IIHMR Starts 4th Executive Masters’ Batch
Mumbai, 22st January 2025: IIHMR University, a leading health management research university in India, proudly hosted the inaugural program for the fourth cohort of its Master of Public Health (MPH) (Executive) 2024–26 and Master of Hospital Administration (MHA) (Executive) 2024–26 programs.
The event marked the beginning of an academic journey for 50 professionals from Executive Master of Public Health and 17 professionals from Executive Master of Hospital Administration, aiming to enhance their expertise in public health and hospital administration while continuing their careers. Showcasing rich diversity, the eMPH batch has 25 female and 25 male candidates, and the eMHA batch has 9 female and 8 male students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University, shared, “With a rich legacy of 40 years in healthcare management education, we are deeply committed to empowering professionals with the skills, knowledge, and leadership capabilities required to drive transformative change in healthcare systems. The Master of Public Health (Executive) and Master of Hospital Administration (Executive) programs are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare sector, enabling professionals to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new cohorts and encourage them to embrace this journey of growth.”
Reflecting a diverse cohort of professionals eager to contribute to the evolving landscape of healthcare management, the programs witnessed participation from diverse backgrounds. Making a majority 23 candidates of the eMPH program were from government organizations, followed by 22 candidates from private hospitals, consultancies, etc. and 5 participants from NGOs. Whereas, the eMHA had 12 participants from private hospitals, consultancies, etc. and 5 from government organizations.
The eMPH and eMHA cohorts brought a wealth of professional experience and maturity to the program, with an impressive average of 10 years and 9 years of work experience, respectively. Reflecting their seasoned backgrounds, the participants had an average age of 38 years for the eMPH cohort and 37 years for the eMHA cohort, showcasing a balanced blend of expertise and readiness to excel in the evolving field of healthcare management.
Lemonn Unveils Margin Trading for 1M Users
India, January 22, 2025: PeepalCo’s innovative investment platform, Lemonn, has launched Margin Trading Facility (MTF) on its app. Lemonn has also reached a milestone of one million users* and is now among the top 50 brokers in India*.
MTF can be a significant feature for advanced stock investors, empowering them to amplify their investment potential. Through this, users can now purchase stocks beyond their current account balance by borrowing up to 80% of a stock’s value. Lemonn’s MTF offering comes with a highly competitive interest rate of just 8.99% per annum, making advanced trading strategies more accessible and affordable.
The new MTF feature aligns with Lemonn’s vision of democratizing access to advanced financial tools while ensuring affordability. Users can access it seamlessly with just a single click from the homepage, following a one-day activation period.
Commenting on the announcement Devam Sardana, Business Head, Lemonn said “At Lemonn, we are driven by a singular mission: to make investing simpler, smarter, and more rewarding for our users. The launch of the Margin Trading Facility (MTF) is a step in this journey, empowering investors to approach the stock market with confidence. By offering highly competitive interest rates, we are enabling users to make the best use of opportunities as they arise even when they have lack of sufficient funds”.
In less than a year, Lemonn has achieved significant milestones, including surpassing 1 million users* and securing its position among the top 50 brokers in India*. These accomplishments highlight the platform’s rapid ascent in the investment ecosystem.
“Our rapidly growing user base is a testament to the trust we’ve earned and proof that we are delivering on our promises. It’s heartening to see more and more people choosing Lemonn as their preferred investment partner,” he added
Lemonn is a user-friendly platform that offers a diverse range of investment options, including mutual funds, direct stocks, IPOs, and F&O trading for first-time and seasoned investors.
Timely Surgical Intervention is Key to Stroke Recovery
Dr Sumit Goyal Neurosurgeon and Group Director Neurointerventionist, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing in India, particularly with the rise in risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles. When a stroke occurs, every second counts.
Immediate medical intervention can make the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability. While medical management is crucial, in some cases, advanced treatment options like neurosurgery become necessary to effectively address the condition and improve the patient’s chances of recovery.
