Choosing Between Stents and Bypass Surgery for Heart Disease
By: Dr. Akhil Kumar Rustagi, Director & Head of Department – Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in India, with an alarming increase in cases of blocked arteries. Coronary artery disease, which involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries supplying blood to the heart, often necessitates interventions like stenting or bypass surgery. Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the severity and location of blockages, the patient’s overall health, and long-term goals for heart function and quality of life.
In India, over 3 million people are estimated to suffer from coronary artery disease annually. With a rise in cases due to sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, smoking, and diabetes. Understanding treatment options is essential for managing this growing health concern.
Arteries can become narrowed due to plaque buildup—a mix of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and other substances—reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack. This condition can cause symptoms such as chest pain (angina), breathlessness, fatigue, and even heart failure if left untreated. Early diagnosis through tests like ECG, stress tests, and coronary angiography helps determine the extent of blockage and the right intervention.
Stents: Minimally Invasive and Quick Recovery
Stenting, or percutaneous coronary intervention, involves inserting a tiny tube into the narrowed artery to keep it open, improving blood flow. This procedure is less invasive, usually performed under local anesthesia, and patients typically return home within a day or two.
Drug-eluting stents, which release medication to prevent re-narrowing, are commonly used. Stents are ideal for patients with one or two blocked arteries or those who may not tolerate surgery due to age or other health conditions. However, patients must take blood-thinning medications long-term and may face a risk of re-blockage in certain cases.
Bypass Surgery: Comprehensive Treatment for Severe Blockages
Coronary artery bypass grafting is a more invasive procedure where surgeons use blood vessels from another part of the body to create a new route for blood to flow around blocked arteries. It is typically recommended for patients with multiple blockages, especially in major arteries or in diabetics, where stenting may not provide lasting results.
Though recovery takes longer—hospital stays can last 5–7 days with several weeks of rehabilitation—bypass surgery has proven long-term benefits, including reduced risk of repeat procedures and better outcomes for complex heart disease.
Comparing Outcomes and Making the Decision
Both stents and bypass surgery have their merits. Studies show that while stents are effective for short-term relief and quicker recovery, bypass surgery offers better long-term survival in patients with severe multi-vessel disease. The choice depends on factors like age, co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure), number and location of blockages, and patient preferences.
It’s crucial to consult a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon to evaluate all options based on individual health conditions. With advancements in minimally invasive bypass techniques and improved stent technology, treatment can be tailored to offer the best outcomes.
As heart disease cases rise across India, timely intervention is critical. Understanding the benefits and limitations of both stents and bypass surgery can help patients make informed decisions. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and expert consultation are key to preserving heart health and improving quality of life for those with coronary artery disease.
Allied Blenders Appoints CRISIL to Strengthen Governance Practices
Mumbai, 31 March, 2025 – Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited (ABD), India’s 3rd largest spirits company, appoints CRISIL Ltd, a global leader in analytics and sustainability advisory, to further enhance the governance framework and embed sustainability across its business.
The partnership reflects ABD’s focus on building a future-ready organization driven by transparency, accountability, and long-term value. As part of the engagement, CRISIL will carry out its Governance and Value Creation (GVC) assessment, which reviews areas such as governance practices and evaluate sustainable & inclusive value creation aspects. The goal is to strengthen ABD’s governance model in line with global best practices.
In addition, CRISIL will assist in preparing the company to meet evolving regulatory expectations, including the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for FY26.
Mr. Alok Gupta, Managing Director, ABD said, “Strong governance and sustainability are core to how we grow and operate. This partnership with CRISIL is an important step in building a more resilient and responsible business. As we continue to scale, we are equally focused on making a lasting difference for our consumers, communities, and the industry.”
The initiative is part of ABD’s ongoing transformation, which includes premiumisation of its portfolio, modernising operations, and deepening its market presence. With governance and sustainability now central to its growth strategy, ABD is positioning itself at the forefront of positive change in the Indian alco-bev sector.
Media Net Works Hosts Adventure and Culture Evening at Le Meridien
Roaming Stars: An Evening of Unforgettable Journeys, Art, and Adventure
Media net Works along with Le Meridien New Delhi hosted Roaming Stars, a spectacular event bringing together a vibrant mix of adventurers, storytellers and travel enthusiasts. The event was held in association with Travel Secrets.
