23 January 2025:India’s No. 1 real estate app, Housing.com, introduced 3D, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) tools a decade ago, revolutionizing the home-buying experience. Building on this foundation, the platform has now launched a next-generation suite of these technologies, providing home seekers with an even more immersive and automated property exploration experience. This development reinforces Housing.com’s leadership in the proptech space and its commitment to innovation in real estate.

Adding to the immersive experience are two major AR and VR innovations: DigiAR and Digitour. DigiAR, an augmented reality solution, enables buyers to view full 3D prototypes of property designs as envisioned by developers. Accessible through WebAR, DigiAR allows users to visualize digital property replicas over real land plots, bringing a highly interactive and lifelike dimension to the search experience. Complementing this, Digitour in VR provides a fully immersive virtual “walk-through” of properties using pose tracking and near-eye 3D displays, allowing buyers to evaluate properties in detail without needing to be physically present. This VR solution is particularly advantageous for remote buyers who want to explore a property in depth before making any decisions.

Expanding on the innovative capabilities of Housing.com’s nextgen 3D product suite, the new tools set a benchmark in immersive real estate experiences. The suite features DigiPlot, offering a comprehensive 3D view of land plots, distinguishing sold and available spaces while showcasing proximity to key landmarks. Digislate empowers agents with real-time project insights, fostering trust by presenting up-to-date visuals and details during client meetings.

Digiport and Droneview take visualisation to the next level with interactive masterplan tours and aerial perspectives, providing a complete sense of layout and connectivity. Rounding out the suite, Floorplan 3D, powered by AI and ChatGPT, transforms 2D blueprints into detailed, interactive 3D models, letting buyers experience their future homes in detail. This suite ensures users make confident, well-informed property decisions with ease.

These next generation technologies aim to deliver a superlative consumer experience with an interactive and engaging journey that not only enhances understanding of individual properties but also brings the surrounding localities to life. This suite of innovations is designed to enable informed decision-making, reduce time and costs, and ultimately provide a richer, more accessible experience.

Through advanced algorithms, these tools cut down manual intervention, significantly lowering costs by over 70% and speeding up the turnaround time for floor plan creation. Buyers can now intuitively grasp spatial layouts and design elements, enhancing their comprehension of the property—all from their digital devices.

“These visualization initiatives are about creating meaningful experiences and adding value for our users,” shared Sangeet Aggarwal, Head of Product at HOUSING.COM, “By providing immersive, interactive tools, we’re allowing consumers to experience properties in a way that feels almost tangible, bridging the gap between virtual exploration and real-life decision-making. At HOUSING.COM, we are committed to harnessing machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance both our operations and the user experience. By constantly exploring innovative implementations of these technologies, we are not only improving efficiency but also gaining a competitive advantage in the market.”

India, Nationwide Release, 23 January 2025: Ludic, a footwear-first lifestyle brand renowned for its distinct and playful approach to fashion, has unveiled its latest slider collection with a humorous and engaging ad campaign. The campaign, featuring the tagline “Comfort aisa, ki ab kya bataayein” combines nostalgia with comedy, creating a relatable and joyful experience for audiences.

The campaign takes a fresh approach, highlighting the comfort and versatility of Ludic’s sliders through a humorous exchange between a customer and a sales staff. The storyline underscores the idea that no matter what other options are explored, the ultimate choice for unparalleled comfort and style is Ludic sliders. With its witty execution, the campaign effectively captures the essence of the brand while resonating with a wide audience.

The Slider collection is a true reflection of Ludic’s vision – one that sets a new standard for comfort in footwear. Designed from scratch, this collection delivers what the consumers have been looking for – all-day comfort and a fresh new look.

Commenting on the launch, Ishit Jethwa, the Founder of Ludic, said “At Ludic, we’ve always been committed to crafting products that blend comfort with bold, stylish designs. With over six months of meticulous development behind them, our new Sliders break the mold – quite literally. Furthermore, with multiple colourways and a competitive price point, we are confident that this product will enjoy a large acceptance. And working with Braindad on the campaign was an incredible experience, as this film perfectly captures the essence of Ludic – fun, functional, and deeply relatable.”

