by Dr. Vidyashankar P, lead consultant – Nephrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru
The kidneys help the body to filter your blood. They remove waste products from the body, maintain balanced electrolyte levels, and regulate blood pressure. Your kidneys activate a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function. Therefore, it is important to know the different measures that you have to take to maintain healthy kidneys.

A healthy lifestyle means a healthy kidney

It is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle as part of which, people have to consume plenty of water. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, and packaged and processed food. Regular exercise is good, reduces your blood pressure, and boosts the health of your heart, which are important to maintain healthy kidneys. Walking, running, cycling, and dancing are good for your health. You need to find an activity that keeps you fit, busy, and fun. This will be easier to follow and will even be fun. Alongside this, ensure that you undergo kidney screenings every year. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the most important ways to prevent and treat kidney diseases.

A proper diet plan is a must to maintain healthy kidneys
One can consume foods that can help boost the performance of the kidneys such as;

 Apples contain pectin fiber which helps reduce the risk for kidney diseases, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

•  Dark leafy greens such as spinach and chard contain a wide variety of fibers, vitamins minerals and are rich in antioxidants, which are good for the kidneys.
•  Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water, fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can make a beneficial addition to any diet.
•  Sweet potatoes are also beneficial to the kidneys. They contain vitamins and minerals, such as potassium that may help balance the levels of sodium in the body and reduce its effect on the kidneys.
•  Dark berries, which include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are nutritious and have antioxidant compounds that help in maintaining a healthy kidney.
•  Lemon, orange, and melon juice all contain citric acid, or citrate, which prevents kidney stone formation by binding with calcium in urine. This curtail the growth of calcium crystals, which cause kidney stones. In addition, drinking a cup of fresh juice per day can contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Alongside this, one must consume enough water to keep their kidneys healthy. The cells use water to transport toxins into the bloodstream, while the kidneys use water to filter these toxins out. Water helps the kidney to properly flush out any excess waste materials from the body.

Kidney failure
Also termed an end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. When your kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough for you to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Dialysis
Dialysis will filter and purify the blood with the use of a machine, which performs the function of the kidneys. Based on the type of dialysis you may require, a larger machine or a portable catheter bag would be used for treatment. Dialysis helps if you take up regular, scheduled treatments. Kidney patients are also advised to take up a low-potassium, low-salt diet along with dialysis.

Transplant
An effective treatment that may be considered is a kidney transplant. A transplanted kidney works normally and eliminates the need for dialysis. However, the wait for a donor kidney that could be compatible with your body could be long as patients are waiting for a transplant. Before going in for the transplant, it is necessary to talk to your doctor about whether you are fit for a kidney transplant.

It is important to maintain and live a healthy lifestyle and take care of your kidneys. People should also consistently raise awareness about kidney health in the family and the larger social community like friends and relatives. In case you have doubts about the functioning of your kidneys, it is best to approach your doctor and take his/her advice on what measures to take to stay healthy.

Bengaluru, 27 February 2025 – Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi successfully treated a 72-year-old man for a rare and aggressive bladder cancer known as ‘squamous cell carcinoma’. The patient underwent surgery performed by Dr. Bharath G, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Nagarbhavi along with his team. The surgery lasted for 7 hours, and the patient was discharged just a week after the surgery.

Patient Mr. Chandra(Name changed) had been struggling with painful urination and a condition that caused him to pass urine through his stool. This rare health condition caused by a fistula (an abnormal connection between the bladder and intestine), lasted for a month and significantly affected his daily life. Despite multiple visits to various hospitals, he couldn’t find any relief and felt desperate for a solution. Finally, he reached out to Fortis Nagarbhavi, in the hope of finding an effective treatment.

Upon admission at Fortis Nagarbhavi a detailed medical evaluation revealed that Mr Chandra had squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder which had spread to nearby organs. Given the severity of the situation, Dr. Bharath recommended immediate surgery.

