Blood Donation: Good for Your Heart and Humanity
Dr. C N Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology & Haemato-Oncology, Aster CMI
Hospital, Bangalore
Blood Donation: Good for Your Heart and Humanity
January 2025 marks Blood Donation Awareness Month, a perfect opportunity to spotlight the myriad benefits of this selfless act. Blood donation is more than a gesture of generosity—it is a boon for the recipient’s life and a surprising boost to the donor’s health. Among the various health advantages, its positive impact on heart health stands out.
Lowering Iron Levels for a Healthier Heart
Excessive iron levels in the blood can lead to oxidative stress, which damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease. Regular blood donation helps reduce iron overload by lowering ferritin levels, thus mitigating these risks. Research suggests that men who donate blood at least once a year have a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to non-donors.
By maintaining optimal iron levels, blood donors contribute to better cardiovascular health, reducing the strain on their hearts while also aiding those in need.
Improved Circulation and Reduced Inflammation
Another significant benefit of blood donation is its positive effect on blood viscosity. Thick blood increases resistance within blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder. Donating blood reduces viscosity, promoting smoother blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Additionally, regular blood donors often show reduced markers of inflammation, a key factor in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
A Built-In Health Check-Up
Each blood donation session begins with a mini health screening, which includes checking vital signs like blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, and pulse rate. This acts as a preventive measure, allowing donors to stay informed about their health and catch potential cardiovascular issues early. Regular donors may benefit from these routine health assessments, ensuring their heart health is always monitored.
Boosting Emotional Well-Being
The act of donating blood also brings intangible rewards, such as emotional fulfillment and reduced stress. Studies have shown that acts of altruism, including blood donation, release endorphins and promote a sense of well-being. A calmer mind and reduced stress levels are directly linked to improved heart health, making this a win-win situation for donors and recipients alike.
An Act of Lifesaving Generosity
While the personal health benefits are noteworthy, the ultimate significance of blood donation lies in its potential to save lives. Every unit of blood donated can save up to three lives, providing hope to patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, or recovering from severe injuries. This noble act not only strengthens communities but also creates a ripple effect of goodwill and unity.
As January unfolds, let Blood Donation Awareness Month inspire us to roll up our sleeves for this life-saving cause. Donating blood is an easy yet impactful way to contribute to society while nurturing one’s own health. So, why wait? Make an appointment to donate blood and let your heart literally and metaphorically grow stronger.
Champi Hair Oil by indē wild Tops Bestseller Charts on Nykaa
indē wild, the pioneering beauty brand founded by global entrepreneur and media personality Diipa Büller Khosla, announces the remarkable achievement of its signature ‘Champi Hair Oil’: attaining the coveted 1 Bestseller status on Nykaa, India’s premier beauty e-commerce platform. This milestone underscores the significant market demand for authentic, heritage-inspired beauty solutions that seamlessly blend traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern scientific formulations
Within 18 months of its launch on Nykaa, Champi Hair Oil surpassed 150,000 units sold, a testament to its exceptional consumer appeal. This success builds upon the brand’s existing momentum, having already captivated millions of customers globally. Featured in prominent publications such as Glamour’s ‘15 Best Hair Oils For Shine And Hydration’ and Beauty Matter USA, the oil’s efficacy is undeniable. Its potent, 100% natural formula, incorporating 16 clinically-proven ingredients including Hibiscus, Brahmi, Bhringraj, Amla, and Rosemary, alongside nourishing carrier oils such as Castor, Sesame, Coconut, Almond, Indian Argan, and Vitamin E, delivers visible results, leaving hair lustrous, strong, and healthy from root to tip.
Beyond its cosmetic benefits, Champi Hair Oil promotes holistic well-being. The traditional champi massage technique, integral to its application, stimulates scalp circulation and enhances relaxation, mitigating stress and anxiety. This unique combination of efficacy and self-care resonates deeply with consumers, with many praising its transformative effects.
indē wild’s trajectory is equally compelling.