Vishal Dayama & Devarsh Thaker from Braindad, the creative agency behind the campaign, shared their thoughts, saying, “Working with Ludic has been super! At Braindad, we love brands who approach the unconventional ideas we bring to the table with a certain trust and freedom – allowing us to cook! Ludic has been a really supportive partner through this journey of concept to execution where humour and individuality shine, bringing forth the brand’s vision and personality.”

Ludic sliders are built with rugged CloudFrame™ material, and a recovery EVA footbed, designed to promote muscle recovery and deliver an unwinding experience. The no-stitch design enhances durability, while the unique shape ensures a secure fit, preventing slippage. Available in six vibrant colors, these sliders combine style, comfort, and versatility, making them perfect for any occasion. Priced accessibly, the sliders reflect Ludic’s commitment to offering quality products without compromising on affordability. The collection is now available on Ludic’s website and leading e-commerce platforms, ensuring convenient access for customers nationwide.

New Delhi, 22nd January 2025: OPPO’s latest Reno13 Series redefines user experience with groundbreaking innovation. Beyond its impressive camera system, the dual-chip configuration—comprising the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 and the SignalBoost X1 chipset—sets new standards in performance, connectivity and lag-free experience.

MediaTek Dimensity 8350

OPPO is the first to introduce the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 in the Reno13 Series, jointly optimized with MediaTek to deliver an exceptional gaming experience. Built on a 4nm process, it features an octa-core CPU featuring Arm Cortex-A715 processors operating at speeds of up to 3.35GHz and four energy-efficient Cortex-A510 cores. This architecture strikes a balance between powerful performance for demanding tasks and efficient performance for everyday applications.

MediaTek introduces StarSpeed Engine in Dimensity 8350, replacing the previous HyperEngine technology. This advance engine optimizes performance with a 10% reduction in power consumption during regular use and up to 24% savings during high-frame-rate gaming. It further enhances scene transition speeds by 24% and reduces jitter, resulting in smoother gameplay and improved responsiveness.

Additionally, the SoC is equipped with a capable Mali-G615 MC6 GPU, which delivers high-quality graphics rendering, making it suitable for graphically intensive games. It supports display refresh rates of up to 120Hz for Full HD+ panels, providing fluid visuals that enhance the gaming experience.

Lag-free gaming with SignalBoost X1 Chip

OPPO’s self-developed SignalBoost X1 chip is engineered to deliver seamless performance, even in low-signal conditions. Debuting in the Reno13 Series, the X1 chip represents a breakthrough in network management by enabling the device to connect with network signals with greater efficiency – ensuring smooth gameplay even with just a single bar of signal strength. The SignalBoost X1 chipset further enhances Wi-Fi transmission power by 25%, providing full signal coverage up to 115 meters. Whether gaming in the farthest corner or transferring files at an impressive 19.3 Mbps—a staggering 149% improvement over its predecessor—this innovation ensures weak signals are a thing of the past.

On top of this, the updated AI LinkBoost includes a Wi-Fi Positioning feature that guides users on how to place their phone in the optimal position to secure a strong connection even in difficult spots. Together, these new and improved technologies enable smoother online gaming, streaming, and file sharing without disruption in even more environments.

The Reno13 Series incorporates AI HyperBoost, ensuring up to 8 hours of lag-free gameplay. An AI Multi-Cooling System with an expanded Vapor Chamber effectively manages device temperature, enabling smooth, stutter-free gameplay at high settings, including 90fps in popular titles like BGMI, Free Fire, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

The OPPO Reno13 Series has earned the prestigious TÜV Rheinland High Network-Performance Certification. Additionally, the Reno13 Pro 5G and Reno13 5G have been awarded with an S Rating in the TÜV SÜD Lag-Free Mobile Gaming Rating, recognizing their outstanding gaming performance and superior network capabilities.

Durable Battery Life

The Reno13 Series does not compromise on battery size. The Reno13 has a 5600mAh battery, while the Pro gets an even bigger 5800mAh battery. Both phones support 80W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge. In OPPO lab tests, these batteries now have an extended 5-year lifespan compared to the 4 years on the Reno 12.

