CrowdStrike Hits INR 1B in AWS Marketplace Sales
BENGALURU, India. February 27, 2025 – CrowdStrike announced it is the first cloud-native cybersecurity independent software vendor (ISV) to exceed $1 billion in sales through AWS Marketplace within a calendar year. This milestone underscores the ease and simplicity of AWS Marketplace – a curated digital catalog that customers can use to find, subscribe to, deploy and govern third-party software, data and services to build solutions and run their businesses – and the growing demand for cybersecurity consolidation on the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform.
As the threat landscape becomes increasingly complex and sophisticated, organizations are looking to consolidate disparate cybersecurity tools and processes into a single platform to bolster their security posture and improve operational efficiencies. With the CrowdStrike Falcon® cybersecurity platform in AWS Marketplace, customers can more easily procure and deploy solutions to consolidate point products and secure their organizations across the entire attack surface while running on the most flexible and secure cloud computing environment available today.
“The market continues to send a clear message – many of the world’s most innovative companies build their cloud businesses on AWS and secure them with CrowdStrike,” said Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer, CrowdStrike. “CrowdStrike’s unprecedented traction in AWS Marketplace is a testament to our strategy and execution, aligning the CrowdStrike partner go-to-market ecosystem to leverage AWS Marketplace in driving Falcon platform adoption at scale. Together with AWS, we look forward to bringing the power of the Falcon platform to even more organizations worldwide, across industries and market segments.”
In October 2023, CrowdStrike became the first cloud-native cybersecurity ISV to exceed $1 billion of software sales through AWS Marketplace, less than six years after CrowdStrike first made the Falcon platform available in AWS Marketplace. From January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, CrowdStrike exceeded $1 billion in AWS Marketplace sales. CrowdStrike’s network of partners, which includes leading resellers, system integrators, distributors and managed services providers are also able to drive sales in AWS Marketplace, empowering partners to deliver seamless, scalable and industry-leading cybersecurity solutions to customers worldwide on their preferred cloud platform.
Growth points highlighting CrowdStrike’s year-over-year (YoY) business traction in AWS Marketplace include:
- 91% YoY global sales growth
- 48% YoY Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) sales growth
- 136% YoY global public sector sales growth
- 3,548% YoY global growth in distributor sales
- CrowdStrike’s deals average 4x larger when transacted in AWS Marketplace
- AWS Marketplace customers use an average of 7 CrowdStrike Falcon platform modules
“AWS Marketplace continues to be the go-to-destination for AWS customers to procure, deploy, and govern IT solutions to innovate and scale their business,” said Ruba Borno, Vice President, Global Specialists and Partners, AWS. “CrowdStrike’s achievement of $1B in revenue through AWS Marketplace in 2024 underscores the value of the Falcon platform in helping customers innovate faster with greater confidence in their security. This milestone marks another step in our continued partnership with CrowdStrike to help organizations build, operate, and secure their business.”
This milestone follows a strategic collaboration agreement the two companies announced in 2024 that included Amazon unifying its cybersecurity protection on the CrowdStrike Falcon® platform and CrowdStrike expanding its use of AWS services, including Amazon Bedrock and Amazon SageMaker, to build and deploy custom models, such as Charlotte AI. Charlotte AI is CrowdStrike’s generative AI agentic security analyst that benefits from the scalability, flexibility, and resiliency of AWS while helping customers meet stringent security requirements for generative AI usage.
CrowdStrike was named the AWS 2024 Global Security Partner of the Year, AWS North America Marketplace Partner of the Year, AWS MENA Technology Partner of the Year, and AWS LATAM Public Sector Technology Partner of the Year – recognizing its critical role in helping customers secure innovation built on AWS.
Supporting Quotes
“Our cyber security transformation journey is focused on people, processes and technology. We have made significant changes in our technology stack and focused on proven market leaders in their respective areas such as CrowdStrike and AWS for secure cloud capabilities,” said Kostas Georgakopoulos, Chief Information Security and Technical Officer, Mondelez International. “Through AWS Marketplace, we selected CrowdStrike and have consolidated our cybersecurity stack on the Falcon platform. This transformation has eliminated immeasurable amounts of operational complexity and sunk costs. Together, AWS and CrowdStrike have transformed not just our cloud and cybersecurity strategies, but the way we do business.”