At the heart of the event were five remarkable speakers whose travel tales transported the audience across continents and cultures. Legendary journalist and author Sathya Saran held the room spellbound with her masterful storytelling, weaving together vivid experiences from her journey-filled career. Joining her on stage were biker Gokul Pillai, cyclist Gareema Shankar and mountaineers Rajesh Raghuvanshi and Saachi Dhillon, who shared gripping accounts of daring expeditions, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of profound self-discovery.
“From the dynamic speakers to the interactive challenges, we wanted to create an evening that celebrates the magic of travel and leaves a lasting impression,” said Sudesh Chawla, founder of Media net Works. I’m thrilled to see that vision come to life so beautifully.”
Adding a nostalgic touch to the evening was Kagaz ke Phool, a virtual museum of rare lithographs, vintage prints, calendars, and posters, curated by collector Tarun Thakral, Chief Executive Officer, CJ International Hotels Ltd., Le Meridien New Delhi. Guests were enthralled by the collection’s rich visual storytelling, which captured the romance and artistry of a bygone era.
“Kagaz ke Phool is my tribute to the forgotten visual treasures of India’s past,” shared Thakral. “Watching people connect with these rare artworks tonight reaffirms my mission to preserve and share this legacy with future generations.”
Adding to the artistic flair, Le Meridien New Delhi invited guests to experience the hotel’s art trail, which extends right up to the 19th floor and features celebrated works, offering a captivating glimpse into the world of contemporary creativity.
The evening also featured a playful Mystery Suitcase Challenge, adding a dash of excitement. Two lucky guests walked away with an exclusive dinner for two at Xo & Mi, Le Meridien New Delhi’s swanky 20th-floor restaurant, where they will enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine alongside breathtaking views of the city skyline.
As the night unfolded, the rhythm took over with salsa dancing and a mini bachata workshop led by Ravi Rastogi of Moving Souls, transforming the evening into a vibrant celebration of culture and connection.
“Roaming Stars encapsulates what Travel Secrets stands for — celebrating the road less travelled and the magic of authentic experiences,” said Shubhra Krishan, Editor of Travel Secrets.
The Shifting Real Estate Dynamics: Capital vs. Rental Growth in Delhi-NCR
The Delhi-NCR real estate market has witnessed a remarkable transformation since 2021, with capital values surging dramatically while rental appreciation follows at a more measured pace. According to recent data from ANAROCK, this growing disparity between capital and rental appreciation is reshaping investment perspectives across the region’s micro markets.
The most notable illustration of this pattern is Sector-150 in Noida, which has seen an astounding 128% rise in capital prices since 2021. There is a notable discrepancy between the two growth rates, though, since rental prices for typical 1,000 square foot, two-bedroom apartments in the same area have increased by just 66% over this time.
Several additional noteworthy locations in Delhi-NCR that exhibit comparable trends are highlighted in the ANAROCK research. The capital and rental prices of Gurugram’s Golf Course Extension Road have risen by 112% and 73%, respectively. In contrast, Dwarka Expressway saw a 70% increase in rents and a 98% increase in capital values.
Rental yields in these micro-markets have been directly influenced by the disparity in growth rates. Before 2021, rental yields in Delhi-NCR’s upscale neighbourhoods were between 3 to 3.5%. Pure rental income is now less appealing to investors due to the present situation, which has squeezed these returns to about 2-2.5% in most places.
According to the analysis, there are a number of reasons for this increase in capital value, including as the increased demand for bigger homes after the pandemic, the scarcity of new supply in desirable areas, and rising building prices. The rise in premium sectors’ capital has been further stimulated by the influx of NRI investments.
End users will face more obstacles to becoming homes as a result, and investors will need to adjust their expectations for returns. According to the analysis, rental income no longer accounts for a larger portion of total returns than long-term capital gain.
According to ANAROCK, steady demand and growing development expenses will likely keep capital values on their upward trend even though the gap between capital and rental growth may narrow slightly in the future. However, as more completed inventory becomes available and job prospects grow in commercial centres around Delhi-NCR, rental prices are anticipated to increase more quickly in the upcoming quarters.
Sudeep Bhatt, Director – Strategy, Whiteland Corporation, says, “The significant disparity between the growth in capital values and rental values in real estate markets like Gurugram can be attributed to various factors. For instance, the market is driven by demand from both domestic and international buyers, rapid infrastructure development and government-led initiatives that support growth. The primary reason behind this trend is investor confidence and the high ROI seen in luxury and high-end developments, which fuel capital appreciation more than rental yield. Gurugram’s position as a corporate hub continues to drive housing demand—especially in the premium and luxury segments—leading to sharp capital value appreciation. This strong focus on upscale developments and infrastructure expansion enhances Gurugram’s appeal as a major real estate destination, driving capital values more significantly than rentals.