New Delhi, January 22: There is nothing better than a home tie to groom future Davis Cup stars and the upcoming contest against Togo is a good opportunity to do that, according to India’s Davis Cup captain Rohit Rajpal.

The Davis Cup Squad which is slated to be played on February1-2, comprises five member team Sasikumar Mukund, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Karan Singh, N.Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli.

India’s Sasikumar Mukund will be the highest-ranked player in the tie at number 368. He is making a comeback to the squad after playing against Morocco in Lucknow.

Captain Rajpal is delighted that India will get to play at home after playing both their in season 2024 away from home. India’s last four of the five ties have been away, including the historic match against Pakistan in Islamabad.

“Playing in home conditions is always beneficial. We have travelled a lot in the last two-three seasons. The slow, hard courts at the DLTA were ideal if Sumit Nagal had played but still, the conditions will suit us. Maybe the choice could have been grass courts if we knew Sumit would opt out from before,” Rajpal said, who is also the DLTA President.

Thomas Steodji will be Togo’s key player in the contest, Togo comes in with three wins -against Latvia, Indonesia and Benin.

“I will not say that it will be a cakewalk for us but the tie will give us the option to groom the next generation of players in the Davis Cup environment and playing at home, we can definitely utilize the home advantage and home support”, Rajpal further added.

The Indian Davis Cup team will start its preparation for the upcoming World Group I play-off tie starting from January 23 at the DLTA Complex, the venue for the contest.

Aryah Shah, Chirag Duhan and Yuvaan Nandal have been added to the squad. They will be training along with the Indian team and it will be a great exposure for each of them.

India, 22nd January 2025 – Virtusa, through the Virtusa Foundation, proudly announces that the restoration of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (B.J.P.C.I) in Mumbai has been honored with the ‘Award of Merit’ from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2024. This project, which aligns with the Virtusa Foundation’s core pillars of education, empowerment, and environment, highlights Virtusa’s commitment to sustainability and social impact. By supporting restoring this 134-year-old structure, Virtusa has helped preserve a vital piece of history while ensuring the institution continues to inspire and educate underserved communities for generations.

The restoration, led by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari and supported by the Virtusa Foundation, revitalized the school’s intricate architectural features, including teakwood screens and colorful glass. Renowned Victorian architect and engineer Khan Bahadur Muncherji C. Murzban designed the school, which is one of the last remaining structures in Mumbai built in the Gothic architectural style. Established in 1890 by Byramjee Jeejeebhoy, the restoration preserves the school’s historical significance while adapting it for future generations. Serving over 1,500 students, this initiative is a testament to Virtusa’s dedication to fostering education and uplifting communities through sustainable initiatives.

Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer of Virtusa Corporation, stated “The UNESCO recognition of B.J.P.C.I. is a remarkable example of Virtusa’s commitment to engineering with purpose. This project beautifully illustrates how preserving heritage can inspire and educate generations while aligning with the principles of sustainability. At Virtusa, we see innovation as a means to safeguard legacies that empower the future. This restoration project exemplifies our dedication to education, cultural preservation, and creating meaningful connections between the past and the future.”

Rustom N.B., Trustee of the B.J.P.C.I remarked “This prestigious UNESCO Award profoundly acknowledges the importance of preserving our shared heritage for future generations. With the steadfast support of the Virtusa Foundation, the B.J.P.C.I stands as a beacon of resilience, excellence, and the timeless values of education and cultural preservation. This honor reinforces our commitment to advancing a legacy of leadership in cultural heritage and educational excellence.”

Since 2000, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation have recognized over 900 projects across 27 countries, promoting heritage preservation and renewal. This year’s winners, including the B.J.P.C.I Restoration Project highlights how conservation efforts can transform communities, instilling pride and a renewed sense of purpose.

Mandi, India – January 22, 2025 – The School of Management, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) proudly concluded the Himalayan Business Summit (HiBS) 2025, a remarkable two-day event held on January 18–19, 2025. The summit brought together industry leaders, renowned professionals, and academic experts to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of businesses.