Last September, the brand made history as the first Ayurvedistry™ brand – uniquely combining Ayurveda and biochemistry – to launch with Sephora in the U.K., solidifying its position as a global player in the clean beauty sector. This strategic partnership not only elevated the profile of authentic Indian beauty practices on the international stage but also underscored indē wild’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, diversity and authenticity.
Diipa Büller Khosla, Founder, indē wild states, “We are deeply honoured by the extraordinary response to Champi Hair Oil. This achievement validates our commitment to creating high-quality, ethically sourced products that resonate with a growing consumer base seeking efficacious and sustainable beauty solutions. The global hair oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032 which will increase the market size from $23.41 billion in 2024 to $43.02 billion by 2032.This burgeoning growth of the global hair oil market reflects a desire for exceptional quality, and we are proud to contribute to this growth by providing a product that elegantly marries traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific rigor.” She further emphasizes the brand’s unwavering dedication to clean and ethical beauty, ensuring the product remains free from harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, silicones, phthalates, microplastics and toxins.
indē wild’s remarkable journey—from a self-funded Indian startup to a multi-million-dollar enterprise partnering with global retail giants—illustrates the expansive global market opportunity for authentic, heritage-inspired beauty products. The company’s continued expansion promises to further elevate the visibility and accessibility of holistic Indian beauty practices worldwide. To date, indē wild’s product line has delighted 200,000 millions of customers and sold over 3 million units across India, Dubai, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, establishing the brand’s substantial presence in the global beauty market.
NHC Foods registers 384% growth in Net Profit for Q3-FY25
Mumbai, January 21, 2025: NHC Foods Limited, a prominent exporter of agricultural commodities and spices, has announced its financial results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended 31st December 2024.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹208.33 Lakhs as compared to ₹43.03 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Quarter ended 31st December 2024 increased by 58% to ₹7352.97 Lakhs as compared to ₹4649.69 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.
For the Nine months ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹614.30 Lakhs as compared to ₹126.88 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Nine Months ended 31st December 2024 increased by 64% to ₹21,420 Lakhs as compared to ₹13,062 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.
The performance of NHC Foods over the last three quarters highlights the company’s remarkable ability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite a volatile environment. The company reported profits of ₹200.88 Lakhs in Q1-FY25, ₹205.08 Lakhs in Q2-FY25, and ₹208.33 Lakhs in Q3-FY25, surpassing the ₹234.74 Lakhs achieved for the entire FY2024.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Satyam Joshi, Whole Time Director stated “NHC Foods’ performance during the quarter and nine-month period showcases its exceptional capability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite operating in a challenging environment. The company’s focus on product and market expansion, along with strategic investments in manufacturing, technology and R&D, is set to create a stronger foundation for a brighter and sustainable future.”
“The successful completion of the recent Rights Issue stands as a testament to the confidence investors and stakeholders have in the company’s management and future growth prospects”, Mr. Satyam Joshi added.
As part of its expansion and brand-building strategy, NHC Foods has allocated sizable funds for establishing a state-of-the-art Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility and revamping its flagship spice brand, ‘SAAZ.’
The cutting-edge Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility at Pardi in Gujarat is designed to meet the growing domestic and international demand for sesame-based products, particularly in key export markets such as Korea, Turkey, USA and Europe. The plant is expected to be operational within a year and is expected to drive substantial revenue growth. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to addressing global demand while enhancing domestic supply capabilities and is a significant step toward cementing its leadership position in the sesame industry.
On the product innovation side, NHC Foods’ flagship spice brand, “SAAZ,” is set for a comprehensive strategic revamp to strengthen its consumer brand portfolio. The initiative includes enhancing its presence across modern retail chains and leading e-commerce platforms like Big Basket, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Amazon. The company is planning a pilot launch in Rajkot, Gujarat, with the revamped product line expected to roll out in the market within 5–6 months.
The Board of Directors has also granted in-principle approval for NHC Foods to invest in Inwelco Science Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Buyceps, a prominent health and wellness brand. With a revenue target of ₹100 crores in the next 2–3 years, this investment enables NHC Foods to tap into the growing demand for wellness products both in India and overseas markets.