The Role of Neurosurgery in Stroke Treatment
Neurosurgery plays a critical role in the management of certain types of strokes. In ischemic strokes, where a blood clot obstructs the flow of blood to the brain, surgical intervention such as thrombectomy can be used to remove the clot and restore blood flow. This procedure must be performed within a few hours of the onset of stroke symptoms to maximize its effectiveness.
In cases of haemorrhagic stroke, surgical intervention is often required to remove blood accumulated within the brain, reducing pressure and preventing further injury. Aneurysm coiling, a minimally invasive procedure, is frequently used to treat brain aneurysms by stabilizing them, reducing the risk of rupture. Additionally, neurosurgeons may repair damaged blood vessels to stop any further bleeding, decreasing the chance of subsequent strokes.
Minimizing Complications and Enhancing Recovery
In addition to emergency neurosurgery, the management of stroke patients often involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes neurocritical care, rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up. Preventing complications such as infections, blood clots, or further strokes is crucial. Post-surgery, patients require intensive care to monitor brain function, maintain adequate oxygen levels, and ensure proper nutrition.
Rehabilitation also plays a significant role in a patient’s recovery. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help stroke survivors regain lost functions, improve mobility, and manage daily activities independently.
Prevention and Awareness
The best approach to stroke management is prevention. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, controlling blood pressure, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Regular health check-ups and early detection of risk factors like high cholesterol or atrial fibrillation can also help prevent stroke.
In regions with high stroke prevalence, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate the population about stroke symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of timely medical intervention. The quicker the treatment, the better the chances of minimizing brain damage and achieving a successful recovery.
Road to Recovery
Neurosurgery, in combination with other medical and rehabilitation treatments, is instrumental in improving outcomes for stroke patients. The ability to restore blood flow, remove blood clots, and relieve pressure on the brain provides patients with a higher chance of surviving the stroke and regaining lost functions.
Budget Expectation Quote -NPST
By : Deepak Chand Thakur, co-founder and CEO of NPST.
“Favourable Macroeconomic Impact An increase in discretionary spending can have a beneficial impact on UPI transaction volumes. Any relief to stimulate personal spending capacity in the upcoming Union Budget FY 2025-26 will be welcomed by the fintech industry.
Introduction of MDR Regime for UPI Payments Today, one in three digital payments is a UPI transaction. With growing investment in payments infrastructure, fraud management, compliance, and security — and the associated cost of processing transactions — participating entities need to monetize UPI. A rethinking of MDR for UPI transactions above Rs 2,000 can create a sustainable revenue model, benefiting all stakeholders in the UPI ecosystem.
Democratizing Data through AI Policy: The data landscape offers potential for shared intelligence solutions. AI-driven collaboration could strengthen fraud prevention network-wide, particularly benefiting smaller players who need government support for intelligence sharing.”
ManipalCigna Launches Campaign Across 21 States
Mumbai, January 21, 2025 – ManipalCigna Health Insurance today launched the second phase of their successful campaign, Sada Secure Raho. In this phase the brand is going live with a comprehensive radio initiative aimed at reaching audiences in Tier II cities and beyond. This month-long campaign will take place across 63 locations in 21 Indian states from January 20, 2025, to February 21, 2025. To maximize reach and engagement, ManipalCigna will collaborate with popular regional radio stations, broadcasting in ten local languages including Hindi, Telugu, Assamese, Punjabi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Tamil, and Bengali.
“Sada Secure Raho campaign is envisioned to raise awareness about health insurance while promoting our latest offering ManipalCigna ‘Sarvah’, designed to cater to the health insurance needs of individuals across India. While phase one was digital focused, in the second phase, we went with radio as our medium due to its reach and resonance in our target markets, especially in tier 3 and 4 cities,” said Sapna Desai, Chief Marketing Officer, ManipalCigna Health Insurance.
The radio campaign features three engaging spots emphasizing the innovative offerings of the product like ‘Infinite cover’ – Anant Benefit, which provides access to unlimited coverage for hospitalization against 4 major illnesses, like Heart, Cancer, Stroke and Major Organ/Bone marrow transplant, and Zero Waiting Period, highlighting Day 1 coverage for listed pre-existing conditions.