Speaking about the case, Dr Bharath G, Consultant- Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, said “Upon Mr. Chandra’s arrival at the hospital, his condition was critical. Following the medical evaluation, we performed a detailed 7-hour surgery to remove the cancerous tissues, along with the fistula with the part of the intestine, including lymph nodes, to assess any spread of the disease. Additionally, we created an alternative pathway for waste elimination, as the bladder was completely affected by the tumor. While a new bladder could not be reconstructed due to his condition, the tumour was successfully excised as a whole, and the affected regions were reconstructed. Mr. Chandra is now recovering well and adjusting to life with a urostoma (an opening on the abdomen where urine flows out into a bag, instead of through the normal urinary tract).”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head of Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, added, “This particular case highlights our commitment to providing personalized and innovative care. We are proud of our medical team’s expertise in handling such complex surgeries and achieving successful outcomes.”

New Delhi, 27 February 2025: EDF India today announced a strategic joint venture (JV) with Actis, a leading global investor in sustainable infrastructure. This collaboration aims to operate a dedicated platform company for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) concessions, reinforcing EDF India’s and Actis’ commitment to investing in the Indian power sector. Under this joint venture, EDF India and Actis will bring together their global expertise in energy solutions and infrastructure investments.

The Indian government is actively driving the National Smart Metering Project under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), targeting the deployment of 250 million smart meters by 2025. These advanced metering solutions are designed to enhance operational efficiencies, reduce aggregate technical and commercial losses, and bolster the financial sustainability of India’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Commenting on the joint venture, Federico D’Amico, CEO of EDF India, stated: “We are excited to join hands with Actis to accelerate the deployment of smart metering infrastructure in India. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting India’s energy transition by leveraging our global expertise and innovation in digital grid technologies.”

Asanka Rodrigo, Partner at Actis, added: “This collaboration marks a significant step in our continued commitment to India’s power sector. Smart metering is a critical component in ensuring efficient energy consumption, reducing losses, and improving billing accuracy for consumers. We look forward to working with EDF, a leader in the sector globally, to scale our joint venture in India.”

The joint venture between EDF India and Actis aligns with India’s broader vision of achieving a more resilient and efficient power distribution network. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and global best practices, the initiative aims to drive a transformative impact on the country’s power sector, benefiting both utilities and consumers alike.

Dr. Yathish G C, Lead Consultant – Rheumatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Imagine that your body is a construction site. Every day, millions of cells are busy reconstructing and regenerating bones. They break down the old worn-out bone tissues and replace them with new stronger material. It’s a very smooth process that helps to keep the skeleton healthy and strong throughout your life. However, sometimes these cells go into overdrive, breaking down and repairing bone at an accelerated rate. That is the curious case of Paget’s disease.

What is Paget’s Disease of the Bone?

Paget’s disease of bone is a chronic disease where the normal cycle of breaking down and rebuilding bone goes wrong. Instead of operating in sync, the cells start working too fast which results in the bone becoming larger and weaker in addition to it being prone to fractures and deformities.

The exact cause of Paget’s disease remains unknown, though scientists believe that it is due to a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Various research carried out with people who had a family history of Paget’s disease showed that they developed the disease much more often than their healthy counterparts. Therefore, most researchers assume the existence of a strong hereditary component as the cause of this disease. So, if there is a history of Paget’s disease in your family, the likelihood that you could be afflicted with the same increases. Also, some researchers assume that in such genetically predisposed people, certain viral infections can cause this disease as well. These infections might change the bone cell’s working mechanism, thereby resulting in characteristic overactivity, as observed in Paget’s disease.

Paget’s disease is more common in adults above 50 years and affects men more than women. Although prevalent among the European population, more cases have been observed in India over the past two decades as well.

What Are the Signs of Paget’s Disease?

The tricky thing about Paget’s disease is that it often doesn’t show any noticeable symptoms. Many people may have it and not even know! But when symptoms do appear, they can include:

• · Bone pain – Often confused with arthritis, this pain can be persistent and nagging.
• · Misshapen Bones – You will realize that some of the bones may start to deform. For example, the legs may begin to bow or the spine starts to curve.
• · Fractures – With weak bones, people can easily break their bones.
• · Hearing loss – In some cases, Paget’s disease can affect the bones in the skull, which might lead to hearing problems as well.

These symptoms often manifest gradually and many people don’t notice them until the damage is done. It is therefore important to be vigilant about any unusual aches or pains and have them checked out by a doctor.