The event, hosted by IIT Mandi’s School of Management, served as a dynamic platform to address key technological disruptions, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and facilitate mentorship and collaboration opportunities between students and business stalwarts.

The summit was inaugurated with a formal welcome address by Prof. Anjan K. Swain, Chairperson of the School of Management,who introduced the vision of HiBS and the role of IIT Mandi’s School of Management in shaping the next generation of leaders in AI and business. Prof. Manoj Thakur, followed with a detailed overview of the institution’s initiatives in bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Anup Purohit, Global CIO at Wipro Limited, who highlighted how organizations can align AI with their business strategies to foster innovation and enhance digital transformation.

The first panel discussion of the summit, themed “AI-Powered Personalization: Tailoring Products and Services”, was moderated by Mr. Karun Jalali (Director, Deloitte). Esteemed panelists, including Mr. Nilesh Biniwale (Pattern India), Dr. Tanushyam Chattopadhyay (Adani AI Labs), and Mr. Sarosh Kumar (Cognizant), engaged in a robust discussion on the importance of leveraging AI to deliver personalized experiences in today’s competitive market.

A standout feature of the day was the mentorship sessions, where students interacted with industry leaders, discussing career opportunities, technological trends, and real-world business practices. The day ended on a high note with an engaging cultural night, showcasing the diverse creative talents of IIT Mandi’s students through traditional Mandiyali dance, music, and more.

Day two commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Umesh Udayaprakash (Innova Solutions), who emphasized the growing influence of AI-driven innovation in reshaping global industries.

The second panel discussion, “AI-Driven Business Intelligence: Unlocking Data-Driven Insights”, moderated by Dr. Vinay Kumar, featured panelists like Mr. Abhijit Dutta (Accenture), Mr. Sumanyu Panda (SKLasS.AI), and Mr. Sidharth Balakrishna (BOD Consulting). They shared insights on transforming raw data into actionable intelligence for competitive advantage.

The final panel discussion, “AI & Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets”, was moderated by Mr. Samir Datt (Foundation Futuristic Technologies). Panelists, including Mr. Venkatagiri (KFin Technologies), Mr. Ajay Sabnani (Genexa.AI), and Mr. Arnab Banerjee (Micron Technology), deliberated on safeguarding sensitive digital assets in the era of growing cyber threats.

The case competition was the centerpiece of the summit, where MBA students from IIT Mandi presented innovative solutions to contemporary business challenges. Their analytical skills and strategic thinking were highly praised by the esteemed jury, comprised of industry experts.

The event concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. Ashish Bollimbala, who commended the collaborative efforts of participants, organizers, and mentors in making HiBS 2025 a resounding success.

HiBS 2025 offered a wealth of learning and growth opportunities for MBA students. The event fostered meaningful networking opportunities, allowing students to connect directly with industry stalwarts and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and business strategies. Personalized mentorship sessions provided a platform for career guidance and a deeper understanding of real-world business operations. The discussions during the event highlighted the importance of bridging academia and industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to effectively address industry challenges. Adding a vibrant touch, the cultural night celebrated diversity, creativity, and teamwork, enriching the overall experience for participants.

Mumbai, 22nd January, 2025: CleanMax, one of Asia’s leading renewable energy providers for the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector and a Brookfield-backed company, today announced that it will obtain AED 99 Million (USD 27 Million) long term credit facility from HSBC to develop and finance its onsite solar portfolio in the UAE. The facility will cover 92 onsite solar assets, located on industrial facilities, malls, schools and universities. The financing arrangement also provides an uncommitted accordion of AED 37 Million (USD 10 Million) for development of future projects, in alignment with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

“This financing facility is a significant milestone for CleanMax and its growth strategy in the Middle East region. It enhances our ability to offer competitive energy tariffs to Commercial & Industrial (‘C&I’) clients and reflects our commitment to provide tailor made green energy solutions to help corporates in driving their sustainability goals. The transition to a net-zero global economy and achieving a low-carbon future is a shared opportunity. It requires a coalition of renewable energy providers, financiers and industries working together toward a common goal willing to invest in change.” Said, Kuldeep Jain, Managing Director of CleanMax

Khalid Alkadi, Head of International Subsidiary Banking, HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye said, “The financing is a further step in our partnership to support CleanMax’s international growth journey. The development of the solar projects underscores the UAE’s position as a regional pioneer in the Net Zero transition and as a destination for international investment in green infrastructure.”