Entrepreneurship Takes Center Stage at NMIMS Navi Mumbai’s ‘Avartan 2025’ Startup Summit
NMIMS Navi Mumbai’s Entrepreneurship Cell, with its vision to shape future-ready and innovative entrepreneurs, hosted ‘Avartan: Entrepreneurship and Startups Summit’ on 11th January 2025. This 3-day event saw a huge turnout of ambitious entrepreneurs ready to work for the nation. The event, hosted under the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047: Celebrating Startups for Nation Building’, Avartan offered students a chance to showcase their talents, connect with experts, and explore startup trends.
Dr. Rajendra Gupta, a renowned policymaker and the brain behind the ‘Viksit Bharat Abhiyan 2047,’ inaugurated the event, giving it a grand start. Keynote Speaker Gurumurthy Ramachandran, Managing Director of Xangam Group, delivered an insightful address on the ‘Importance of Partnerships & Teams for Startup’,.Highlighting the significance of this initiative and NMIMS’s dedication towards making India a Startup capital, Dr. Aparna Rao, Associate Professor, School of Technology, Management & Engineering and the head of Avartan 2025, added “We always strive to generate interest for entrepreneurship in students and, Avartan is a celebration of startups. With the theme of Viksit Bharat we have the same vision to make independent India an entrepreneurship enterprise by 2047”.
Avartan saw a lineup of events intricately designed to test skills and innovation ideas. With competitions, workshops, and guest lectures by successful startup entrepreneurs, Avartan aimed to spark entrepreneurship and innovation for a brighter future.One of the highlights of Avartan was Startathon, where participants spent 24 hours solving industry problems given by experts and curating a startup prototype. These prototypes competed to get recognition and in turn got support, guidance and finances from the Xangam group themselves.To guide and educate students about India’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, startup entrepreneurs from various sectors graced the event themselves. Mr. Balasubramaniam D, Chief Strategy Officer – Xangam Group Steered a masterclass which enlightened students and drove them one step closer to fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem in India.
The Grand India Challenge which was a business model competition that provided participants with the opportunity to refine their startup ideas with expert guidance. Finalists had the chance to pitch their ideas to investors during a live event. Among all the aspiring entrepreneurs, two winners were given the opportunity to make their dreams come true.
Winners:
1st Position – ‘Team Dreamer’ with a prize money of ₹20,000
2nd Position – ‘Team Smartbuy’ with a prize money of ₹10,000
Participants had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact and receive one-on-one guidance from entrepreneurs during Avartan’s panel discussion titled “The Role of Entrepreneurs & New Ventures in Viksit Bharat 2047.” The panel featured 3 inspiring entrepreneurs Rakhi Pal from Eventbeep, Kamal Kumawat from Edgistify, and Rohit Karle from Think Aerial Autonomous Systems, who addressed aspiring entrepreneurs.
The discussion focused on how startups can leverage innovation to tackle India’s unique challenges and foster economic growth. The panelists explored the importance of technology, sustainable practices, and disruptive ideas in shaping a startup-driven India. This session provided attendees with valuable insights on how entrepreneurial ventures can contribute to building a stronger and more inclusive nation.
Avartan 2025 not only provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas but also facilitated meaningful collaborations that are expected to lead to the development of innovative startups, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth and technological advancement.
NHC Foods Reports 384% Growth in Q3-FY25 Net Profit
Mumbai, January 21, 2025: NHC Foods Limited, a prominent exporter of agricultural commodities and spices, has announced its financial results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended 31st December 2024.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹208.33 Lakhs as compared to ₹43.03 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Quarter ended 31st December 2024 increased by 58% to ₹7352.97 Lakhs as compared to ₹4649.69 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.
For the Nine months ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹614.30 Lakhs as compared to ₹126.88 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Nine Months ended 31st December 2024 increased by 64% to ₹21,420 Lakhs as compared to ₹13,062 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.
The performance of NHC Foods over the last three quarters highlights the company’s remarkable ability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite a volatile environment. The company reported profits of ₹200.88 Lakhs in Q1-FY25, ₹205.08 Lakhs in Q2-FY25, and ₹208.33 Lakhs in Q3-FY25, surpassing the ₹234.74 Lakhs achieved for the entire FY2024.