The good news is that Paget’s disease can be well managed, even if it cannot be cured. The treatment usually slows down the overly active bone cells and helps restore balance in the body. Mainly, this involves taking medicines that prevent further breakdown of bones. For people with pain or deformities, other alternatives like physical therapy or even surgery might be advised. Early treatment is important so that complications like fractures or arthritis can be prevented. So, do not delay to visit your doctor when you feel that there is some unusual bone pain or structural changes in the body. It is quite easy to ignore joint pain or slight changes in bone shape and attribute them to “old age”, but that could be an indication of something more serious. Awareness regarding Paget’s disease helps people receive the care they need before things get worse.

It’s interesting to see how the body, trying to repair and fix itself, ends up doing more harm than good. This is a reminder that the human body is very complex and sometimes even the best efforts of healing can go wrong. The next time you experience pain or notice something odd about your bones, remember the curious case of Paget’s disease. Understanding Paget’s disease may not only help you identify signs in yourself or a loved one but can be the first step towards better bone health and a more vibrant, active life.

BARCELONA, Spain – February 27, 2025 – At Mobile World Congress 2025, MediaTek is showcasing several key technologies that enable wireless evolution towards 6G, including hybrid computing, a live LEO broadband NR-NTN trial, sub-band full duplex (SBFD), along with the new M90 5G Advanced modem. In addition, the company is also sharing its latest developments in Dimensity Auto and Dimensity Smartphone SoCs. The newest MediaTek-powered devices from some of the world’s leading brands will be on display at their booth in Hall 3.

“We’re pushing forward industry-leading connectivity and AI applications through high-quality products and global standardization, which create significant new opportunities to enrich everyday living for more people around the world,” said Joe Chen, President of MediaTek. “This is exemplified by our most recent developments in leading-edge 6G-era technologies, generative AI hybrid computing, and 5G-Advanced solutions, which will be on display this week.”

Enabling 6G with Integrated Communications & Computing

MediaTek is demonstrating its Hybrid Computing innovation (Integrated Communication & Computing) that brings together a device cloud + RAN as an ‘edge cloud’, a key technology component proposed for upcoming 6G standardization, that extends ambient computing from device to RAN, achieving low latency in activities such as Generative AI (Gen-AI), carrier-grade privacy & personal data governance, and dynamic computing resource scheduling. The implementations are exhibited in collaboration with NVIDIA, Intel, and G REIGNS, respectively.

Ultra Power-Efficient Envelope Assisted RFFE positioned for next-generation wireless products

MediaTek’s Envelope Assisted RFFE System increases power amplifier efficiency by 25%, reducing device heating rate, widening addressable bandwidth by over 100MHz in the same power envelope, and allowing higher power delivery for wider coverage.

Sub-Band Full Duplex for efficient use of 6G spectrum

Sub-Band Full Duplex (SBFD), a key physical layer technology applicable to 5G-Advanced and 6G, will feature unprecedented improvements in unpaired TDD spectrum, significantly boosting uplink coverage and reducing latency. Both factors are key enablers of new services. In cooperation with Keysight, MediaTek is demonstrating a major technological breakthrough: Mitigating self-interference of SBFD, which is particularly problematic in small devices such as smartphones because of the proximity of the transmitting and receiving antennas.

MediaTek M90 5G Advanced Modem

The upcoming M90 5G-Advanced modem will deliver speeds of up to 12Gbps, support for 3GPP- standard Release 17 and the forthcoming Release 18 specifications, simultaneous FR1+FR2 connectivity, and a novel Smart Antenna technology that leverages AI to enable user scenario identification and significantly boosts data throughput. The M90 utilizes MediaTek UltraSave

technology, which reduces average power consumption by up to 18% compared to the previous generation modem. During MWC 2025, MediaTek will show it has achieved an industry-leading 10Gbps throughput using FR1 3CC + FR2 8CC using an M90-based device on a live Ericsson network configuration.

Smart AI Antenna

The M90 modem supports Smart AI Antenna, which provides native body proximity sensing without requiring external sensors. The feedback response and intelligent signal analysis can detect how the device is held, as well as its network environment, and it will actively tune the antenna and uplink power to ensure that signal quality is maintained. MediaTek will demonstrate Smart AI Antenna in collaboration with Anritsu at MWC 2025.