Setting up sustainability initiatives is a capital-intensive endeavor that requires significant upfront investments and long-term financial planning. As global investments in renewable energy projects continue to rise, collaborations like this set a precedent for how financial institutions and green energy providers can jointly contribute to international climate commitments and a decarbonized economy.

Bengaluru, 22nd January 2025: OPPO India has officially launched the much-anticipated Reno13 Series 5G, designed to redefine the smartphone experience. Featuring a flagship-level camera system, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 SoC, and equipped with cutting-edge AI features for both imaging and productivity, the Reno13 Series is engineered to deliver exceptional performance. With its ultra-durable design, the series – including the Reno13 and Reno13 Pro – also boasts IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications for water and dust resistance, making it the perfect device for those who value both style and durability. Additionally, the Reno13 Series offers 80W SUPERVOOC fast-charging, ensuring optimal power for extended use. The smartphones are now available for purchase through Mainline Retail Outlets, the OPPO e-Store, and Flipkart.

Flagship Design with Durability

The OPPO Reno13 5G boasts an aerospace-grade aluminium frame and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front and back. Its One-piece Sculpted Glass on the back is a blend of matte and gloss finishes with a unique texture on the Ivory White variant. OPPO has also introduced an exclusive Luminous Blue color variant for India. This variant features a unique glowing effect achieved through offset printing and reflective coating to produce a subtle yet captivating glowing outline around the camera module.

The device comes with OPPO’s signature All-Round Armour architecture, protecting the internals against shock for added durability. The smartphone is IP66, IP68, and IP69-certified for resistance to dust and submersion in freshwater up to 1.5 meters, tested up to 2 meters in OPPO labs for 30 minutes.

The Reno13 stands out with its slim and lightweight design: The Ivory White model is a mere 7.24mm thin, while the Luminous Blue model is 7.29mm slim; the handsets tilt the scale at a lightweight 181g.

Expansive Infinite View Display with Blue Light Solution

The Reno13 sports a 6.59-inch flat screen and is equipped with a 120Hz Smart Adaptive 1.5K OLED ProXDR display, offering an impressive 93.4% screen-to-body ratio for a bezel-less viewing experience. With peak brightness of 1,200 nits (HBM), it ensures visibility even under harsh sunlight. OPPO’s screen technology is designed for eye comfort with a low-blue-light solution, certified by BOE SGS Seamless Pro Eye Protection.

Premium Camera with the Power of GenAI

The Reno13 features a flagship-level camera system, including a 50MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide camera, and 2MP monochrome camera. The device includes a tri-microphone system, audio zoom, and support for dual 4K video recording from the front and back cameras simultaneously.

AI Livephoto in 2K Clarity

The Reno13 offers creative control with its AI Livephoto feature, which automatically records video clips from 1.5 seconds before the shutter is pressed to 1.5 seconds after. The result is a 2K ultra-clear video, enabling users to select and edit any frame. Real-time adjustments, such as retouching, makeup, and filters, are also possible for these Livephotos.

One-Click AI Clarity

The Reno13 comes equipped with OPPO’s AI Clarity, a suite of advanced GenAI tools designed to enhance images with just a tap. Its AI Clarity Enhancer leverages powerful algorithms to boost image quality at 10X zoom, ensuring remarkable clarity even when viewed at 8X digital zoom.

With AI Unblur, the Reno13 ensures that every photo retains sharp details and vibrant colors, even when capturing subjects in motion.

OPPO’s AI Reflection Remover guarantees flawless photos by eliminating unwanted reflections. Additionally, with AI Eraser 2.0, you can easily remove photobombers or distracting background objects, leaving behind a picture-perfect memory.