Commenting on the results, Mr. Satyam Joshi, Whole Time Director stated “NHC Foods’ performance during the quarter and nine-month period showcases its exceptional capability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite operating in a challenging environment. The company’s focus on product and market expansion, along with strategic investments in manufacturing, technology and R&D, is set to create a stronger foundation for a brighter and sustainable future.”
“The successful completion of the recent Rights Issue stands as a testament to the confidence investors and stakeholders have in the company’s management and future growth prospects”, Mr. Satyam Joshi added.
As part of its expansion and brand-building strategy, NHC Foods has allocated sizable funds for establishing a state-of-the-art Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility and revamping its flagship spice brand, ‘SAAZ.’
The cutting-edge Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility at Pardi in Gujarat is designed to meet the growing domestic and international demand for sesame-based products, particularly in key export markets such as China, Korea, Turkey, USA and Europe. The plant is expected to be operational within a year and is expected to drive substantial revenue growth. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to addressing global demand while enhancing domestic supply capabilities and is a significant step toward cementing its leadership position in the sesame industry.
On the product innovation side, NHC Foods’ flagship spice brand, “SAAZ,” is set for a comprehensive strategic revamp to strengthen its consumer brand portfolio. The initiative includes enhancing its presence across modern retail chains and leading e-commerce platforms like Big Basket, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Amazon. The company is planning a pilot launch in Rajkot, Gujarat, with the revamped product line expected to roll out in the market within 5–6 months.
The Board of Directors has also granted in-principle approval for NHC Foods to invest in Inwelco Science Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Buyceps, a prominent health and wellness brand. With a revenue target of ₹100 crores in the next 2–3 years, this investment enables NHC Foods to tap into the growing demand for wellness products both in India and overseas markets.
India’s Game Development Industry Gets a Boost with Dirtcube Interactive’s ‘Specter’ Backend Platform
Mumbai, January 21, 2025: Dirtcube Interactive, a pioneering game and game-tech studio based out of Navi Mumbai has officially announced the launch of Specter, India’s first-of-its-kind backend platform designed to revolutionise the gaming ecosystem. This fully integrated solution combines all essential backend services such as player progression, game economy management, automated achievement and rewards systems, leaderboards, LiveOps, real-money features and much more into a unified platform that empowers developers and marketers to create immersive and scalable gaming experiences.
With a portfolio that includes hyper-casual games, game development and art services, and innovative products like Capshot, a social media app for memes and videos, and GameStarz, a mobile-based virtual world blending gaming and social interactions, Dirtcube Interactive has consistently pushed boundaries. The development of Specter stems from their experience and a keen understanding of the need for integrated backend tools in game development.
Consolidating multiple tools into a single solution, Specter enables developers to streamline operations and focus on creativity. Comprising features like dynamic achievements, currency and store systems, real-time competitions, and LiveOps, the platform enhances engagement while reducing complexity. The product is currently rolling out some early AI features, and over the next few months, it aims to completely transform how games manage Live Ops, respond to player behaviour, and generate new in-game content.
Specter’s USP lies in offering customisable backend services to meet the diverse needs of the gaming industry. It enhances cost and time efficiency, accelerating development timelines by up to four times, allowing teams to focus more on creating impactful gaming experiences. The platform’s cross-platform support unifies player communities across devices, creating a seamless and integrated experience for users.
Co-founder Pravan Parikh brings a wealth of experience from financial services, market research, and product development. His background in data analysis and market strategy has been instrumental in shaping Specter’s vision as the go-to backend platform for developers and studios.
Sharing his excitement on the launch of Specter, Pravan Parikh, Co-Founder & Product Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP expressed, “We are delighted to officially launch Specter, a platform that represents years of dedicated effort, learning, and innovation. While India’s gaming and esports industry is experiencing rapid growth, significant gaps persist in the game development ecosystem. Specter is designed to bridge these gaps by empowering creators across industries with the tools they need to make game development more accessible, efficient, and rewarding. Our vision is for Specter to become the invisible hand that powers truly immersive gaming experiences.”