Intelligent CPE: Generative AI Gateway

MediaTek is exhibiting its Generative AI infrastructure, consisting of a Gateway and Context Synchronization system. This decentralizes Gen-AI capabilities beyond smartphones and smart home devices, providing Gen-AI functionality to all connected devices. It enhances device capabilities while fostering wider adoption and new service opportunities, all without compromising data privacy and security. The latest MediaTek-powered CPE devices and modules are also on display from partners. Unique technologies on display include a 1.9x uplink performance boost achieved through three transmission antennas (3TX), applicable across 5G NR band combinations, as well as Low-Latency, Low-Loss, and Scalable throughput (L4S), which reduces network latency by over 20x and minimizes packet loss. These advancements greatly enhance the user experience compared to legacy designs.

Next-Generation Satellite (NTN) Connectivity

At the show, MediaTek will present its continuing industry leadership in 5G-Advanced Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology. This next generation of satellite connectivity – Ku-band NR-NTN – will bring a future of ubiquitous broadband connectivity to 5G devices. This follows a recent successful field trial of Ku-band NR-NTN over a commercial OneWeb sLow Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. The field trial was conducted with Eutelsat infrastructure, AIRBUS in-orbit satellites connecting to a MediaTek Ku-band NR-NTN test chip, ITRI NR NTN test gNB, and Sharp array with support by Rodhe & Schwartz testing equipment.

MediaTek Dimensity Auto

With rapid progress in automotive, MediaTek’s Dimensity Auto development platform will be at the show, highlighting its leading capabilities in multimedia, 3D graphics, and AI processing capabilities across multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a hypervisor. The innovative cockpit features an 8K display and is developed in collaboration with strategic partners, illustrating what people can expect from next-generation in-vehicle experiences.

MediaTek Dimensity 9400

Various smartphones powered by the flagship Dimensity 9400 5G chip will be showcased, demonstrating their leading-edge Generative and Agentic AI applications and services. The showcase will also include the latest advancements in photography and videography, such as AI Audio Focus, AI Telephoto, Best Snapshot capabilities, AI Depth Engine for video playback, and the newest feature-rich games with ray-traced graphics.

224G SerDes for ASIC

MediaTek’s 224G SerDes represents a significant advancement in technology leadership, offering exceptional performance, reliability, and efficiency. This solution is designed to meet the rigorous interconnect demands of AI, hyperscale computing, data centers, and networking infrastructure. Our SerDes expertise is integral to our ASIC offerings, driving the next generation of AI acceleration and many other interconnect applications. MediaTek SerDes solutions empower ASIC customers with advanced process technology that enhances performance and bandwidth density, making them both power-friendly and cost-effective.

These 224G SerDes solutions are silicon-proven, and the development of the next-generation SerDes is already underway. MediaTek collaborates with major foundries on the most advanced process nodes, chip-to-chip interconnect, high-speed I/O, on-package memory, and ultra-large package design. This effort also enables MediaTek to optimize performance, power, and area (PPA) through Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) to best fit customers’ domain-specific requirements.

27th February 2025: Bharat Tex 2025 has set the stage for a transformative experience in the global textile industry, with technical textiles at the center stage, as one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving segments. Technical textiles align perfectly with India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. With a market size estimated at over USD 20 billion, the sector is poised for rapid expansion, fueled by increasing domestic demand and rising exports. Global technical textiles market is also experiencing significant growth, with projections showing a substantial increase in market size over the coming decades.

Government initiatives, such as the National Technical Textile Mission (NTTM) and strategic trade policies, have accelerated the growth of technical textiles sector. Technical textiles go beyond traditional fabric applications, offering specialized solutions for industries like healthcare, defense, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. At Bharat Tex 2025, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers came together to explore the latest advancements in technical textiles, discuss emerging trends, and foster collaborations that will define the future of this segment.

Technical textiles have transcended niche applications to become essential drivers of progress across 12 broad areas. These advanced materials, engineered for specific functional benefits like durability, resistance, insulation, and protection, proved indispensable in sectors critical to modern life and economic growth. Bharat Tex 2025 highlighted the latest advancements in key technical textiles segment. Geotextiles for instance have transformed the construction landscape by improving road durability, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing drainage systems. Experts at Bharat Tex 2025 discussed how India’s ambitious infrastructure development plans could leverage geotextiles for highways, railways, and smart city projects. These aligned with the substantial infrastructure investment outlined in the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), with significant allocations for roads, railways, and urban infrastructure. Similarly, Medical textiles, including antimicrobial fabrics, surgical gowns, and smart bandages, have revolutionized patient care by enhancing safety, comfort, and treatment effectiveness. Bharat Tex 2025 showcased cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable medical textiles. Another area was Protech, where it was seen that advanced protective textiles proved vital to national security. Bulletproof vests, fire-resistant clothing, and high-strength fabrics for combat gear were among the innovations on display. With India’s increasing focus on indigenous defense manufacturing, technical textiles are a critical component of its strategic vision.