With a total of over 45,000 spots scheduled over the campaign duration, ManipalCigna is ready to deliver impactful messages highlighting the significance of health insurance in everyday life. The total on-air seconds for this campaign will reach an impressive of around 10 lakh seconds, ensuring that the message reaches our target audience in these markets. Through this campaign, ManipalCigna Health Insurance looks forward to creating a positive impact in raising awareness about health insurance across India.
Canon India Launches Official e-Shop
National, January, 2025: Canon India today announced the launch of its first official e-Shop in India, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey. Serving as the ultimate ‘One-Stop Destination for Canon consumer products,’ the platform ensures seamless accessibility for customers across more than 89,000 PIN codes in India. By partnering exclusively with Canon-authorized business partners, the e-Shop offers a wide range of high-quality products, including cameras, lenses, printers, and accessories, enabling consumers to explore and purchase authentic Canon products from Canon authorized business partners. This strategic initiative aligns with the growing preference among Indian consumers for digital shopping to meet their technology needs.
With features like secure payment options and easy order tracking, the Canon e-Shop offers unparalleled convenience, reliability and security. In addition to offering Canon’s complete range of consumer products on a single platform, the e-Shop will showcase all ongoing offers and schemes, enhancing value for users.
Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Toshiaki Nomura, President & CEO, Canon India said, “At Canon India, we are committed to understanding and adapting to our customers’ evolving needs, thereby ensuring Customer Delight throughout. The launch of our e-Shop is a testament to this commitment, as it offers a seamless and trusted shopping experience at the convenience of a touch. By bringing our extensive range of Canon products onto a single platform, we ensure our customers can effortlessly transition from exploring our brand to fulfilling their technology requirements. This milestone aligns with our vision to enhance accessibility, convenience, and trust, reaffirming Canon India as a customer-first brand.”
The Canon India e-Shop launch reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its digital footprint. With a phased expansion strategy to onboard additional partners and products, Canon aims to establish a holistic platform to meet the dynamic needs of its customers. While the initial rollout emphasizes a cohesive shopping experience, future enhancements will include innovative features such as an AI-powered chatbot for personalised customer support.
Blood Donation: Good for Your Heart and Humanity
Dr. C N Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Aster CMI
Hospital, Bangalore
Blood Donation: Good for Your Heart and Humanity
January 2025 marks Blood Donation Awareness Month, a perfect opportunity to spotlight the myriad benefits of this selfless act. Blood donation is more than a gesture of generosity—it is a boon for the recipient’s life and a surprising boost to the donor’s health. Among the various health advantages, its positive impact on heart health stands out.
Lowering Iron Levels for a Healthier Heart
Excessive iron levels in the blood can lead to oxidative stress, which damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease. Regular blood donation helps reduce iron overload by lowering ferritin levels, thus mitigating these risks. Research suggests that men who donate blood at least once a year have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to non-donors.
By maintaining optimal iron levels, blood donors contribute to better cardiovascular health, reducing the strain on their hearts while also aiding those in need.
Improved Circulation and Reduced Inflammation
Another significant benefit of blood donation is its positive effect on blood viscosity. Thick blood increases resistance within blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder. Donating blood reduces viscosity, promoting smoother blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Additionally, regular blood donors often show reduced markers of inflammation, a key factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
A Built-In Health Check-Up
Each blood donation session begins with a mini health screening, which includes checking vital signs like blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and pulse rate. This acts as a preventive measure, allowing donors to stay informed about their health and catch potential cardiovascular issues early. Regular donors may benefit from these routine health assessments, ensuring their heart health is always monitored.
Boosting Emotional Well-Being
The act of donating blood also brings intangible rewards, such as emotional fulfillment and reduced stress. Studies have shown that acts of altruism, including blood donation, release endorphins and promote a sense of well-being. A calmer mind and reduced stress levels are directly linked to improved heart health, making this a win-win situation for donors and recipients alike.
An Act of Lifesaving Generosity
While the personal health benefits are noteworthy, the ultimate significance of blood donation lies in its potential to save lives. Every unit of blood donated can save up to three lives, providing hope to patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, or recovering from severe injuries. This noble act not only strengthens communities but also creates a ripple effect of goodwill and unity.