“As organizations move more critical infrastructure to AWS, security and how customers procure it, cannot be an afterthought; it must evolve alongside them,” said Conor Waddell, SVP of Integrated Technology Solutions at CDW. “From infrastructure to endpoints, CDW is committed to providing global organizations with seamless, intelligent security that adapts to change, without adding complexity or slowing down operations. By combining CrowdStrike’s industry-leading threat protection with our deep cloud expertise – bolstered by our recent Mission Cloud acquisition – and the power of the AWS Marketplace, CDW ensures customers have frictionless access to the end-to-end security they need to operate with confidence.”
“This milestone cements how AWS and CrowdStrike are transforming the channel ecosystem. CrowdStrike has demonstrated that when a market-leading ISV and channel partners collaborate through AWS Marketplace, they win customers faster and drive larger, high-value deals,” said Jay McBain, Chief Analyst at Canalys. “Surpassing $1 billion in annual sales highlights the surging demand for unified, cloud-native security platforms that simplify operations, enhance protection, and deliver measurable ROI in the AI era. This is a pivotal moment for both CrowdStrike and AWS as they redefine how cybersecurity vendors and partners go to market – fueling innovation, security, and growth in the cloud.”
I Create Celebrates 25 Years of Turning Job-Seekers into Job-Creators
Delhi, February 27th, 2025: Entrepreneurship training pioneer I Create India, a non-profit organization, marked 25 years of impact with a Silver Jubilee celebration on February 26 at Delhi’s Manekshaw Auditorium. The milestone event showcased I Create’s quarter-century journey of empowering army veterans, women, and youth through comprehensive entrepreneurship training and mentorship programs.
A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of book authored by I Create Chief Mentor Ulhas Kamat, a leading figure in entrepreneurship development. The handbook aims to provide practical guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting I Create’s mission of fostering sustainable business ventures.-
The event was graced by Lt. Gen. Ranjeet Singh, Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare, as the Chief Guest who felicitated over 30 Indian Army veterans who successfully established businesses after training with I Create. This recognition underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting the approximately 60,000 veterans who retire from the Indian Army each year, helping them channel their discipline, commitment, and risk-taking abilities into entrepreneurial success.
Commenting on 25 years of I Create, Mr. Harsh Bhargava-Founder said, “In a nation where millions enter a job market with too few opportunities, I Create has spent 25 years battling India’s employment crisis through entrepreneurship. What began as a modest center in Jaipur has evolved into a national movement transforming lives across India. Starting with one Business Incubation Center (BIC) for training army veterans, the number has reached seventeen as of February 2025. These BICs are operated in a PPP mode between DIAV (Directorate of Indian Army Veterans), I Create, and Corporate Sponsors/Foundations. We are grateful to our BIC sponsors – HCL Foundation, Bajaj FinServ, The Hans Foundation, Bajaj Allianz, and IndusInd Bank. Establishing and operating Army BICs is the flagship program of I Create. Our army veterans apply battlefield courage to business challenges, our women entrepreneurs revolutionize entire communities, and our youth reject dependency to become job creators. As we mark this Silver Jubilee, we honour the economic freedom fighters who are reshaping India’s future, one business at a time. We gratefully acknowledge our event sponsors – State Bank of India, Ivy Cap Ventures, Union Bank of India, and NKGSB bank”.
Lt. Gen. Ranjeet Singh, the Chief Guest, highlighted the significance of I Create’s mission, “As we celebrate I Create India’s 25th anniversary, we honor a journey that empowers individuals to become job creators, fostering financial independence and community growth. This noble endeavor is especially impactful for our veterans, who bring discipline and hard work to entrepreneurship. I Create India’s success stories inspire us to expand this model further, benefiting more veterans and contributing to national development. By supporting this endeavor, we can empower more individuals to become visionary leaders, contributing to a stronger, more resilient nation.”
The celebration included the screening of a documentary about I Create’s work, the release of a commemorative coffee table book documenting the organization’s journey, and recognition of donors who have supported the cause. The venue presented key milestones in I Create’s 25-year journey through banners and standees.