Bharat Tex 2025 was more than just a forum for discussion; it was a platform for showcasing the latest breakthroughs in technical textiles. The event featured interactive exhibitions, live demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing sessions, providing attendees with firsthand experience of cutting-edge innovations. It hosted a knowledge session to discuss the outlook for Technical Textiles. The session convened key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and researchers, to discuss India’s strategic roadmap for achieving global leadership in technical textiles. Discussions centered on the critical role of research and innovation in developing next-generation technical textiles, from smart fabrics with health monitoring capabilities to self-healing materials. Investment opportunities for startups and established companies in the technical textiles sector, emphasizing India’s competitive advantages in raw material availability and a skilled workforce and strategies for global market expansion, with India aiming to boost exports and establish itself as a key supplier of technical textiles to developed economies, were also discussed.

An attraction was presentation of latest technologies by Startups and research institutions including (i) Smart Textiles displaying Fabrics embedded with sensors for health monitoring, defense applications, and industrial safety (ii) Nanotechnology in Textiles with High-performance fabrics with water-repellent, antimicrobial, and self-cleaning properties and (iii) Reinforced Composites displaying Lightweight and high-strength materials for automotive, aerospace, and construction applications. Collaboration was a key focus, with opportunities for B2B meetings, investor pitches, and networking. The presence of international delegations fostered global partnerships, positioning India as a crucial link in the technical textiles supply chain.

Technical textiles are not simply an emerging trend but a fundamental pillar of the textile industry’s future. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and investors, Bharat Tex 2025 paved the way for groundbreaking innovations, strategic investments, and policy frameworks that will drive the growth of technical textiles in the years ahead. Bharat Tex 2025 promised to weave a vibrant future for the Indian technical textiles industry.

National, February 27, 2025 – JSW MG Motor India, the country’s leading electric carmaker, has introduced the BLACKSTORM edition to the COMET EV portfolio, enhancing the style and appeal of India’s Street-SmartEV. Launched at an ex-showroom price of INR 7.80L + Battery Rental @ INR 2.5/km, the COMET BLACKSTORM will be positioned as the top variant. Customers seeking a stylish and tech-savvy city commuter, can now visit their nearest MG dealership and book the new MG COMET BLACKSTORM, by paying a sum of INR 11,000.

The COMET BLACKSTORM exudes sophistication and style through its ‘Starry Black’ exteriors, which enhances the overall appeal of the car. The COMET EV nameplate is carved in dark chrome and the INTERNET INSIDE emblem is finished in black, commanding attention from on-lookers. The black theme is carried over in the interiors with the word ‘BLACKSTORM’ embroidered in red on the leatherette seats, promising a premium experience.

For the music aficionados, the company has now equipped the COMET BLACKSTORM with 4 speakers to make traffic congestion a little smoothing. Under the hood, this new edition is equipped with a 17.4 kWh battery that supports fast charging and delivers a certified range of 230 kilometers*. Customers can further personalize their COMET BLACKSTORM with an exclusive accessory pack, including a unique badge, wheel cover, and optional styling elements like hood branding and skid plates.

Commenting on this, Rakesh Sen, Head of Sales, JSW MG Motor India said, “The modern-day Indian car buyers are seeking choices that are unique and are a representation of their personality. They are gravitating towards bolder color options, that set them apart and make their choices stand out. We are delighted to launch the COMET BLACKSTORM that promises to enhance everyday commutes by infusing style and sophistication. The COMET BLACKSTORM highlights our dedication to constantly meeting our customers’ evolving needs by regularly refreshing our line-up.”

The MG COMET EV combines the functionality that an urban commuter needs with their desired style, all within a safe and smart package. The COMET EV’s sales impressively grew by 29% in CY’24 over CY’23, signalling its strong acceptance among car buyers. Its innovative design and practicality have resonated with consumers nationwide, making it a preferred choice for city dwellers seeking a stylish, eco-friendly mobility solution.