As January unfolds, let Blood Donation Awareness Month inspire us to roll up our sleeves for this life-saving cause. Donating blood is an easy yet impactful way to contribute to society while nurturing one’s own health. So, why wait? Make an appointment to donate blood and let your heart literally and metaphorically grow stronger.
NHC Foods Reports 384% Growth in Q3-FY25 Net Profit
Mumbai, January 21, 2025: NHC Foods Limited, a prominent exporter of agricultural commodities and spices, has announced its financial results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended 31st December 2024.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹208.33 Lakhs as compared to ₹43.03 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Quarter ended 31st December 2024 increased by 58% to ₹7352.97 Lakhs as compared to ₹4649.69 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.
For the Nine months ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹614.30 Lakhs as compared to ₹126.88 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Nine Months ended 31st December 2024 increased by 64% to ₹21,420 Lakhs as compared to ₹13,062 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.
The performance of NHC Foods over the last three quarters highlights the company’s remarkable ability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite a volatile environment. The company reported profits of ₹200.88 Lakhs in Q1-FY25, ₹205.08 Lakhs in Q2-FY25, and ₹208.33 Lakhs in Q3-FY25, surpassing the ₹234.74 Lakhs achieved for the entire FY2024.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Satyam Joshi, Whole Time Director stated “NHC Foods’ performance during the quarter and nine-month period showcases its exceptional capability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite operating in a challenging environment. The company’s focus on product and market expansion, along with strategic investments in manufacturing, technology and R&D, is set to create a stronger foundation for a brighter and sustainable future.”
“The successful completion of the recent Rights Issue stands as a testament to the confidence investors and stakeholders have in the company’s management and future growth prospects”, Mr. Satyam Joshi added.
As part of its expansion and brand-building strategy, NHC Foods has allocated sizable funds for establishing a state-of-the-art Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility and revamping its flagship spice brand, ‘SAAZ.’
The cutting-edge Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility at Pardi in Gujarat is designed to meet the growing domestic and international demand for sesame-based products, particularly in key export markets such as China, Korea, Turkey, USA and Europe. The plant is expected to be operational within a year and is expected to drive substantial revenue growth. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to addressing global demand while enhancing domestic supply capabilities and is a significant step toward cementing its leadership position in the sesame industry.
On the product innovation side, NHC Foods’ flagship spice brand, “SAAZ,” is set for a comprehensive strategic revamp to strengthen its consumer brand portfolio. The initiative includes enhancing its presence across modern retail chains and leading e-commerce platforms like Big Basket, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Amazon. The company is planning a pilot launch in Rajkot, Gujarat, with the revamped product line expected to roll out in the market within 5–6 months.
The Board of Directors has also granted in-principle approval for NHC Foods to invest in Inwelco Science Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Buyceps, a prominent health and wellness brand. With a revenue target of ₹100 crores in the next 2–3 years, this investment enables NHC Foods to tap into the growing demand for wellness products both in India and overseas markets.
Skydo Receives RBI Approval as PA-CB
Bengaluru, Jan 21
Skydo Technologies Private Limited, a leading cross-border payments company, has received in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. Skydo is among the first companies in the cross-border payments space to receive this authorization.
This further strengthens Skydo’s mission of making cross-border payments compliant, seamless and cost-effective for India’s exporters. Skydo started operations in 2022 and currently serves over 12,000 exporters in India, processing over USD 250 million in annual export payments.
“The RBI in-principle authorization is a testament to our compliance-first culture, secure systems and robust risk controls”, said Awadhesh Ranjan, Head of Risk & Compliance at Skydo.
Skydo’s customers are small and medium businesses selling a range of products and services to customers globally. Skydo partners with leading banks across the world and provides a comprehensive solution to manage their invoicing, payments and reconciliation. Key features include transparent pricing and fees with no markup on live mid-market forex rates, digital onboarding with instant KYC, dedicated customer support, fast settlements, and streamlined regulatory compliance with instant issuance of Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA).