With BICs in army locations at Bangalore, Pune, Ahmednagar, Lucknow, Jabalpur, Nashik, Delhi, Roorkee, Ranikhet, Belgaum, Ayodhya, Fatehgarh, and Secundarabad I Create has established a national presence since its humble beginnings at the turn of the century. Its National Academy in Bengaluru continues to develop new tools and programs while ensuring quality entrepreneurship development across its network.
From Struggling to Walk to Enjoying Morning Walks After Knee Replacement
Greater Noida, 25 February – “Earlier, I couldn’t take even a few steps, but now I can walk 2 kilometers without pain.” These are the words of 63-year-old Sakshi Devi (name changed), who recently underwent knee replacement surgery at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida. Due to arthritis and excessive weight, she was unable to move freely even within her own home. Every step was painful, making even daily routines a challenge. However, her life has now completely changed – she not only plays with her grandchildren but also enjoys morning walks regularly.
Sakshi Devi had been suffering from severe arthritis pain for the past seven years. With a weight of 112 kg, her knees were under immense pressure, significantly limiting her mobility. Initially, she relied on medication and home remedies, but none provided relief. Gradually, she began losing confidence as even a few steps without support became impossible. Doctors informed her that arthritis had severely damaged her joints, leaving surgery as the only option. However, she feared that her excessive weight might hinder the success of the procedure.
When she consulted Dr. Himanshu Tyagi (Additional Director, Orthopedics, Fortis Greater Noida), he reassured her. “It is a common misconception that knee replacement is not safe for overweight individuals,” said Dr. Tyagi. “In fact, it is essential for them to regain an active lifestyle.”
He further explained, “Limited mobility due to damaged knees not only leads to weight gain but also increases the risk of severe health conditions. Obesity can cause insulin resistance, leading to Type-2 diabetes. Excess weight raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the chances of heart disease. Additionally, it puts extra pressure on the joints, accelerating bone deterioration and raising the risk of osteoarthritis. Persistent pain and mobility issues can also lead to mental stress and depression.”
Under the supervision of Dr. Himanshu Tyagi and his team, including Dr. Mohit Sharma and Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Sakshi Devi underwent bilateral knee replacement. During the procedure, her damaged knees were replaced with specially designed artificial implants. Post-surgery, she underwent a rehabilitation program at Fortis Hospital, which included physiotherapy and gradual walking training.
Within weeks, Sakshi Devi was able to walk without support. Today, she comfortably walks 1.5 to 2 kilometers daily and actively participates in household chores.
Expressing her joy over her transformed life, she says, “Earlier, I struggled to walk even indoors, but now I can play with my grandchildren. Morning walks are once again a part of my life. The doctors at Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida, have changed my life, and I will always be grateful to them.”
Geetanjali Kirloskar You’re Never the Same After the Storm at ABP Ideas of India
Chandigarh, 25 February 2025: At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & MD of Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. shared a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership and legacy. Speaking in the session titled ‘Transformative Leadership — Adapting to Change,’ she reflected on her journey of steering Kirloskar Systems through adversity while upholding its vision and values.
Reflecting on her journey, Geetanjali said, “Success comes with an enabling environment. When we brought Toyota to India, I joined my husband in that journey, supporting him in two joint ventures. After his passing, I remained committed to Kirloskar, doing everything I could for the company.”
Addressing the impact of personal loss on leadership, she said, “Losing Vikram so suddenly was devastating emotionally and mentally. He was in his prime, and I could never replace him; he was better. In just seconds, I felt absolutely alone. But within a few days, I sent my relatives back and stood strong. Leadership means taking charge, managing stakeholders and guiding the situation. I chose to rely on myself.”
Further highlighting the importance of purpose in overcoming crises, she stated, “Grief is not linear, it has its nuances. I think its God’s way of preparing you. Crisis transforms you. And it is your purpose that helps you navigate through it. You must define your objective and for me, that was carrying the Kirloskar legacy forward.”