While Pravan focuses on shaping the product vision, his co-founder, Mikhail Bhuta, brings the technological backbone to Specter. As a seasoned technology innovator, Mikhail has been instrumental in crafting the platform’s high-quality and scalable infrastructure, ensuring it meets the complex needs of today’s game developers.
“Specter is designed to address the challenges game developers face, from scalability to real-time operations and seamless cross-platform integration. We’ve focused on delivering a backend solution that simplifies the development process while enhancing the player experience. Our goal is to create a platform that evolves with the rapidly changing gaming industry, featuring cutting-edge tools that keep developers ahead of the curve. With Specter, we aim to help developers all over the world lay the foundation for the next generation of immersive gaming experiences,” said Mikhail Bhuta, Co-Founder & Tech Lead, Dirtcube Interactive LLP.
Specter empowers multiple industries with its tailored solutions. For traditional video game development, it supports indie developers, hyper-casual publishers, and casual game studios with cost-efficient infrastructure and dynamic features. In gamification and consumer apps, the platform boosts engagement through leaderboards and rewards, benefiting fitness apps, social platforms, and loyalty programs.
In esports, Specter simplifies tournament management with dynamic leaderboards, match data handling, and secure prize distribution. Additionally, it also enables marketing and brand engagement by powering gamified campaigns, community challenges, and live events to create interactive brand experiences.
Looking ahead, Specter will focus on building a thriving developer community through collaborations with indie developers and midsize studios to shape new features. The platform is also pioneering the use of AI in LiveOps, aiming to revolutionise player engagement and revenue models by leveraging predictive and responsive AI systems. Additionally, Specter is expanding its reach by forging strategic partnerships with leading gaming engines and service providers to further enhance its ecosystem.
HCG Aastha Cancer Centre Hosts “Her Hope” Campaign to Educate on Cervical Cancer Prevention
Ahmedabad, 21 January 2025 – HCG Aastha Cancer Centre organised “Her Hope,” a community-driven initiative featuring a powerful physical theatre performance to raise awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection. Centered on the empowering theme “Prevention is Power,” the event used expressive storytelling to convey vital information regarding cervical cancer. It brought together people from all walks of life, fostering understanding, encouraging open dialogue, breaking the stigma around cervical cancer, and celebrating the strength and essence of womanhood.
The event featured a thought-provoking skit, dance and music performances, which used expressive storytelling to communicate vital information about cervical cancer. This engaging approach made complex medical concepts both accessible to and impactful for the audience.
“Her Hope” was attended by patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and the general public, providing a space for education, open communication, and personal connections. Leading gynaecologic oncologists, including Dr. Kalpana Kothari,
Dr. Viral Patel, and Dr. Nidhi Gupta, shared expert insights on prevention, treatment options, and advancements in cervical cancer care. A dynamic Q&A session allowed attendees to interact directly with the specialists and gain a deeper understanding of prevention methods, such as the importance of HPV vaccinations, regular Pap smears, and other screening tests for early detection of cancer.
Dr. Kalpana Kothari, Chief of the Gynaec Oncology Department at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, stressed the importance of proactive health measures, saying, “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a major health challenge. Through this initiative, we aim to educate and empower women by highlighting the life-saving importance of regular screenings and HPV vaccinations, which can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and help save countless lives. ‘Her Hope’ is a true reflection of our commitment to community outreach, using creative and emotional approaches to ensure our message resonates on a deeper level. She also emphasized on the conservative treatment options offered in cases diagnosed with PAP test as pre-cancer (pre-invasive) disease where uterus preserving procedures are done in young females.”
Dr. Soma Bose, Chief of Medical Administration,HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, also commended the initiative, adding”Early detection is key to improving survival rates, and we cannot underestimate the critical role it plays in reducing the impact of this disease. At HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, we are deeply committed to making a difference in women’s health through education and proactive measures by providing a Health Check-up screening package for females in view of importance of early detection of cancer. The urgency to combat cervical cancer globally is real, and initiatives like ‘Her Hope’ are essential in driving that change.”