This evolving dynamic underscores the changing nature of real estate investment in the region, where timing and location selection have become increasingly critical factors for maximizing returns in a market characterized by divergent growth patterns.
Mr. Abhishek Singh, Director- V3 Infrasol “The widening gap between capital appreciation and rental growth in Delhi-NCR highlights a crucial shift in investor sentiment. While capital values continue to surge due to strong end-user demand, infrastructure upgrades, and NRI investments, rental yields have been unable to keep pace. This dynamic suggests that investors must now adopt a more long-term perspective, focusing on wealth creation through capital gains rather than relying solely on rental income. Markets like Gurugram and Noida remain prime destinations, but strategic asset selection will be key to optimizing returns in this evolving landscape.”
Mr. Gaurav K Singh, Founder and Chairman, Womeki Group , “The sharp rise in capital values across Delhi-NCR, particularly in premium micro-markets like Noida and Gurugram, is a testament to strong investor confidence and the region’s rapid infrastructure growth. While rental yields have not kept pace, capital appreciation remains a major driver for real estate investments. Developers are adapting to this trend by focusing on premium and high-end residential projects that cater to evolving buyer expectations. As connectivity improves and commercial hubs expand, we anticipate a more balanced growth trajectory, with rental demand catching up in the coming years.”
Recognizing the First Warning Signs of Kidney Trouble
By: Dr Vipin Sisodia, Consultant – Urology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
Kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health by filtering waste products, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and supporting red blood cell production. However, kidney problems often go unnoticed until they become severe. In India, kidney diseases are a growing concern, with Chronic Kidney Disease affecting nearly 15–17% of the population, according to recent studies. Factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, poor hydration, and indiscriminate use of over-the-counter painkillers contribute significantly to rising kidney issues in both urban and rural populations.
Common Warning Signs to Watch For
Kidney problems often begin silently, but the body gives early hints when the kidneys are under stress or beginning to fail. Common warning signs include swelling in the hands, feet, or face due to fluid retention, and noticeable changes in urination patterns such as frequent urination at night, reduced urine output, or foamy, dark-colored urine. Many individuals experience persistent fatigue or weakness as waste builds up in the blood, along with loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting—especially in the mornings.
Itchy or dry skin, caused by imbalanced minerals, and shortness of breath or difficulty concentrating, linked to anemia from kidney dysfunction, are also key indicators. Recognizing these symptoms early and consulting a doctor can make a significant difference in managing kidney health and preventing further complications.
Risk Factors for Kidney Problems in India
India has one of the highest burdens of kidney disease globally. With over 200,000 new patients developing kidney failure each year, many are forced to rely on dialysis or transplantation. Unfortunately, due to low awareness and delayed diagnosis, many patients reach hospitals at advanced stages. Early detection through recognizing warning signs can prevent serious complications and the need for expensive treatments like dialysis.
Certain groups in India are at higher risk of developing kidney diseases, particularly those with diabetes (a major contributor to Chronic Kidney Disease in nearly 40% of cases) and high blood pressure. Additionally, consuming high-sodium diets, using herbal or unregulated medications, and chronic dehydration due to hot climates, especially in northern and central India, further exacerbate the risk.
The Role of Timely Diagnosis and Care
Early-stage kidney disease can often be managed or even reversed with dietary changes, medication, and proper hydration. Routine blood tests (serum creatinine), urine analysis, and kidney function tests are essential for early detection. Ultrasound and imaging also help to assess structural problems like stones or obstructive uropathy and other reversible causes. Individuals with risk factors should undergo regular screening, even in the absence of symptoms.
Kidney diseases are silent killers that progress gradually. Early recognition of symptoms and timely consultation with a nephrologist or urologist can prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life. With increasing awareness and preventive health check-ups, more people can avoid the serious consequences of untreated kidney problems. Paying attention to your body’s early signals can be the first step toward protecting your kidney health and ensuring a healthier future.
Orkla India restructures its board with the addition of four independent directors
National, 31 March 2025: Orkla India announces restructuring of its board with the appointment of four non-executive independent directors, with this development now the board comprises of eight members.
The newly appointed directors include Ms. Rashmi Joshi, Mr. Amit Jain, Ms. Shantanu Khosla, and Ms. Meena Ganesh. These appointments complement the existing directors on the board of Orkla India comprising Mr. Atle Vidar Nagel Johansen (Chairman), Ms. Maria Syse-Nybraaten, Mr. Per Havard Skiaker Maelen, and Mr. Sanjay Sharma, creating a comprehensive eight-member board of directors with suitable expertise across multiple domains. The expanded board structure strengthens Orkla India’s corporate governance framework in line with its strategic growth objectives.