When asked if women are taken seriously, Geetanjali acknowledged subtle discrimination but also stressed the importance of confidence and credibility in earning one’s place. She praised her Japanese partners and coworkers for their inclusivity, stating, “Once they trust you, they accept you completely.” She also noted the cultural parallels between India and Japan that have shaped her leadership.
On the future of Kirloskar Systems, she highlighted its seven joint ventures and her daughter’s role in carrying the legacy forward. “With a team of 30,000 to 40,000 employees, we are driving our legacy together.”
The ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred on the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will convene thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities in India’s ascendance in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements like AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit brings together a confluence of ideas by global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change-makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions of a better, more sustainable world for all.
Piyush Chawla ICC Tournaments and Shami A Great Love Story
25th February 2025:India commenced the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding win over Bangladesh. After the match, former India cricketer and JioHotstar expert Piyush Chawla weighed in on Shubman Gill’s stellar innings, Mohammed Shami’s impactful comeback, and other key moments.
Piyush Chawla on Shubman Gill’s Knock:
“It was an impressive knock because it wasn’t the easiest pitch to bat on. When you’re chasing around 230 runs on such a surface, you need someone to stay till the end, and that’s exactly what Shubman Gill did. A player of his calibre, who is in such good form, knows when to hold back and play responsibly. That’s what makes him such an important player for this Indian team. He understands the situation and what the team needs at any given time. There were phases where he didn’t even try to hit a boundary—just rotating the strike with singles and doubles—because that was what the team required at that moment. That is the sign of a mature player. Now that he is the vice-captain as well, you expect him to embrace that role, and he did just that. At one point, India was in a tricky situation, having lost a few wickets. But the way he anchored the innings and stayed till the end was very, very impressive.”
Piyush Chawla on Mohammed Shami:
“ICC tournaments and Mohammed Shami—it’s a great love story. Whenever he plays in an ICC tournament, he turns into a different bowler altogether. He’s coming back from injury, and while he looked a bit rusty in the recent bilateral series, the positive sign was that he was getting his overs in. Today, he looked much better. We are yet to see a 100% Shami, but this five-wicket haul will definitely boost his confidence. It’s crucial to assess the conditions, and Shami, with his upright seam position, knows exactly where to pitch the ball. He consistently hit the six-to-eight-meter mark, which allowed him to get movement off the surface. That’s why he was successful, picking up early wickets with the new ball. It was also great to see him using variations, including well-disguised slower balls.”
Piyush Chawla on Virat Kohli’s Dismissal:
“When Virat came to bat, most of the spinners were in operation, and ideally, you want to play them off the back foot to get that extra bit of time. But in recent matches, we’ve seen him struggle against leg-spinners—he’s been dismissed by them five times in his last five innings. Every team does their homework, so when he walked in, Bangladesh immediately brought on Rishad Hossain. Credit to Rishad—he bowled tight lines, attacking the stumps consistently. Unlike other spinners who flight the ball more, Rishad bowls quicker through the air, which doesn’t give batters much time. Even the ball that dismissed Kohli wasn’t too wide for a cut shot, but the extra pace and bounce meant he couldn’t keep it down. That’s where Rishad’s skill came into play.”
Piyush Chawla on Rohit Sharma’s Reaction to Bangladesh’s Dropped Catch:
“We all know how crucial KL Rahul’s dropped catch was, and we saw Rohit Sharma’s reaction to it. He knew how much that moment meant. Rahul was on just 9 runs at the time, and from there, he went on to score a vital 41. Those 30-odd runs were extremely important as he built a crucial partnership with Shubman Gill.”
Anscer Robotics Raises INR 2 Million in Seed Funding for Global Expansion
New Delhi, February 25, 2025 – Anscer Robotics, a pioneering developer of intelligent autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has successfully raised $2 million in a seed funding round, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The company, which is also part of SanchiConnect’s DeepTech community, has shown rapid growth from an early-stage startup to a key player in industrial automation and robotics-driven logistics, driven by multiple strategic partnerships. The latest funding round was led by Info Edge Ventures. This round further validates the company’s market potential and its role in transforming warehouse automation and smart manufacturing across global markets.