A few key messages highlighted during the sessions included that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular screenings and HPV vaccination. Early detection can increase survival rates to over 90%. However, nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness campaigns like “Her Hope.” The event, which was free and open to the public, ensured that crucial health information and resources were accessible to those who needed them the most. “Her Hope” embodies HCG Aastha Cancer Centre’s commitment to women’s health by seamlessly blending creativity, education, and expert medical guidance.
Skydo Receives RBI Approval as PA-CB
Bengaluru, Jan 21
Skydo Technologies Private Limited, a leading cross-border payments company, has received in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. Skydo is among the first companies in the cross-border payments space to receive this authorization.
This further strengthens Skydo’s mission of making cross-border payments compliant, seamless and cost-effective for India’s exporters. Skydo started operations in 2022 and currently serves over 12,000 exporters in India, processing over USD 250 million in annual export payments.
“The RBI in-principle authorization is a testament to our compliance-first culture, secure systems and robust risk controls”, said Awadhesh Ranjan, Head of Risk & Compliance at Skydo.
Skydo’s customers are small and medium businesses selling a range of products and services to customers globally. Skydo partners with leading banks across the world and provides a comprehensive solution to manage their invoicing, payments and reconciliation. Key features include transparent pricing and fees with no markup on live mid-market forex rates, digital onboarding with instant KYC, dedicated customer support, fast settlements, and streamlined regulatory compliance with instant issuance of Foreign Inward Remittance Advice (FIRA).
“As an Indian fintech startup with global ambitions, we are thrilled to receive this approval. We plan to scale our payments volume by 10x over the next 18-24 months, expand to support import payments, and build out more trade corridors globally,” said Srivatsan Sridhar, Co-Founder and CEO of Skydo.
Looking ahead, Skydo plans to introduce several first-to-market offerings for India’s growing MSME export sector. “Starting with payments, we will extend our offerings to credit, tax compliance, treasury services and Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) reconciliation. Together, these products will be a comprehensive cross-border financial operating system for any exporter. By bringing cross-border payments into the Payment Aggregator framework, RBI has enabled companies like us to build superior technological products and power the international ambitions of Indian businesses,” said Movin Jain, Co-founder of Skydo.
The Bengaluru based fintech has also recently secured Payment Service Provider (PSP) approval from Amazon, enabling it to process payments for exporters participating in Amazon’s Global Selling program.
A Complete Guide to HMPV: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention
By, Dr Sangeeta V Budur, Consultant – Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensive care, Aster RV Hospital
HMPV virus is not a novel virus – It was first isolated in 2001 by Van den Hoogen and her colleagues in Netherlands in the nasopharyngeal secretions of children with respiratory tract infections. The virus was named human metapneumovirus because it was a metapneumovirus that used humans as a host. It is known to cause a range of illnesses from mild upper respiratory infections to severe pneumonia, bronchiolitis and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. About 5 to 25% of the acute pediatric lower respiratory tract infections are associated with HMPV. The viral outbreaks peak in winter and spring season in northern hemisphere and June and July in southern hemisphere. Just like any other respiratory illness HMPV spread via respiratory droplets ie coughing, sneezing or contact with infected secretions.
Vulnerable population
No age group is immune to the virus, reinfection occurs throughout the life but subsequent infections are mild. Infants, children under 2 years, elderly, Immuno compromised persons or those with underlying chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to the severe disease. The HMPV infection appears to be ubiquitous, as virtually all children are exposed by the age of 5 years.
Symptoms of HMPV virus
Most of the symptoms are mild flu like lasting 5- 7 days requiring outpatient visits. But in children under five, HMPV is responsible for 3-10% of hospital admissions. Among the hospitalized children high grade fever, respiratory distress, wheezing rare the predominant symptoms.
Respiratory illnesses caused by HMPV?
HMPV is mainly known to cause upper respiratory tract infection in most of the children but bronchiolitis, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome in few which require hospitalization, oxygen therapy including mechanical ventilation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing HMPV based solely on symptoms is difficult, as it mimics other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza. PCR testing on nasopharyngeal secretions for detecting HMPV RNA is the gold standard. In India, surveillance systems like ICMR and the Integrated disease surveillance Programme (IDSP) regularly test for respiratory viruses including HMPV.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral drug available. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive with antipyretics and antihistamines. Hospitalized children may need oxygen therapy, nebulization and rarely mechanical ventilation among the severely infected.