NIU Hosts Lakshya 2.0: 3-Day Tournament with Thousands of Students
Noida, 31 March 2025: Noida International University (NIU) has organized Lakshya 2.0, a grand three-day inter-university sports tournament that witnessed participation from over 1,000 students representing 32 universities and colleges across Delhi NCR. The prestigious event, organized by NIU’s Department of Sports, featured ten competitive sports events, showcasing student athletes’ exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination.
The tournament encouraged sportsmanship and a competitive spirit among young people. In recognition of their achievements, the winners and runners-up in each category were honored with trophies, medals, certificates, and prize money.
The opening ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mr. Manish Kumar, Senior Sports Administrator shared his best wishes to the athletes for their dedication. The event also received significant support from prominent sponsors, including Sierra Appliances Pvt. Ltd, Tree House Creations Pvt. Ltd, Unique Infra & Sustainable Power Pvt. Ltd, Innovation Glass, Bahuja Law Academy, and JJDJ Interiors Pvt. Ltd. With an outstanding response from both participants and spectators, Lakshya 2.0 has set a new benchmark for university-level sports tournaments, promising an even bigger and better edition in the future.
Speaking on this, Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor at NIU said, We encourage students to participate and organize such events as they boost their confidence and allow them to explore their skills and capabilities. Recently, the School of Allied Health Sciences organized a three-day seminar on PCR and FNAC, centered on the theme ‘Bridging Molecular and Cytological Diagnostics: Advancing Precision in Laboratory Medicine.’ The event witnessed participation from experts, researchers, and students, facilitating insightful discussions on advancements in medical diagnostics. Following this, the School of Liberal Arts conducted a compelling panel discussion on ‘Empowering Women: Breaking Barriers and Building the Future. Also, to boost international collaborations, we hosted delegates from Washington, where academic exchanges aimed at enhancing global learning experiences for students and faculty. To explore international cultures, NIU celebrated the Independence Day of Bangladesh with students and faculty, emphasizing cultural unity and global solidarity.
With such a diverse array of events, Noida International University continues to reinforce its commitment to academic excellence, sportsmanship, and global engagement, setting a dynamic precedent for future initiatives.
MaxIQ Appoints Sastry Malladi as CTO to Strengthen Leadership
New Delhi, India/San Ramon, California – March 31, 2025 – MaxIQ, the AI-powered Revenue Platform for B2B SaaS enterprises backed by Dell Technologies Capital and Intel Capital today announced the appointment of Sastry Malladi as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). A veteran technology leader with more than three decades of experience, Sastry will lead MaxIQ’s product and engineering organization as it scales its Revenue AI platform that empowers go-to-market teams to drive predictable growth and maximize customer lifetime value.
Sastry will work alongside Matt Hickey, CEO, and Sonny Aulakh, Founder, to bring MaxIQ’s bold vision to life: helping enterprises close the gap between sales execution and customer value realization.
Sastry Malladi shared his insights into the appointment, saying, “I’m thrilled to join the leadership team at MaxIQ during this pivotal growth phase. Today’s revenue teams are operating in silos — disconnected tools for sales and success lead to inaccurate forecasts, missed handoffs, and lost opportunities. With Revenue AI, we have the chance to change the game. I’m excited to build the platform that brings it all together.”
Sastry brings a wealth of experience to MaxIQ, especially his experience of management through co-founding multiple startups, including FogHorn Systems, which achieved a successful exit and was a pioneer in Edge AI. He has also had significant experience in technology leadership roles at eBay and Oracle, building scalable, global platforms. Furthermore, Sastry holds deep expertise in AI, enterprise software, and leading globally distributed engineering teams.
As CTO, Sastry will lead the expansion of MaxIQ’s Agentic AI capabilities — purpose-built to support sales forecasting, customer onboarding, product adoption, and revenue expansion in a single platform. His leadership will accelerate the company’s R&D roadmap and global team expansion following MaxIQ’s recent $7.8 million seed round led by Dell Technologies Capital, with participation from Intel Capital.
Matt Hickey, CEO of MaxIQ, welcomed the appointment of the CTO, saying, “Sastry’s track record of technical excellence and entrepreneurial success speaks for itself. He’s the right leader to help us scale the next-generation platform that today’s GTM teams have been waiting for.”