The $2 million in funding will fuel ANSCER Robotics’ next phase of growth, supporting the establishment of a new manufacturing centre, the hiring of 50+ robotics experts, and the expansion of operations into the United States.
The funding comes at a time when India’s DeepTech ecosystem is gaining significant momentum, with increased investments and government initiatives aimed at fostering technological innovation. Robotics and automation are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of industrial operations, and Anscer Robotics is well-positioned to capitalise on this growing demand.
“The journey of Anscer Robotics has been one of continuous learning, innovation, and perseverance. Scaling a DeepTech startup in the robotics space comes with its own set of challenges, but having access to a strong ecosystem like SanchiConnect has made a significant difference. Being part of this community has provided us with valuable industry connections, technical collaborations, and insights that have shaped our approach to automation. Additionally, having SanchiConnect as our trusted strategic advisor has been instrumental in helping us navigate the investment landscape, secure strategic partnerships, and accelerate our growth. With this funding, we are excited to strengthen our presence in global markets and push the boundaries of autonomous robotics in industrial automation.” said Raghu Venkatesh, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer, Anscer Robotics.
“This funding marks a pivotal moment for ANSCER Robotics as we scale our operations, enhance our technology, and expand our market presence,” said Ribin Mathew, CEO, Anscer Robotics. “With automation demand surging across industries, we remain committed to making robotics more accessible, intelligent, and seamlessly integrated into industrial ecosystems.”
As part of this expansion, Mark Messina, former Amazon/Kiva Robotics executive, has joined ANSCER Robotics as Managing Director & CEO of U.S. operations. With decades of expertise in robotics and automation, Messina will lead the company’s mission to deliver advanced AMRs, AGVs, and intelligent automation solutions to businesses across the U.S.
“Anscer Robotics is a great example of how DeepTech startups in India are redefining industrial automation. Supporting such high-impact startups with access to capital, strategic partnerships, and market expansion is critical to strengthening India’s DeepTech landscape. We look forward to seeing Anscer Robotics scale new heights and lead the next wave of robotics-driven transformation.” Shares Dr. Sunil K Shekhawat, CEO, SanchiConnect
Since its inception, Anscer Robotics has rapidly gained traction, delivering scalable automation solutions to some of the world’s leading industrial enterprises. The startup’s AMRs integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing workflows, offering real-time analytics, AI-driven optimisation, and adaptive navigation capabilities.
With rising demand for robotics-driven automation, Anscer Robotics is focused on expanding into new geographies and diversifying its product lines to cater to evolving industry needs. The new investment will accelerate research and development, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, and drive greater adoption of AMRs across global markets.
ACC & Adani Foundation’s Women-Led Initiative Impacts 28,000 Lives, Rs 612 Cr
Ahmedabad, 25 February 2025: ACC, the cement and building materials company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, along with the Adani Foundation, continues to drive social impact through the ‘Meri Sangini Meri Margdarshika’ (MSMM) programme. Implemented across 17 ACC locations, the women-led initiative has connected rural community members to more than 20 government welfare, insurance, financial schemes and entitlements, unlocking a total value of Rs. 612 crore. MSMM facilitators are all trained local women volunteers, called ‘Sanginis’.
By simplifying bureaucratic processes, MSMM has helped beneficiaries access schemes related to healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and livelihoods — boosting household incomes and social security. So far in FY’25, the programme has linked 28,000 beneficiaries to government schemes across Karnataka, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and others.
MSMM has so far unlocked total value of Rs. 612 crore in government benefits during the fiscal, with Rs. 3.51 crore directly transferred into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, driving financial inclusion. Communities located around ACC’s Kudithini, Wadi, Sindri, and Madukkarai plants have received higher benefits amongst all the covered locations including Bargarh, Chanda, Chaibasa, Damodar, Gagal, Jamul, Kymore, Lakheri, Thondebhavi, Tikaria, Chilhati, and Salaibanwa.
Beneficiaries have gained access to eligible welfare schemes including Ayushman Cards, e-Shram Cards, Crop Insurance, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmnirbhar Nidhi, and others, significantly improving their financial security and livelihoods. Overall, MSMM has unlocked a value of 885 times the invested amount, underscoring its efficiency in driving social transformation.
ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to inclusive growth and empowerment of women as changemakers is reflected through initiatives including MSMM, enabling maximum benefits from government schemes for thousands of underserved families in rural communities.
Ashoka University Offers Scholarships for Young India Fellows Apply by 10th March
New Delhi, February 25, 2025: Ashoka University, India’s premier interdisciplinary higher education and research institution announces that the second and final round of applications for the Young India Fellowship (YIF) Class of 2026 is now open. All Fellows selected for the upcoming cohort of the Young India Fellowship (Class of 2025-26) will receive scholarships ranging from 25% to a full 100% waiver covering tuition, residence, and meals along with stipends for additional financial assistance. The prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship will also continue to be awarded in the Class of 2026. The final deadline for applications is 10th March 2025.
Instituted in 2011, the flagship YIF programme is a year-long residential postgraduate diploma that educates and nurtures Fellows to solve the most pertinent problems that will ultimately create a better world. Each year, around 100 driven individuals are immersed in a multidisciplinary education, exploring diverse fields, engaging in interdisciplinary learning, and collaboratively solving real-world problem statements.
Currently, 81% of the Young India Fellows are either partially or fully funded with 60% of the cohort benefiting from a full tuition waiver or more. Notably about one-third of the Class of 2025 Fellows identify as first-generation college goers, and 61% as female. From the next year, Ashoka University is furthering its commitment to making the Fellowship more accessible to exceptional and deserving individuals coming from all walks of life. The increase in scholarships for the current and next cohort has been made possible primarily through the generous support of HDFC Bank.
“We are glad to be supporting Ashoka’s flagship programme through scholarships, making education more accessible to many deserving students. We wish all success to Young India Fellows.” shared Nusrat Pathan, CSR Head, HDFC Bank.
Reflecting on these developments, Pramath Raj Sinha, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Ashoka University, said, “The YIF has always been close to my heart, given that it predates the formation of Ashoka University. With increased scholarships thanks to generous contributions by HDFC Bank, we want to truly attract the best and brightest, to experience what this unique programme offers.”
Commenting on the YIF’s future, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice Chancellor, Ashoka University said, “I am greatly enthused and excited about this new chapter where the programme is evolving its mission and funding. I look forward to supporting this ambitious programme and to teaching future generations of Fellows, which continues to be among my most cherished experiences.”
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process: YIF Class of 2026
The Class of 2026 will comprise around 100 Fellows. Candidates of all age groups and nationalities, across diverse academic, professional, geographical and socioeconomic backgrounds, who have a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline by July 2025 or earlier (can be a final-year student at the time of application) are eligible to apply for the YIF.
The final round of admissions for the class of 2025-26 are ongoing. Candidates are encouraged to apply early, even within a round, to partake in the rolling personal interview process.
Aspiring candidates can apply by visiting apply.ashoka.edu.in to register and complete the online application. Following holistic assessment of applications, a number of candidates will be shortlisted for personal interviews. Additionally, some of these shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview for the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship.
All Fellows who receive an offer of admission are guaranteed a minimum 25% tuition waiver, with some also being awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship. All admitted and waitlisted candidates will have the opportunity to apply for need-based Financial Aid, which goes upto a full-waiver on the entire fee along with stipends for additional assistance.
68 Year Old Delhi Woman Donates Kidney Gives Two a New Lease on Life
New Delhi, 25th February 2025: On the morning of 17th February 2025, a 68-year-old woman suffered a seizure attack followed by rapid loss of consciousness. Her family immediately rushed her to HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka where an urgent CT scan confirmed massive brain hemorrhage. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was declared brain dead on 20th February 2025.
Her 72-year-old husband, along with the family, took the courageous decision to donate her organs. After his consent, both the kidneys and corneas were donated. Other organs were found unfit for transplantation. Her kidneys were allocated through NOTTO (National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization). One kidney was transplanted into a 51-year-old female at HCMCT Manipal Hospital Dwarka, while the other kidney was transplanted in a 40-year-old male at another city hospital. Mrs. Verma’s corneas were donated to Niramaya Eye Bank.