Preventive measures for HMPV?
As of now there is no targeted therapy/ vaccine available for HMPV. Proper Hand hygiene- washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Cough etiquette such as covering the nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, wearing a mask can limit the spread of the virus. Avoiding close contact with infected individuals, regularly disinfecting touched surfaces are additional measures.
How is it different from COVID -19?
Both viruses cause minor respiratory symptoms in most of the infected people, but COVID -19 has a broader spectrum of symptoms involving multiple body systems and a higher potential for systemic complications.
SOCIAL Unveils India’s First Co-Working Space
Hyderabad, January 2025: SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighborhood café announces the expansion of its co-working model – SOCIAL Works to 50+ locations in 10 cities. Introduced 10 years ago as the country’s first co-working space, SOCIAL Works was designed to cater to freelancers and professionals seeking an alternative to traditional offices. Now, with SOCIAL Works, SOCIAL is extending its reach to new neighborhoods and pincodes, offering dynamic workspaces where professionals can collaborate, create, and thrive in cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Kolkata.
Available from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, the SOCIAL Works seamlessly blends functionality with SOCIAL’s signature vibe. Designed to resonate with Millennials and Gen-Z, it creates an environment that fosters productivity, creativity, and community.
A Vision for Modern Workspaces
Over the years, SOCIAL Works has become a thriving hub where connections are forged, ideas take shape, and success stories continue to unfold. From freelancers to budding entrepreneurs, the space has nurtured ventures of all scales—from small startups to prominent companies like BOAT, IVM Podcasts, Food Talk India, Lazy 8, and many more which began their journey here. SOCIAL Works has also been a creative haven for artists and freelancers, offering them a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow. It has witnessed connections and partnerships flourish in the most unexpected ways in the Works section, making it more than just a workspace—it’s a place where ideas come to life, and creativity thrives. Today, it remains the go-to spot for professionals seeking a dynamic and inspiring environment, fostering meaningful partnerships and providing the perfect blend of productivity and creativity.
As the workday winds down, SOCIAL Works seamlessly transitions into a buzzing social hub. Whether you’re wrapping up a brainstorming session or unwinding with colleagues, the space adapts to your needs. It allows you to work comfortably in an environment that feels authentic to you, while also offering opportunities to meet new people and collaborate.
A Space That Adapts To You
- Flexible pricing options: INR 300 per day, INR 1200 per week, and INR 4500 per month—fully redeemable on SOCIAL’s delectable food and drinks. The cover can also be clubbed with other ongoing offers at the outlet, ensuring every workday comes with a side of culinary delight.
- Workspace pass includes free Wi-Fi, a confirmed seat in the workspace area, and access to SOCIAL’s vibrant atmosphere.
- Monthly members enjoy exclusive access to up to 4 SOCIAL events, such as workshops, conferences, networking meetups, live music, and DJ nights.
- Earn loyalty points through The SOCIAL Club, unlocking exciting offers, topical events, and freebies.
- Discover exciting new food and beverage offerings, featuring special limited-time menus, unforgettable experiences such as meeting your favorite artist, winning exclusive branded merchandise, or indulging in drinks at unbeatable prices!
Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer of Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, shared her vision for the SOCIAL Works. “When we launched SOCIAL Works, our goal was to create a workspace that broke away from the rigidity of traditional offices. Over the years, it’s been incredible to see how this concept has supported startups, freelancers, and professionals in building their dreams. We’re creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring, blending work and leisure seamlessly as per different requirements. It’s about evolving with the needs of today’s workforce and continuing to offer a place where ideas can thrive, and connections can flourish.
Keeping in mind the future of co-working, SOCIAL Works is designed to cater to diverse work styles, whether you’re working solo, brainstorming with a team, or catching up with colleagues. The experience is a testament to SOCIAL’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, blending work and play in a way that’s uniquely their own.