AI Imaging

The Reno13 enhances portraits and group photos with AI-powered features like AI Portrait and AI Night Portrait. AI Imaging uses OPPO’s proprietary algorithms to enhance facial details and refine facial contours in low light. AI Best Face automatically identifies subjects with closed eyes and corrects the photo with AI.

AI Studio

The AI Studio on the Reno13 lets users transform their photos with GenAI features, such as sci-fi, vintage, or cartoon styles. Users can also create animated moments from still images using AI Motion or reinterpret photos with AI Reimage using more than 20 templates.

Get Creative with Underwater Photography

The Reno13’s industry-leading dust ingress and water resistance ratings open new possibilities for underwater photography. The IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications ensure the device can capture stunning moments above and below the surface, with AI adjustments to enhance underwater images.

Powerful Processor and Big Battery Life

The Reno13 features the customized MediaTek Dimensity 8350 processor, offering up to 60% improved peak performance and 55% greater power efficiency. The device packs a 5600mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge support, enabling fast charging and extended battery life. It can charge the battery from 0 to 17% in just 5 minutes, to 49% in 20 minutes, and to 100% in approximately 47 minutes and 23 seconds.

The device delivers uninterrupted gaming experience backed by a large battery and AI HyperBoost, it ensures smooth, lag-free gameplay for up to 8 hours, earning an S Rating from TÜV SÜD. It also includes an AI Multi-Cooling System featuring an expanded Vapour Chamber (VC) for temperature control during long gaming sessions.

In addition to this, AI LinkBoost 2.0 and OPPO’s custom SignalBoost X1 Chip ensure that the phone boosts Wi-Fi performance in weak signal areas and ensures smooth connectivity even in challenging environments, validated by TÜV Rheinland High Network Performance Certification.

ColorOS 15: Smart & Smooth

The Reno13 comes with ColorOS 15, delivering a sophisticated set of AI-driven features for enhanced productivity and creativity. OPPO’s 60-month fluency testing guarantees smooth, reliable performance for up to 5 years.

GenAI Integrated into Everyday Life

The OPPO Reno13 integrates GenAI features to make everyday tasks easier. Features like AI Summary, AI Rewrite, AI Reply, and AI Recording Summary allow for efficient work and productivity. The AI Toolbox 2.0 includes productivity features like Screen Translator, AI Writer, AI Reply and AI Recording Summary that can record office meetings—in English and Hindi as long as five hours and generate notes, summaries and transcripts.

Additionally, Circle to Search with Google allows users to instantly search for anything on-screen with a simple long press of the home button or navigation bar. And the Google Gemini app enables users to supercharge their productivity and creativity through AI-powered interactions.

OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G

The company has also introduced the OPPO Reno13 Pro, setting a new standard for smartphone photography with its flagship-level camera system, paired with a stunning 6.83-inch Infinite View Display featuring four-sided micro-curves and an impressive 93.8% screen-to-body ratio with a bezel-less viewing experience, making it perfect for binge-watching videos and browsing social media. The device boasts a 50MP + 50MP + 8MP triple-camera setup, including a 3.5x telephoto lens, along with AI-powered features. The 50MP Telephoto Camera with a 3.5x optical zoom ensures an equivalent focal length of 85mm for detailed shots. AI technology enhances ultra-zoom shots up to 120X, so no details are missed. Combined with AI Zoom capabilities, the tri-microphone system, and Audio Zoom ensure that these phones are perfect for recording concerts and other exceptional-quality performances. The smartphone boasts 5800mAh battery and support 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge.

New Delhi, January 22, 2025: Philip Morris International (PMI)’s India affiliate IPM India announced the appointment of Kingshuk Das as Director- People & Culture, effective January 1, 2025. With over 16 years of experience, he brings a wealth of expertise in strategic and operation HR, driving sustainable and inclusive growth, pivotal to IPM India’s transformational journey.

PMI has recently been featured among top 10 companies in the WSJ Management Top 250 Annual Company Ranking. In addition, IPM India is an Equal Salary certified organization and has received the Great Place to Work and Top Employer certifications for three & five years, respectively.