Dr. Shrikanth Srinivasan,Chairman, Manipal Institute of Critical Care Medicine, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka said, “After initial stabilization of her condition including ventilatory support, CT scan revealed that she had suffered from a massive brain hemorrhage. Despite intensive treatment under the care of the Neurosurgery and Critical Care teams, she could not recover and was declared brain dead on 20th February 2025 at 05:32 pm.”
Dr. (Col) Avnish Seth VSM, Chairman, Institute of Gastroenterology & Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Sciences, NCR Cluster and Head Manipal Organ Sharing & Transplant (MOST) said, “Organ donation is a powerful act of kindness and an often-ignored aspect of End of Life Care. Dr. Anurag Saxena, Cluster Head of Neurosurgery, along with the Critical Care team, took the effort to explain the concept of brain death with a beating heart to the family. The family’s decision has helped save lives and given renewed hope to others.”
There is a wide gap between patients who need transplants and the organs that are available in India. 1.8 lakh people suffer from kidney failure every year, however, only 13,426 kidney transplants were performed in 2023. An estimated 25,000 to 30,000 liver transplants are needed annually in India, but only 4491 were performed in 2023. Similarly, out of several thousand people suffering from heart failure, only 221 received a heart transplant. In the case of corneas, about 25,000 transplants are performed annually against a requirement of 1 lakh.
The noble act of organ donation highlights the pressing need for organ donations in India, as there is a significant disparity between patients awaiting transplants and the availability of organs. Increasing awareness and participation in organ donation can bridge this gap and offer hope to countless lives in need.
Dr. Venki Ramakrishnan Wealth Impacts Longevity at ABP Ideas of India 2025
Mumbai, 25, February 2025: “One stark reality is that wealth plays a role in longevity as rich people tend to live 10 to 15 years longer than the poor,” said Dr. (Prof.) Venki Ramakrishnan at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 while speaking in the session “The Science of Ageing- The Yearning for Immortality”.
Highlighting the uniqueness of human awareness of mortality, Dr. (Prof.) Venki Ramakrishnan remarked, “Death itself is a peculiar phenomenon, millions of our cells are dying even as we sit here. We have a natural limit to our lifespan, with the longest recorded being 122 years by Jeanne Calment. No one has lived beyond 120. While the number of centenarians, those over 100, has been increasing, the number of supercentenarians (above 110) has remained stagnant. Aging is essentially the accumulation of changes and damage that lead to increased dysfunction over time.”
Discussing the biological hallmarks of aging, Dr. (Prof.) Venki Ramakrishnan remarked, “There are key hallmarks of aging, including changes to our DNA and the proteins associated with it, as well as cells becoming dysfunctional. Aging occurs at every level, and in many countries, the proportion of older people is rising while fertility rates are declining. There has been an explosion in longevity research with credible and dubious claims.”
Citing a key experiment, he highlighted, “As we age, some cells enter a senescent stage where they no longer divide. In one experiment, an old rat was connected to a young rat, and researchers found that the older rat benefited from the young rat’s blood, while the younger one suffered.”
Dr. (Prof.) Venki Ramakrishnan further remarked, “The general idea is that as we grow older, our ability to produce certain compounds declines. For example, NAD precursors decrease by about 30-40% in older individuals. Reprogramming cells and regenerating stem cells are among the many approaches being explored to slow down aging.”
Addressing the socio-economic aspect of aging, Dr. (Prof.) Venki Ramakrishnan noted, “We now understand why exercise, a good sleep cycle, and other healthy habits help slow aging. Avoiding social isolation and maintaining a sense of purpose is crucial. Early health screenings, such as for diabetes, can make a significant difference in ageing.”
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, centred around the theme ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier’, will bring together thought leaders and innovators to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by India’s rise in a rapidly changing world. In the face of climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and technological advancements such as AI, the summit delved into India’s role as both an ancient civilisation and a demographic powerhouse in shaping the future. The two-day summit gathers a confluence of ideas from global thought leaders, intellectuals, and change makers, covering transformative possibilities in science, medicine, social contracts, and global leadership, with experts from diverse fields offering bold visions for a better, more sustainable world for all.