MaxIQ continues to see strong momentum as more B2B SaaS companies seek to align sales, customer success, and RevOps under one intelligent platform — from deal qualification to onboarding, usage, expansion, and renewal.
ORRA Celebrates Ugadi with Timeless Diamond Grandeur
Bengaluru, Date: 31 March 2025: Ugadi is more than just the dawn of a new year, it is a celebration of new beginnings, renewed aspirations, and the promise of prosperity. This auspicious occasion calls for indulgence in timeless treasures that embody grace and fortune, making it the perfect time to adorn yourself in the brilliance of diamonds.
As India’s ultimate Diamond Destination brand, ORRA continues to be the epitome of refined craftsmanship and contemporary luxury. In honour of Ugadi, the brand presented a new, and special curation of exquisite designs, inspired by the opulent heritage and cultural grandeur of South India.
The highlight of this collection is a traditional haram, meticulously crafted with scintillating diamonds and vibrant gemstones, paired with intricately designed earrings that exude regal charm. Consumers can also further elevate their festive look with a multi-layered diamond set, delicately infused with coloured gemstones that effortlessly complement the timeless allure of a Kanjivaram saree.
ORRA Fine Jewellery’s Managing Director Mr. Dipu Mehta shares, “At ORRA, we believe that every celebration deserves the brilliance of diamonds, and Ugadi is no exception. Our specially curated jewellery designs for Ugadi are a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of South India, blending timeless artistry with contemporary elegance. We invite customers to embrace the festive spirit with ORRA’s exquisite creations and make every moment truly unforgettable”
Beyond our festival offering, ORRA is also offering ‘Aekta’ – The Wedding Collection alongside their celebrated Astra and the patented Crown Star Solitaire Collection to consumers in line with their demand and choices. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, ORRA is bringing a dazzling array of statement pieces, from opulent diamond necklaces adorned with coloured stones to meticulously curated jewellery box setseach designed to make every moment truly unforgettable during this festive season.
Celebrate the spirit of Ugadi with the brilliance of ORRA and revel in the timeless luxury of diamonds. Explore our collections in-store and indulge in our Anniversary Sale, where unparalleled craftsmanship meets irresistible elegance, that too with some special offers such as:
- Up to 25% off on diamond Value
- 0% interest on EMI facilities*
- 100% exchange value on old gold jewellery*
ENTOD’s World Glaucoma Week 2025 Impacts 15,000 plus Lives
New Delhi, 31 March 2025: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with the Matanand Welfare Foundation, successfully concluded its World Glaucoma Week 2025 campaign, held from March 9th to March 15th, 2025. The campaign focused on raising awareness about glaucoma and the importance of early detection, reaching over 2,000 doctors and 15,000 patients across India through free screenings, awareness programs, and educational initiatives.
In India, more than 10 million people have glaucoma, but over 90% don’t even know it because they don’t get regular eye check-ups. Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can slowly damage vision without warning. It happens when pressure builds up in the eye and corrodes the optic nerve. If not treated in time, it can lead to permanent blindness. Unfortunately, most people don’t notice any symptoms until it’s too late. Some may experience blurry vision, eye pain, headaches, or difficulty with peripheral vision but many don’t realize they have it until significant vision loss has already occurred. Early detection can help catch the signs at an earlier stage before the condition worsens. Glaucoma can be managed with medications, laser treatment, or surgery to control eye pressure and protect vision.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, on the campaign’s impact, said “Our goal with this campaign was to spread awareness about Glaucoma, which is a major cause of blindness, and make screenings easier to access. The response shows how much this was needed. At ENTOD, we believe that the right information and timely care can save vision. That’s why we are working closely with doctors, hospitals, and communities to ensure more people get tested and treated in time.”
Mrs. Anjula Masurkar, Clinical Director of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, added, “We are extremely proud of the impact we made during the World Glaucoma Week 2025 but at the same time we do recognize that we must continue these patient-centric awareness activities regularly throughout the year. Serving and making a positive difference in our community forms an integral part of our duty and responsibility as human beings”
With campaigns like World Glaucoma Week 2025, ENTOD aims to expand its efforts to reach out more people, strengthen collaborations with medical professionals, and develop better ways to improve glaucoma detection and treatment. The company is committed to making glaucoma awareness an ongoing, year-round effort rather than a one-time initiative.
World Glaucoma Week 2025 marks another milestone in ENTOD Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing efforts to promote better vision care. With this momentum, the company is already looking forward to World Glaucoma Week 2026 and plans to further expand its reach and impact.