworthy transaction experience.

Keyur Shah, CEO of Muthoot Exim said, “Lucknow is a city full of promises, and we are delighted to be part of its growth. Our Gold Point Centre would be a platform for the residents to unlock the value of their gold assets through a fair, transparent and hassle-free process.”

Thomas Muthoot, Executive Director of Muthoot Pappachan Group & Managing Director of Muthoot Exim, added, “This is not yet another opening, but we are here to create lasting, fruitful relationships with the residents. Working alongside the local community and residents of Lucknow, the Muthoot Gold Point Centre will empower them ensuring to provide them a platform for safe financial access.”

Muthoot Exim Pvt. Ltd. (MEPL) has been at the forefront of innovation in the precious metals market. As the first organized player to launch a gold recycling centre in India, MEPL has continuously set benchmarks in the industry. Since the opening of its first Gold Point Centre in Coimbatore in 2015, the company has expanded to major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hubballi, Napur, Barasat, Tirunelveli, Guntur, Warangal, Davangere, Bhubneshwar, Kalaburagi, Thrissur, and now Lucknow consistently offering high-quality products at affordable prices.