Kingshuk’s association with PMI began in 2012. Over the years, he moved across roles- People & Culture commercial in India, Talent Management in Hongkong, People & Culture Commercial role in Australia. In his last role, he was partnering the Global Operations organization, at Philip Morris Operational Centre, Switzerland.

Commenting on the appointment, Navaneel Kar, Managing Director, IPM India said, “Kingshuk has deep understanding of our business and applies this knowledge to the people and culture solutions he delivers. He is curious and intellectual, full of energy and enthusiasm, with a strong hunger for learning. With his experience working across markets, Kingshuk will bring a valuable perspective to this role. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous learning makes him ideal to lead the next phase of growth for our India business & achieve our strategic objectives.”

Kingshuk Das, Director – People & Culture, IPM India said, “I am excited to join the new role at this interesting phase of the organization and contribute to its growth & success. My passion lies in people-centric leadership along with elevating employee experience and fostering a dynamic culture of growth and innovation. I’m delighted to be a part of IPM India, where values like agility, collaboration, employee well-being, shape the ethos and culture of the organization.”

Bangalore, January 22, 2025:  In India, 42 million people are affected by thyroid diseases, with hypothyroidism being the most prevalent impacting 1 in 10 adults. Anaemia, often the first sign of hypothyroidism, affects 41.8% of those with hypothyroidismi ii. This World Thyroid Awareness month, its important to remind people about this dual challenge that may significantly affect overall productivity and quality of life, if left untreated.

Anaemia, a condition characterised by a lower-than-normal count of red blood cells, often coexists with hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland located in your neck doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are crucial because they regulate your body’s metabolism, which affects how your body uses energy. The symptoms of these conditions can overlap, particularly during winter, when pale skin can mask the signs of anaemia. Despite this connection, it is often overlooked.

In winter, the body’s heightened demand for thyroid hormones to generate heat and regulate temperature can worsen common symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, depression, dry and coarse skin and hair, difficulty dealing with the cold, and a tingling sensation in the hands, amongst others. Women are three times more likely to be affected by hypothyroidism than men – and the elderly are another group typically affected by it as well.

 How are they linked?

Low thyroid levels slow down the production of red blood cells, a process further complicated by the effects of thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  These conditions often lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, which can also affect red blood cell production. Additionally, low thyroid levels can interfere with iron absorption, disrupting various metabolic processes. If either is not treated, these issues can amplify the problem and make management of the condition harder. Raising awareness about this connection is necessary, not only for timely and accurate diagnosis, but also to ensure patients receive the appropriate care and treatment.

Dr. Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “Hypothyroidism and anaemia are significant health concerns in India, but they can be effectively managed with timely diagnosis and consistent treatment. Educating more people about the linkage between these two conditions and encouraging those with symptoms to seek medical advice promptly is key. For example, if you notice a family member feels cold even in the summer or a friend often complains about never-ending fatigue, encourage them to see a doctor and get tested.”

Dr. Anusha Handral, Consultant Endocrinologist, Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru added, “Today, the burden of both hypothyroidism and anaemia is on the rise. For instance, anaemia amongst women between 15 and 49 years increased from 53% in 2015-16 to 57% in 2019-2021. It’s extremely important for people to understand the connection between these two conditions, as it will aid in diagnosis and ensure appropriate advice and treatment.”

People in high-risk groups who should routinely screen for these conditions:

• Women (especially pregnant women)
• The elderly
• People with autoimmune diseases (like Celiac or Crohn’s disease)
• Those with nutritional deficiencies (including of various vitamins from B12 to D, iron, and more)
• People with chronic illness (such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease)
• Those with chronic acidity and digestive disorders

Diagnosis is key for better management of both conditions.

What’s important is staying vigilant about your health. It’s good to remember that early detection and treatment can make a significant difference. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor for next steps on screening. This may include a thyroid function test or checking their complete blood count and markers like ferritin, vitamin B12, and folate levels for anaemia. Take charge of your health to lead a better quality of life every day!