“As an Indian fintech startup with global ambitions, we are thrilled to receive this approval. We plan to scale our payments volume by 10x over the next 18-24 months, expand to support import payments, and build out more trade corridors globally,” said Srivatsan Sridhar, Co-Founder and CEO of Skydo.
Looking ahead, Skydo plans to introduce several first-to-market offerings for India’s growing MSME export sector. “Starting with payments, we will extend our offerings to credit, tax compliance, treasury services and Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) reconciliation. Together, these products will be a comprehensive cross-border financial operating system for any exporter. By bringing cross-border payments into the Payment Aggregator framework, RBI has enabled companies like us to build superior technological products and power the international ambitions of Indian businesses,” said Movin Jain, Co-founder of Skydo.
The Bengaluru based fintech has also recently secured Payment Service Provider (PSP) approval from Amazon, enabling it to process payments for exporters participating in Amazon’s Global Selling program.
SOCIAL Unveils India’s First Co-Working Space
Hyderabad, January 2025: SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighborhood café announces the expansion of its co-working model – SOCIAL Works to 50+ locations in 10 cities. Introduced 10 years ago as the country’s first co-working space, SOCIAL Works was designed to cater to freelancers and professionals seeking an alternative to traditional offices. Now, with SOCIAL Works, SOCIAL is extending its reach to new neighborhoods and pincodes, offering dynamic workspaces where professionals can collaborate, create, and thrive in cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Kolkata.
Available from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, the SOCIAL Works seamlessly blends functionality with SOCIAL’s signature vibe. Designed to resonate with Millennials and Gen-Z, it creates an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and community.
A Vision for Modern Workspaces
Over the years, SOCIAL Works has become a thriving hub where connections are forged, ideas take shape, and success stories continue to unfold. From freelancers to budding entrepreneurs, the space has nurtured ventures of all scales—from small startups to prominent companies like BOAT, IVM Podcasts, Food Talk India, Lazy 8, and many more which began their journey here. SOCIAL Works has also been a creative haven for artists and freelancers, offering them a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow. It has witnessed connections and partnerships flourish in the most unexpected ways in the Works section, making it more than just a workspace—it’s a place where ideas come to life, and creativity thrives. Today, it remains the go-to spot for professionals seeking a dynamic and inspiring environment, fostering meaningful partnerships and providing the perfect blend of productivity and creativity.
As the workday winds down, SOCIAL Works seamlessly transitions into a buzzing social hub. Whether you’re wrapping up a brainstorming session or unwinding with colleagues, the space adapts to your needs. It allows you to work comfortably in an environment that feels authentic to you, while also offering opportunities to meet new people and collaborate.
A Space That Adapts To You
- Flexible pricing options: INR 300 per day, INR 1200 per week, and INR 4500 per month—fully redeemable on SOCIAL’s delectable food and drinks. The cover can also be clubbed with other ongoing offers at the outlet, ensuring every workday comes with a side of culinary delight.
- Workspace pass includes free Wi-Fi, a confirmed seat in the workspace area, and access to SOCIAL’s vibrant atmosphere.
- Monthly members enjoy exclusive access to up to 4 SOCIAL events, such as workshops, conferences, networking meetups, live music, and DJ nights.
- Earn loyalty points through The SOCIAL Club, unlocking exciting offers, topical events, and freebies.
- Discover exciting new food and beverage offerings, featuring special limited-time menus, unforgettable experiences such as meeting your favorite artist, winning exclusive branded merchandise, or indulging in drinks at unbeatable prices!
Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, shared her vision for the SOCIAL Works. “When we launched SOCIAL Works, our goal was to create a workspace that broke away from the rigidity of traditional offices. Over the years, it’s been incredible to see how this concept has supported startups, freelancers, and professionals in building their dreams. We’re creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring, blending work and leisure seamlessly as per different requirements. It’s about evolving with the needs of today’s workforce and continuing to offer a place where ideas can thrive, and connections can flourish.
Keeping in mind the future of co-working, SOCIAL Works is designed to cater to diverse work styles, whether you’re working solo, brainstorming with a team, or catching up with colleagues. The experience is a testament to SOCIAL’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, blending work and play in a way that’s uniquely their own.